Google launches User Created Custom Search Engines

[mandy]

Harness the power of Google search to create a free Custom Search Engine that reflects your knowledge and interests. Specify the websites that you want searched - and integrate the search box and results into your own website.

Build and customize your own search engine

    * Specify the sites you want to include in searches.
    * Place a search box and search results on your website.
    * Customize the look and feel to match your website.
    * Invite your community to contribute to the search engine.
    * Make money from relevant ads in your search results.

the custom search engine home page: http://www.google.com/coop/cse/

from the FAQ:

1. What is a Custom Search Engine?

A Custom Search Engine is a tailored search experience, built using Google's core search technology, which prioritizes or restricts search results based on websites and pages that you specify, and which can be tailored to reflect your point of view or area of expertise.
2. How does the Custom Search Engine work?

Simply submit websites or pages you'd like to include in your search engine index. You can choose either to restrict your search results to include only these pages and sites, or simply to give these pages and sites higher priority and ranking in the larger Google index. Once you've defined your search engine index, Google will give you a simple piece of code for a search box to place on your site or blog. You'll then have the option to choose various customization options to make the look and feel and functionality of your search engine your own.
3. What can I do with my Custom Search Engine? What customization options are available?

With a Custom Search Engine you can:

    * Apply your website's look and feel to the search results page.
    * Make money from your Custom Search Engine by participating in Google's AdSense program.
    * Provide search refinements within results pages to make it easier for searchers to find the information they're looking for.
    * Incrementally add sites to your search engine's index as you surf the web.
    * Invite friends and trusted users to co-edit and contribute to your search engine.

FAQ: http://www.google.com/coop/docs/cse/faq.html

managing a custom search engine: http://www.google.com/coop/docs/cse/setup.html