24 September 2009 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter
The Google Toolbar has been expanded to introduce Sidewiki - a feature that allows users to leave public comments on a web page that are visible to other users.
The Telegraph reports that Sidewiki is free to download, and employs an algorithm that automatically arranges comments in order of "quality," while choosing not to publish comments deemed unhelpful or irrelevant. Google explains:
"In developing Sidewiki, we wanted to make sure that you'll see the most relevant entries first. We worked hard from the beginning to figure out which ones should appear on top and how to best order them. So instead of displaying the most recent entries first, we rank Sidewiki entries using an algorithm that promotes the most useful, high-quality entries. It takes into account feedback from you and other users, previous entries made by the same author and many other signals we developed."
Once downloaded and installed, the enhanced Toolbar feature will appear as a sidebar in browsers, allowing internet users to read other peoples' comments and leave comments of their own on web pages. The feature is intended to allow users "to contribute helpful information next to any webpage," improving the user experience, but some such as the Telegraph's Andrew Keen view Sidewiki as "a brazen attempt to own the Internet."
As a separate sidebar, Sidwiki comments will not directly interfere with web pages that already include public comment features, such as online news stories, but rather offer an alternative arena for discussion among users. Google has previously introduced a feature allowing users to comment on Google News stories, but now the Mountain View king is setting its sights on the entire internet.
In aiming to leave "high-quality" entries that impress Google's choosy algorithm, users may wish to use sophisticated language and ensure that they maintain a reputable Google Profile.
Sidewiki allows Google users to share comments on any web page
The Google Toolbar has been expanded to introduce Sidewiki - a feature that allows users to leave public comments on a web page that are visible to other users.The Telegraph reports that Sidewiki is free to download, and employs an algorithm that automatically arranges comments in order of "quality," while choosing not to publish comments deemed unhelpful or irrelevant. Google explains:
"In developing Sidewiki, we wanted to make sure that you'll see the most relevant entries first. We worked hard from the beginning to figure out which ones should appear on top and how to best order them. So instead of displaying the most recent entries first, we rank Sidewiki entries using an algorithm that promotes the most useful, high-quality entries. It takes into account feedback from you and other users, previous entries made by the same author and many other signals we developed."
Once downloaded and installed, the enhanced Toolbar feature will appear as a sidebar in browsers, allowing internet users to read other peoples' comments and leave comments of their own on web pages. The feature is intended to allow users "to contribute helpful information next to any webpage," improving the user experience, but some such as the Telegraph's Andrew Keen view Sidewiki as "a brazen attempt to own the Internet."
As a separate sidebar, Sidwiki comments will not directly interfere with web pages that already include public comment features, such as online news stories, but rather offer an alternative arena for discussion among users. Google has previously introduced a feature allowing users to comment on Google News stories, but now the Mountain View king is setting its sights on the entire internet.
In aiming to leave "high-quality" entries that impress Google's choosy algorithm, users may wish to use sophisticated language and ensure that they maintain a reputable Google Profile.
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