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by chris_f 1902 days ago
Thank you for all the kind words! I'm the creator of Runnaroo.

Runnaroo started as just a fun experiment, but it quickly became apparent that you could launch a meta-search engine better than just about everything out there (including DDG [0]), and I was frankly surprised how quickly it was embraced by such a large number of people (it's Show:HN reached the #2 spot [1]).

The challenge then became how to fund the cost of the site in an ethical way in line with the site's core principles. I started looking at different solutions [2], including becoming the first search engine to implement Web Monetization, but I never really even came close.

I believe Runnaroo will live on in some iteration, I just have to figure out what that would be.

Also, if you used Runnaroo and liked it, please don't hesitate to reach out (anything AT runnaroo.com). It has been a solo project, but I'm sure the future will involve more collaboration.

I would also be interested in sharing the story of how Runnaroo evolved over the last year, and the different experiences of launching a search engine if anyone is interested or has a platform for those conversations.

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[0] Don't take my word for it - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24248666

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23771131

[2] https://coil.com/p/runnaroo/Privacy-and-Search-Engine-Moneti...

1 comments

You've managed to bring better results than the leading private search engine, with a 1-person operation.

You're a giant. Sad to see Runnaroo dim the lights, but appreciate the experience had with it over the past year!