SearchWiki Explained (Part 1)

This month Google launched their long discussed SearchWiki function which allows Google users who have logged into the system to decide which search results they get and in what order. Users are able to move results up or down the rankings, add new listings, delete them, and comment on the relevancy, quality, etc., of the sites.

As soon as you log in you log in you start to see up arrows, close crosses, and speech bubbles very subtly dotted around the listings. Once you click on one of these icons a Google notice pops up and you’re made aware that you’re modifying your search results. It also offers you the opportunity to see how other people have tailored searches. Once you’ve read and understood that message you’re free to play with SearchWiki.

Clicking the up arrow moves a result to the very top of the search results. Once you’ve clicked it, it will turn green to remind you that this is a customised position not an organic one. A down arrow will also appear so that you can return the result to where it came from if, for instance, it turns out not to be as relevant as you thought.

Weirdly, there’s no function to move a result up just one space, with SearchWiki it would appear to be all or nothing. This goes slightly against Google’s assertion that the feature offers customisability of the search results. Useful as it may be, it’s really little more than a way to highlight specific search results as good or relevant.

(Continued Tomorrow)

Related posts:

1. SearchWiki Explained (Part 2)
2. Off Switch for SearchWiki
3. Can I use SearchWiki to my advantage?
4. Concerns over the SearchWiki Comment Function
5. Google tweaks their Results Page
6. Caffeine Explained: Universal Search Changes