We analyzed transaction logs containing 51,473 queries posed by 18,113 users of Excite, a major
Internet search service. We provide data on: (i) sessions - changes in queries during a session, number of pages
viewed, and use of relevance feedback, (ii) queries - the number of search terms, and the use of logic and
modifiers, and (iii) terms - their rank/frequency distribution and the most highly used search terms. We then shift
the focus of analysis from the query to the user to gain insight to the characteristic of the Web user. With these
characteristics as a basis, we then conducted a failure analysis, identifying trends among user mistakes. We
conclude with a summary of findings and a discussion of the implications of these finding.