Google Knol: Another Uncitable Source

By Samantha Beerman (OTR Editor)
Tags: usergenerated, online encyclopedia, Googlepedia, Wikipedia, Knol, Google

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Created: 07/24/2008
09:59 AM

Watch out Wikipedia, there’s a new online information source in town. Google’s website, Knol, became available to the public yesterday, with featured articles including “How to Backpack,” “Lung Cancer” and “Toilet Clogs.”
 

Much like the master of the user-generated encyclopedia, Knol allows people to share their knowledge with the world. However, unlike Wikipedia which is anonymous, Knol uses bylines to supposedly increase credibility, and multiple articles can be written about the same topic. The site will then rank the articles (or units of knowledge, which is where the name Knol comes from) according to user ratings, reviews and popularity.
 

But bylines do not mean a lack of bias. Google will not edit nor endorse the articles, allowing “experts” to mix fact with personal opinion.
 

So what does it all mean for college students? If you guessed even more sources you won’t be allowed to cite, then you’re right! Add Knol right up there with these dubious resources:

• Wikipedia (of course)
• YouTube
• Yahoo Answers
• Perez Hilton

For an ironic twist, check out Wikipedia’s article on Knol here.