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Google Unveils Wikipedia Rival

Posted Jul 24, 08 4:30 AM CDT in Technology,  Business 

(Newser) – Could Wikipedia's assassin be lurking behind a Knol? Google opened up its online encyclopedia with articles—or "units of knowledge" Google calls "Knols"—to the public today, featuring major differences from its well-established rival. The  pieces are written by experts and their names are highlighted, in marked contrast to the anonymous writers of Wikipedia, CNET reports. Google writers, if they choose to, will get a cut of advertising revenue.

Knol authors can close their articles to modifications by internet users, pick which changes they want to keep, or leave them wide open. The move into generating content is a new step for Google. "The ultimate goal is we want to improve search," said the head of the project.

Source CNET

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In this May 30, 2008 file photo, a Google sign inside Google headquarters is seen in Mountain View, Calif., in this May 30, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
Wikipedia's Knol page. Google's Knol project aims to provide a collaborative reference source written by experts.   ((c) dannysullivan)
Google's Knol project will feature "moderated editing," which the company hopes will do away with the inaccuracies that plague Wikipedia.   ((c) j.delanoy)
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