Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result?

Posted by eimrine on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @05:44AM
from the ask-hn dept.

I am not sure how long is this malfeature with us, but I have noticed the following sequence:

1. Search anything on google (I use FF on PC).

2. Make sure the status line shows a direct link if to hover the needed result with the cursor.

3. Make a right click to call the menu which allows to copy the link.

4. Observe that the link has changed from result.com/result.html to google.com/url?key=value&...

What is the most proper way to overcome this enshittification? I have found that clicking the kebab menu near the needed ling may result into receiving the link but this method requires me to deposit some brain area to google's temporary quirk. So I would like to have more advanced methods like a browser extension for auto-copying the correct link from the status line buffer or some on-demand DOM freeser because actually google is not the only webpage who uses to do this kind of messing with my copied content.

( 10 comments | 3 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by theGeatZhopa on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @06:59AM (#41298802)

This is since the beginning of Google and is needed for at least one of the basic measurement parameters of the page rank algorithm. I would lean out of the window and say without this Google would not be possible. If course it's possible to not alter the link, but then it's impossible to get the click information and count the views of the linked site.

I just open it in new tab and copy the link there.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by eimrine on Wednesday August 21, 2024 @08:24AM (#41309579)

even opening the kebab menu signals Google about my interest, opening the page via their tracking link is far from proper way.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by theGeatZhopa on Friday August 23, 2024 @04:06AM (#41327077)

.. as a shareholder company that is mostly (<- I suppose) decision-by-data driven, I would be keen to accumulate as much data as possible. Also, I would need to measure the usage of my products. Because I need to minimize my costs, while maximizing my income. The first is easy: throw everything out that is not really needed and optimize the processes, as off, hard- and software and other shapes. The second one is difficult, because it costs you money before you even get return. And even if you find the buyers and money spenders and so hypothetically can reach the maximum return, you still have to pay for it - actively minimizing the return.

So.. get all the data you can. What it can be used for, can be seen afterwards. Also, getting signals and time stamps allows one to see the interaction of users with your product. So it can be optimized. I don't see a big Problem with that :) so I think it's a proper way for me as Google. What users think is not my problem. Use it or leave it. From me "google" you get good and optimized products for usage. May be not the best, but still good.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by dchest on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @06:12AM (#41298558)

This happens for me only in Safari. Chrome, Brave, Firefox — all copy the actual link.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by keiferski on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @06:12AM (#41298554)

If you click on the three dots to the right of the link, then click Share, the link is the correct one.

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Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by chx on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @05:45AM (#41298436)

The best way is to use Kagi.

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Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by plimko on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @07:23AM (#41298947)

That's maybe second best.

The best way is to not use Google search.

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Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by solardev on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @08:46AM (#41299572)

There are extensions like https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/dont-track-me... that will strip the tracking stuff for you and leave you the real URL.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by yamrzou on Tuesday August 20, 2024 @09:29AM (#41299885)

I use: https://wheregoes.com/

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Re:Ask HN: How to get a direct link from Google search result? by TUVIMEN on Wednesday August 21, 2024 @04:45PM (#41314055)

I recommend https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/clearurls/ for that, it also works for other sites.

[ Parent | on HN ]