The meaning of life and Gov 2.0

11/12/09 posted by Liz Niland

After bringing you this year’s top ten Australian Google searches, we now present the top ten questions plugged into Ask.com during 2009 (via Bill Hartzer) by hundreds of millions of curious searchers. 


1. How much should I weigh?
2. How do I get out of debt fast?
3. How do I get pregnant?
4. What is Twitter?
5. What is Miley Cyrus’ phone number?
6. What is the meaning of life?
7. When will the world end?
8. How long does marijuana stay in your system?
9. What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?
10. What time is it?

While Australians apparently spend a good bit of time searching for Google using Google, these questions provide an interesting look into the average Ask.com user: or cross-section of users as the case, hopefully, may be. 



Finally launching itself into the world of tweets and blogs, the Australian Government are considering allowing their army of public servants to take on social networking - in work hours. Shunned by some workplaces for fear of lost productivity and leaked company details, the notoriously slave driving federal government are actually encouraging their staff to dive into Facebook, Wikipedia and YouTube. 



According to a Government-commissioned draft report by a group named "Government 2.0 Taskforce", engaging bureacrats in “robust professional discussion benefits their agencies, their professional development, and the Australian public.” It’s still yet to be seen if all departments will take up the call, with many offices currently banning access to most social networking sites. Even if access is allowed, there will no doubt be strict restrictions and regulations put in place.