Dayam. Are these beta testers chosen at random, or specifcially chosen? Maybe we have some beta testers on this forum.
Yes, but given that Google doesn't do anything half-assed, we can assume that their info directory will be one of the world's leading info directories. Even if they don't give their own site any special favours in the SERPs, they will still link to it, market it, send out press releases about it, etc. If Google is behind the site, with all their marketing- and buzz power, then the site will most likely be successful. This means that instead of just Wikipedia, there will soon be two major info directories blocking the top positions of practically every search phrase.
Ya, but is that a bad thing or a good thing? We'll have to compete with both of those information sites - and if your SEO is better than them - generating backlinks and such, then you'll be able to come on top. Notice how wikipedia doesn't rank for the major keywords like games, pets, etc?
I believe that it's a bad thing from the viewpoint of most webmasters. The competition just got tougher. It's true that real authority sites, like imdb for example, can beat even Wikipedia within their niche. However, the average webmaster doesn't own a site with that kind of authority power. Google often says that buying links is bad because it just helps the guys with the deepest pockets to rank at the top. However, when a giant like Google with their PR10, huge marketing budget, press contacts, already established brand, etc, launches a service like this, they aren't exactly doing "the little guy" any favours either. I still think that a good SEOer can beat Knol in the SERPs, but my point is that things aren't exactly getting any easier...
1: You're right, but it all depends on the articles - if the Knol has authors that write about keywords in your niche, then you're screwed. 2: Yes, but anyone can get press releases if you know what you're doing. Google is smart - and if they're going to become an even bigger power house, then the Knol will become a hit - and surpass Wikipedia, perhaps, if it generates more backlinks than them. 3: You're right - it's going to get a lot harder for everyone, but its up to us to step up and show everyone who's boss.
I certainly think this will be an interesting development - I am just waiting to see how I can become involved and write a few articles.
am sure 90% of DP webmasters are now making a plan to SPAM this pedia. lol. I hope the stupid MFA's never make it there. /kidding/
I just did more research and it seems we can also add google adsense to the pages. So its revenue sharing as well.