Google Launches Knol, the Wikipedia Alternative
Techtree News Staff, Jul 24, 2008 0857 hrs IST
Google has launched Knol, an alternative to Wikipedia with both check and reward mechanisms
Google has launched Knol (from: knowledge), the Wikipedia alternative that both polices and rewards contributers. The reward mechanism is due to integration of AdSense into the articles, with a revenue share between the authors of a particular topic.
A group of authors are allowed to create an article, or a Knol, this group then moderates the article by acting as gatekeeper to any changes made by other users outside the creator group. This imparts a sense of ownership to the author group. More than one knol can be created on a subject. Each knol can be rated by a group of users; rating which would perhaps be leveraged to search and sift through the numerous knols sure to be created on a topic.
On the surface, this seems like a good system: on the one hand you have accountability, and on the other, incentive attached to that accountability. A good article would be a popular article, and a popular article would be more likely to get AD revenue. The circle is of a positive feedback. It would be an interesting social experiment to see which one of the two: Wikipedia -- which encourages social contribution to further group knowledge, or Knol -- which throws in a dash of capitalism to the mix; will be embraced by the larger community. Of course, there is no reason why both could not co-exist, perhaps Google could link out to related Wikipedia articles and vice-versa.
As an aside: as of the time of writing this -- there doesn't seem to be a Knol for Wikipedia, whereas there is a Wikipedia entry for Knol. Yes, we know, early days for Knol but still worth a chuckle.
USER COMMENTS
Thats the best thing about google... :-) ... They never stop doing something extra... :-) ... Lets see how this thing turns out... :-)
by logic11235, Bangalore, on Jul 24, 2008 10:49 PM, Report abuse Reply
As usual Google reverts back with its innovative product.... :) Anyway a nice move.
by Sorabh, Mohali, on Jul 24, 2008 03:00 PM, Report abuse Reply
by neo, pune, on Jul 24, 2008 02:05 PM, Report abuse Reply
VIEW ALL LATEST
Watch 3D Images on Your Mobile Phone
News > Gadgets , October 06, 2008 1729 hrs IST
Slyly placed LCD screen will create the magic ...
Apple Brick is No Gadget
News > Gadgets , October 06, 2008 1708 hrs IST
Mac-maker isn't introducing a new gadget by that name ...
VoodooPC Survives; But HP 'Integration' Imminent
News > Gadgets , October 06, 2008 1653 hrs IST
VoodooPC founder rubbishes rumors ...
Fring Comes to iPhone With Skype Support
News > Telecom , October 06, 2008 1610 hrs IST
Free VoIP application for iPhone / iPod Touch users ...
MOST REQUESTED REVIEWS
MOST POPULAR NEWS
|
Could A DVR Save Your Marriage?News | Consumer Electronics | 04 Sep 2008 ...Or should you stick to your shrink? |
|
Firefox Counters Chrome's Speed TestAccording to Mozilla's SunSpider test, Firefox 3.1 is 28% faster than Chrome on ... |
|
Nokia N96 for Rs. 40,000?False alarm everyone... We have learnt from Nokia that the N96 will be priced be... |
MOST POPULAR REVIEWS
MOST POPULAR GAMES
MOST POPULAR DOWNLOADS
|
Forbidden.exe |
|
md5deepDownloads | System Tools | 04 Sep 2008 |
|
RivaTunerDownloads | System Tools | 03 Sep 2008 |
totally waste, wiki is a well established open source establishment. google is just crawling into unknown quarters with its brand name
by Naveen M, Chennai, on Jul 29, 2008 05:48 PM, Report abuse Reply