Shaddows - 9:15 am on Sep 10, 2009 (gmt 0)

I cannot agree with you that one answer (which by definition gives one view) is not qualitatively as well as quantatively different from a menu of options which represents a range of views (even if they are all syncophantic, or however you prefer your results). I broadly agree with you otherwise, but such agreement is predicated on the menu of options, because frankly I do not think one result can fulfil a query.

For example, if I was to learn a subject from scratch, I might start searching for that topic. I would need a basic starter, then progressively more detailed material. Crucially, the SE would need to determine my rate of learning to judge how much more advanced the next item should be. That's not possible (unless he really meant it about that Borg thing).

Now, one result is what Schmidt said. One result WILL NOT WORK. 10, 100 or 1000 results certainly would. Its different.

Regrettably, from experience, I know you will not join in an actual discussion about that, you'll merely state how completely irrational I'm being.

Where we are in broad agreement is the fact that a tailored menu would suite everyone without complaint. I may think that Climate Change deniers should be force fed results that prove the fallacy of their view point. But they don't want that, and their results would be full of syncophantic false 'science' that supports their view, and they would be happy for it.

I would always want dissenting views in my results. Most just want their view of the world confirmed- ideally by 'proving' the dissenters wrong. But everyones results would be right for them.

Where we are in complete agreement is that this entire argument is a sideshow. Who cares how Google choses to present their results, apart from adsense publishers. Its not world changing, its not really important, and there are other SEs out there, hopefully catering to your needs.

What is critically important is the data collection required to meet this vision, along with all the vectors for data acquisition that is becoming available. From gmail to android, from search habits to GoogleOS, the data sources are wide and varied, and are expanding. Forget the presentation, its just for show. Look behind the curtain.