Google launches Knol, the Wikipedia alternative

The Search Giant has launched a program known as Knol (knowledge) that is alternative to wikipedia. The basic reason of developing this so-called knowledge based platform is to incorporate the Google AdSense into different articles, with a revenue share between the authors of particular topic.

In this platform authors will have kind of ownership in the way that, they can moderate their articles by acting as gatekeepers to any changes made by other users outside the creator group. More than one knol can be created on a subject but the rating on the article would define it's authenticity and quality.

As of now, it seems to be a good system. A good article would be a popular article, and a popular article would be more likely to get AD revenue. It would be an interesting social experiment to see who will fly among Wikipedia - where social contribution is encouraged or Knol - where there is a capalitism to the mix.