All Things Web

So, earlier this evening, I was toying around on Google.  Doing my usual rankings testing and review, and noticed some new features on Google.  The ability to edit the search results in my personalized environment.  Now, as a regular user of Google, I found this to be a pretty new feature, and it peaked my curiosity.

They are allowing me to remove pages, upgrade pages, and comment on pages within my results.  The part that got me intrigued though was the ability to see other folks edits.

So I’m wondering if Google is now using it’s own users to actually improve their product, free of compensation.  While obviously the thought is improving my own results, does the fact that Google allowing me to see others edits mean that they will be using this information to improve their results.

I don’t know about the rest of the world, but I potentially have a problem with Google using my feedback to improve a product that they make billions off of, without compensating me with anything more than improving search results.  I would like to ask Google to invest their profits into improving the technology surrounding the quality of your search engine instead of focusing on using feedback from your users without compensation.

Perhaps I’m not being fair…if you think so, then let me know!

Update:

There is a nice discussion on this new feature by Justin Hileman.  He does a nice job of walking through the full feature set.

So, I was inspired by the recent SEO’s losing weight contest and after spending far too long overweight.  I’ve decided to begin my goal towards reaching a healthy weight.  To be honest, I started this venture on July 1st, but this is the first chance that I’ve had to post and let people know what I’m embarking on.

So I guess first and foremost, I should let everyone know my starting point, where I’m at, and where I want to go.

July 1st, 2008
Starting Weight - 224lbs

Over the next 4 months, my goal is to lose 48lbs, or approximately 3 pounds per week.  Feel free to follow along, join me in getting in shape, or make fun of me as I go.  I’ll update everyone each week to let you know how things are going.

So, now that you know what’s going on, I’d like to let you know where I stand.  After the first week, I must say that with a holiday included, I’m pretty happy with the progress so far.

July 8th, 2008
New Weight - 220lbs
Total Loss - 4lbs

4lbs down, 44lbs to go!  Stayed tuned for some great fun.