Google Launches Knol for the Public to Share What They Know

Has the Competition for Web Content Begun?

On Wednesday, July 23, 2008, Google announced the release of the website Knol to the public. This website, which is based on the idea that people can share what they know and collaborate with one another in the process, has the potential to either hurt or help those websites that are already allowing Internet users to produce and share web content.

Google announced plans for Knol in 2007, but the website is now available worldwide. Many are touting Knol as a rival of Wikipedia and Associated Content, since the website is geared at allowing the public to share what they know. Google says that this isn't the case, saying that the option for people to choose whether or not their are ads on their work, earn money from adsense, collaborate with other writers, and offer feedback on the work of other writers is a unique entity.

In fact, it seems to this author of web content that Google is simply hoping to get their fair share of the web content pie. Websites such as Associated Content are filling the Internet with writers sharing what they know, and earning money for it. With upfront payments for work, they are already offering aspiring web writers more than Knol will. Why would anyone choose to write for Knol instead?

It appears that Google doesn't want to miss the gravy train that is web content, and hopes that their name recognition will help them overtake the competition. While they assert that knols will become resources for websites such as Wikipedia, the fact is that it's all about which item will come up first in a search engine. Of course, Wikipedia users might reference knol articles. So might Associated Content users. But most internet users search via search engines, not Associated Content or Wikipedia. Will Google search through the entire Internet store of web content first, or their own knols? Google hasn't said.

No matter what Google says, Knol is aimed at becoming a web content powerhouse. Ultimately, the winner will be authors who keyword well, use search engine optimization, and include ad alignment. Who will they write for? Only time will tell.

As for internet searchers? Web content abounds.