Google Being Evil: Knol and Beyond

The Buzz

Google
Source: Wikimedia Commons

There’s been quite a bit of discussion on the blogosphere about Google’s recently launched service, Knol.

Basically, Knol is meant to be a Wikipedia-like site where users post articles. The difference is that these articles feature authors (who have a persistent identity on the site) prominently—thus encouraging authorities on various subjects to write about them.

However, the current complaints about Knol have primarily been some variation of these two:

  1. Knol is a Wikipedia killer, and is meant to start knocking wiki results off of Google top searches.
  2. Google is attempting to self-promote and is placing its own Knol content above other, longer-standing, and more authoritative content in searches.

I have little doubt, personally, that the first point is true. (more…)

Posted on August 8th, 2008
Filed under: Science & Tech by James Wang

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Fearmongering and Cell Phones

When We Can’t Trust our Experts

Cell Phone
Source: Steve Keys

CNN recently posted an article about the head of a prominent cancer research institute issuing a warning to his faculty and staff to limit cell phone use because of potential cancer risk.

So? Does this mean that we should start limiting our cell phone use as this expert who should know best says? One of the problems in American society is that we don’t trust our experts enough. Even though we have among the best engineers, scientists, and thinkers in the world, Americans tend to give equal credence to both real experts (PhDs, researchers in the field) and individuals who simply appear with the real experts on “panel discussions” on T.V. (who range from religious fanatics to average joes who simply declared themselves experts).

However, this ridiculous fearmongering makes it almost understandable to me why Americans have this chronic mistrust of people with fancy titles and degrees. Although no other cancer institute or respectable doctor has declared anything of the sort, Dr. Ronald B. Herberman and his compatriot, Dr. Devra Lee Davis has taken it upon themselves to inform the public about the dangers of cell phones. (more…)

Posted on July 28th, 2008
Filed under: Science & Tech, Society by James Wang

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