SearchWiki on Google
Google seems to recently have added a new feature called SearchWiki, that allows users to re-order the search results for their own future reference. This reordering however will remain only for the same logged in user and not influence the search results of other users.
Now, what prompted Google to bring out such a feature? The answer lies at this url.
Yes, Wikia is the same organization behind the much popular Wikipedia (which is increasingly becoming more reliable, rather handy, than Google search itself). Wikia had promised an open source search engine sometime back and this service was launched quietly.
Wikia search as such is quite a pain as of now with respect to results and it looks like it wants more feed today than what it can milk. But, Google as always is in an advantageous position, because even competition contributes to its revenues. Did you wonder why wikia shows Ads by Google?
I really was surprised I didn’t hear more about SearchWiki. I just sort of did a Google search a few days ago and stumbled upon it. I’m enjoying it so far though!
And yes, I love the drag-and-drop Gmail feature too.
theriperadish
November 24, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I just dropped in to note that Wikia and Wikipedia are two very seperate organizations. Wikia is a for-profit company. They do share the same software, in MediaWiki, and Jimbo did co-found Wikia, but that’s as far as the relationship goes.
Glad to see someone pointing out the Wikia Search angle to Google’s SearchWiki, though. The press seems to be ignoring it entirely.
Phil Nelson
November 25, 2008 at 12:16 am
Thanks Phil for pointing that out!
Actually, I confused Wikimedia with wikia.
on.ali
November 25, 2008 at 10:43 am