By Laurie Snyder, editor of MSN A-list

No, we’re not talking Britney, George or Julia. Or at least, not only about them.

A-list is a page on MSN that looks at the people and topics that are hot, or on verge of becoming so, in Web search. Our staff of writers culls through search data to see what particular keywords people like you are entering into search engines, such as Live.com, Google and Yahoo. (Yes, we care what you search for on our competitors’ sites, too.) Then we write a pithy and irreverent take on the search trends we spot, plus a roundup of related topics that may not be as popular, but, we think, still deserve a call out.

A few recent A-list topics: “Backlash buzz” looked at grumblings about Stephen Colbert’s short-lived run for president, and Jerry Seinfeld’s relentless promotion of “Bee Movie” and the negative fallout that seems to follow his wife, Jessica. “Infamous ... again” examined previous search stars who’ve popped up again, such as the “Preppy killer” Robert Chambers and “Long Island Lolita” Amy Fisher.

But A-list is not just about famous faces who’ve fallen; we cover a broad range of topics. For example, we look at popular recipes, like for the perfect Manhattan; exercise routines to help flatten abs and slim thighs; even such ethereal topics as what our dreams mean. If it’s searched for, it’s fair game for A-list.

You can read a selection of recent A-lists on our blog, The A-list Files. The blog also houses a collection of quizzes on news-related topics, with links to search pages that provide hints (or the answers). We all know that one of the pleasures of Web search is to ask a question and get it answered as fast as you can hit “enter.”

Although what’s happening in search is the primary focus of A-list, the page has another mission. We offer a deep set of links to destinations around the MSN network. We highlight the most popular articles on MSN, MSN Health & Fitness,  FOX Sports, etc. We showcase the most-watched videos on MSN, and also dish up a list of top-grossing movies, top DVD rentals and popular products on our shopping site.

You can get to the A-list page from the MSN homepage in two ways. Click “Popular searches” at the top of page, under the Web search box. Or, scroll down the homepage to the “A-list Searches” box where you’ll see a tease to today’s hot topic on A-list, a link to that day’s quiz, and a list of other searched-for people and topics. A recent sampling of popular terms: “Britney’s mug shot” “Michelle Obama” and “Jessica Seinfeld.”

Your feedback so far has run the gamut — from “love the page” to “can’t stand it.” Some readers have bristled at the fact that A-list links to search results, not an actual article. We’ve addressed that by trying to call out more clearly that A-list is about what’s popular in Web searches. And, when needed, we do link directly to an article for additional background. Other readers have said they like our quick and breezy take on things, even if they don’t agree with our point of view.

So take a look at A-list and send us your suggestions, feedback and even flames.

Happy searching, folks.