Maybe it is my ad blocker that is filtering this kind of stuff for me. Or maybe the things I look up most often are specific enough that there isn’t much bullshit or clickbaity stuff to show. Sure, I’ll see the occasional “Sponsored” link. I think my brain just auto-filters those and I don’t even take notice. I really don’t intend to sound like a Google fanboy - I’m not. I just don’t seem to experience this, but hear people say this a lot. The attached screenshot seems like a typical result for something I’d look up, and it’s exactly what I’m looking for. In any case, thanks for your perspective. I’m going to try to be more conscious to see if I’m just fooling myself.

As a programmer and system admin, I’ve been using Google since its inception, too. I can’t think of an instance that I’ve failed to find whatever I’m looking for in recent times. People say what you’re saying a lot, so I don’t doubt you. It just makes me wonder what it is you guys are searching for because I search for some extremely obscure stuff quite often with no issues. This is all to say, I have a fair share of qualms with Google, but the search engine itself isn’t one of them.

There’s really not much to it. I don’t understand why you’re so dumbfounded such a thing is possible. People steal or buy up formula. Those who steal it make a profit no matter what price they sell it at. Those who live in an area where it sells out have the ability to mark it up big time. Paying 10 extra bucks is better than driving hours away with the hope they have it in stock there. People will sell it on offerup, craigslist, facebook, etc. Search for “formula” offerup if you’re in the US and you’ll likely see it. This was especially a problem during Covid and we saw the same scheme extend to many other products. In 2022, there was a massive shortage for the better part of a year. Any that came around got bought up immediately - by some that were lucky enough to get it at the right time and the rest by scalpers. This is not a new thing and I find it surprising that you’re so surprised. I often see them locked up and purchase limits at the store because of this.

Holy naivete, my sweet summer child. This has nothing to do with conservatives. This is a well-known scheme that is problematic in many areas.