“Over time we’ve improved search by deepening our understanding of queries and web pages.” And, will continue to “apply our understanding of the web to make search better.” – Google.
Google suggest that the World Wide Web consists of much more than words. It contains relevant information about real world people, objects, places and “things”. Google believes that by understanding the relationships between real people and real events in the world, it will help them consistently deliver more relevant information. Hmm…sounds like a lot of emphasis on “real world”. It reminds me of an earlier discussion we had, on What You Can Expect From Google Me:
“The impression given, is that Google is working diligently on something that could mirror Facebook; but more closely model our real-life interactions. With this in mind, Google likely plans to include some of the (important) missing elements; that would allow our online lives to better emulate our real-world experiences.”
With the amount of varying information that continues to grow on the Web, it has become increasingly important for website owners to consistently locate and present; the most dependable content for their Internet audience. By showcasing the most reliable, rich and relevant information, website owners steadily promote user loyalty; and encourage return visits.
Enter MetaWeb.
Metaweb describes itself as a “content integration network, which enables site owners, publishers and developers to easily and intelligently add content from across the Web.” Google has indicated that they are “excited about the possibilities“, and hopes that further contributions to the development of Freebase; will provide a more rich Web experience for everyone. No kidding! The Metaweb (free and open) database contains valuable information about (more than) 11 million “things”. These “things” include movies, books, TV shows, celebrities, locations, companies and much, much more. Wow! Talk about a treasure trove of real-world information, and a possible rival to the data currently collected and stored; by (search, advertising and social networking rival?) Facebook; whose 400 million users, share (approximately) 25 billion pieces of “real world” content, including web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.; each month.
Stop and consider this… Does Metaweb contribute the important missing elements, that Google (Me) needs to “allow our online lives to better emulate our real-world experiences“; and equalize the advancements that Facebook has made in search, advertising and social networking? If so, it will be because the Metaweb bounty, helps Google better understand the relevancy of facts, relating to real people and real events; in the “real world”.
