Greg Sterling is skeptical about Jimmy Wales’ new search engine. For some reason, I’ve been underwhelmed by Jimmy’s announcement. I think Greg nails some of the reasons why the whole thing is uninspiring.
Also, I’m not one of those who says “search is broken.” I think search could be better. I’m quoted anonymously in some NAA report from a year ago that I’m too lazy to go find right now** saying that “search is only about 10 percent (or was it 20?) good as it will be.” I think search will get better, much better, and maybe a company other than Google (or Yahoo! or Microsoft) will make it better. Right now, however, search is good enough, and as long as it’s good enough, it’s going to be hard to get people to switch.
** OK, I can get you this far, the summary page. You need to be a NAA Digital Media Federation member to get the rest.
I agree with you, Howard, that Wikiasari sounds underwhelming. Here are two posts on why:
Open Source Developers
Wales Project
NOTE: Edited by the editor so URLs don’t spill out of comment box.
Good posts. I think you’re points about open source are particularly valid.
My other thought is — the next great search engine (if there is such a better mouse trap) will be announced after it’s pretty much developed. A smart developer tries to avoid getting tagged with the vaporware image, so build first, announce later.