How to surf the web

The internet is huge but the average person only sees a tiny fraction of it.

There is a huge problem with content discovery on the internet today. Between how backed up the search engines are with ‘SEO Optimized Content’ and social media platforms luring us into algorithmic echo-chambers, how are we supposed to actually stoke our digital wanderlust?

These are lists of links, usually curated by a single person or group. They can be a great place to find new and unique websites.

Random Site Generators

Remember StumbleUpon? It was the digital equivalent of channel surfing for the web - a delightful blend of discovery, randomness, and serendipity. While nothing today replicates its full charm, a few modern tools carry its exploratory spirit.

Search Engines

Google is a filter bubble stuffed with the same sanitized top-10 results. If you’re craving the weird, the old, or the personal corners of the web, these alternative search engines offer a more eclectic experience.

  • Marginalia.nu
    • A search engine for exploring the web.
  • GifCities
    • A search engine for Geocities-era gifs
  • SearchMySite
    • An open source search engine for personal and independent websites
  • Oldavista
    • A search engine for old websites hosted in services like Geocities, Angelfire, AOL, Tripod, etc.
  • VHSearch
    • Neocities search engine
  • Teclis
    • a non-commercial web search engine
  • Wiby.me
    • search engine for the classic web
  • BoardReader
    • search engine for message boards & forums