Can Google take on Wikipedia with Knol?
Google has launched a beta version of Knol (a unit of knowledge), a potential Wikipedia rival.
Google claims a Knol is an authoritative article about a specific topic. Anyone can share their knowledge by writing a Knol. In some ways, a Knol is like a blog post, but one that disseminates knowledge about a particular topic. A Knol author may choose to let anyone edit his/her Knol or prevent it from being edited. By default, moderated collaboration is enabled, which means someone can edit the article only if it gets the approval of the author. Like blogs, anyone can comment on Knols. And like blogs, a Knol may not always present neutral views on controversial topics. This is not that big a disadvantage because there are bound to be different Knols on the same topic written by different persons. Knol authors can also collaborate with others if they wish. Authors can also make money by choosing to include advertisements by Google AdSense. At the moment, Knols can be written only in languages that use the Roman script, but other languages will be included in the future.
Wikipedia works in a different manner. Anyone can create/edit a Wikipedia article but it would be reviewed so that false, irrelevant and unnecessary information does not get published. For articles on controversial topics, the neutrality can be disputed and it would be mentioned at the top of the article. Wikipedia articles exist in almost all languages of the world.
So, will Knol be able to challenge Wikipedia as the most used online encyclopædia? Whether it does or not, Knol is a welcome addition to the world wide web. We live in an age where instant access to knowledge is of paramount importance and more sources of knowledge would be heartily welcomed by netizens. Wikipedia would be my first choice. Which one would you prefer?
i doubt if it can catch up with wiki…i mean if i want something all i do is ask my elder bro wiki
vishesh
July 25, 2008
That is true, Vishesh. Knol may not find it easy to catch up with Wikipedia. Thanks for inaugurating my new blogs
Scietech
July 26, 2008
wiki has the answer to almost everything! and Knol is just a baby! Knol will need a lot of time to catch up, in case it catches up!
Sakhi
July 26, 2008
I don’t think Knol will serve the same function as Wikipedia. Wikipedia is aiming to be a good encyclopedia. Knol is aiming to include opinion and discussion. I think they will overlap some, but provide different uses.
Madame Monet
Writing, Painting, Music, and Wine
winewriter.wordpress.com
wpm1955
July 27, 2008
Thanks, Sakhi. You are correct, Wikipedia is such a useful site!
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That is true, Mme. Monet. I think Google wants Knol to be different from Wikipedia. Thanks so much for sending me the link to the site of the Discover magazine. All their articles are very good and extremely useful.
Scietech
August 1, 2008
Interesting to know about Google Knol. I have not come across this before. Thanks for the info and will check it out soon.
Destination Infinity
Destination Infinity
September 17, 2008
Thanks, Destination Infinity! Knol is a very interesting idea but we will have to wait and observe its evolution.
Scietech
September 18, 2008
Wiki. Be shuk.
swaps
September 26, 2008
Wiki seems to be unbeatable, Swaps
Scietech
October 29, 2008
I found wiki better for a common user than knol…mainly coz everything is clear – navigation , where 2 get what, links etc
Sahaja
October 31, 2008
You’re correct, Sahaja. Wiki wins on the ease-of-use factor as well
Scietech
November 3, 2008