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WisenutK seems to be focusing on building their own advertising products and have spun off a couple specialized search engines...
I keep saying this but...
korea may be "behind" in some respects...but in others....its light years ahead of the search game.
no really.
web search is probably the LEAST popular of the "kinds of search" you can do here.
[edited by: Woz at 1:21 am (utc) on April 27, 2004]
web search is probably the LEAST popular of the "kinds of search" you can do here...
Wow! That's the most intriguing thing I've read all day. What kinds of search are popular in Korea?
-combined search (lists all the types of search together by section in one big long SERP)
-knowledge search (this is a unique korean specialty)...more later
-directory search
-then probably web or image or other searchs types (there are many) depending on the site
if I could post images I'd show you a breakdown example.
btw...don't like OVKor fool ya. Daum is a VERY FFFAAAARRR second to NHN (naver) is terms of search volume (maybe 5 times?). Daum is thge biggest portal....but not the biggest search site.
I'll be waiting to hear about this knowledge search. That sounds interesting.
so, for now, I'll keep it brief (as I possibly can) and dip into your questions.... (so I don't have a stroke from overload! lol)...
Is the combined search something like a meta search you'd get from DogPile or Mamma? I'd be interested to hear more about that.
yes..or no. ....er... depends what you mean. :p I'll just describe it differently: its like the preferred/default choice for SERP UI (user interface). And unlike meta---it all comes from one source (all from within NHN's content only, for example).
Case in point, naver currently has 11 (!) or MORE different TYPES of search results (with several listings in each type) ALL APPEARING, one section after the other, in its DEFAULT FIRST PAGE of results. And depending on the keyword, almost none of these are organic listings! The only organic listings I noticed for "loan", for example, were NEWS and IMAGE ones--and those are at the waaay bottom. No organic web site search listing exist at all. :-o
For example:
Sections on first SERP (in order)for keyword "loan":
1. one naver sponser (kinda like MSN featured sites)
2. 5 or so "Question Guide" results (explain someother time)
3. four sponsored link sites (note: NOT ppc--still CPM)
4. five "plus pro" sites (include company logo image)
5. a few "Open Knowledge" search results (explain another time)
.
.
other wacky non-"web search" kinds of korean search :p
.
.
.
11. Image search results.
(Is that what you meant by "is it like dogpile?"?)
And yes, like I said, its a very loooonggg first page. lol.
Notice: there are NO "web site" organic listings. In fact, you need to go to a completely different "tab" to even see web search results (ala Big G for Image Search). As of this post, there are 11 tabs (!) on Naver....and web search is the third tab in. That is sooo telling.
Some more "innocous" searches (purely informational) show "[web] Site" listings as the fourth or fifth section down! And these results are much closer to PFI (but more severe) rather than "real" organic listings (and even parts of this are being monetized!--like by selling little icons or something next to the result. Shheesh!) Heck, even Zingu.com uses "combined search" results as its default for its search-in-a-box type program. That says something as well.
That not to say Korean's don't do "regular" web searches....they DO. But these are just a FEW of the examples of what I mean by radical differences.
Important to note: it is the basically SAME for all portals and search sites in Korea---only with some variance in the exact SERP UI or order in which the various sections appear, etc.
Oy vei! now I remember why I didn't even want to start into this...there is just tooo much. lol. which is why......
I'll be waiting to hear about this knowledge search. That sounds interesting.
...this will have to wait till next time. (g2run!)
teaser: there many type of knowledge search and its quite impressive for many reasons, I assure you. :D (heehee, always keep em wanting, right? lol ^^)
hope that's enough to munch on for now.
until next time.................^^
[edited by: GrendelKhan_TSU at 11:34 am (utc) on April 14, 2004]
sorry about that. :P :D
[edited by: GrendelKhan_TSU at 11:49 am (utc) on April 14, 2004]
Not at all Grendel, fascinating stuff. Let's see if I get this correct.
Combined search gives you the top X results for the Search Phrase from a number of varied databases. Kinda like a meta Seaerch Engine, but using differing datasources within the on engine, and with the results grouped by data source.
Correct? Great Idea.
Onya
Woz
Combined search gives you the top X results for the Search Phrase from a number of varied databases. Kinda like a meta Seaerch Engine, but using differing datasources within the on engine, and with the results grouped by data source.Correct? Great Idea.
Onya
Woz
That'd be correct sir! (dang! you're like...my summarizing hero! lol)
It was weird at first...but once I got used to it
....its actually hard to go back to "boring ol' web SERPs". lol ;)
there are tons of "little extras" too that they do with the results as well. but I'll have to get to that later as well. :)
Great post and info by the way...
OK. That makes things a lot clearer. The meta search comparison may not be the best I see. It sounds more like a portal on steroids.Great post and info by the way...
Yes, thanks for the post, Gren. < grrr! =P > Actually, I have been writing an article for SEMPO on much of this information posted (and more). Some of it reiterates earlier posts, but as stated, there are more differences than similiarities in Korea than most people seem to realize, so there will no shortage of new information.
Perhaps I will offer some insights here first, but one needs to draw a careful line with the information one provides for such a well-known forum. I hope everyone understands. I'm sure Grendel does.^^;;
That said, I will venture to answer the question above (adapted from some of the content from the article I'm writing):
With all those variants on the first page how do you make a choice? Do people just know what type of result they're looking for and scan that part of the page or like regular SERPs do the links toward the top draw the majority of traffic?
Both.
In general, top page positions still correlate with higher click-throughs. But comparatively, netizens know what to look for and what they want to look for/see more so than in other markets.
Why? It is significant to note that almost all Koreans are on broadband connections (the broadband is even faster here than compared to the US or most of the world), are online longer, and are relatively more savvy with their usage (to oversimplify).
As such, surfing habits have long progressed passed web page design optimization for speed (within reason of course). So without the worry for long load times, long-search results pages are just more convenient, visually interesting and feature rich. Barring network problems, these long-SERPS load just as fast as most of the just "web search" results. By contrast, if I am not mistaken, dial-up and broadband penetration is still somewhat of an issue or concern for many US internet markets.
Blogs are a great example for comparison of how this expectation effects "standard" internet use and development. From what I've seen, most blog sites in the US still tend to be largely text-based with perhaps some pictures or sometimes, html embellishing.
As a standard, most Korean blog sites are very media rich with many value-added extras, like avatars, downloads, multimedia and even a SIM-like character world integration. And this is just for "average" personal bloggers. It is quite impressive.
Even at Zingu, our search-box type program originally included just our web and ppc results. But we have since adapted "combined search" results as our default search results UI. One may change which kind of search results for your site by request.
I hope that helps.
(looks like I managed to beat Grendel to the punch this time. haha.)
Perhaps I will offer some insights here first, but one needs to draw a careful line with the information one provides for such a well-known forum.Thanks for the follow up. This forum may be well known, but this little corner of it isn't too heavily traveled. I think the whole Korean market is quite interesting basically because so few of our members here have written about it. We hope you'll feel free to continue to share what you can.
The issue of broadband penetration in Korea is pretty well known. However not too many people have this kind of speed, so it's difficult for some to grasp. I do happen to have a 100mbps fiber optic connection to my home, so I can understand the speed, but when I'm looking at English language content you're right; it's a text world out there. I even find myself turning off things like FLASH, animated GIFs and sound on my networks by default now. It's not because I can't handle the speed, it's become ingrained in me over the years while using slower connections to prefer the minimalist content.
I'm so happy! This thread made the main index page! (btw, how is it determined which threads make the index?) Can't people actually were interested in my post?! =^^= (except for bill and woz maybe...lol ;)) You know, I was going to make new thread designated for this stuff, but maybe I should quit while I'm ahead. lol.
naaaaaaw!....I'm gunna milk it. Here's another tidbit (slightly back to topic):
WiseN Korea looks to be heading in the direction of making their own portal or specialized search sites. they released icity, which a local search focused on travel, education, sports and news.
Also, CORRECTION! on the index page of naver...
Web Search is the 6th (sixth!) tab in from the left! (I was looking at the SERP which changes the order a bit). Knowledge search is the first tab.
Before I get into all the different types of Knowledge Search (unless Z gets there first)...I was going to point out one tiny example of an extra feature that is added to the familiar image search we are all used to:
Slideshow! there is a button at the top of the image search results section for "slideshow" that pops up a photo album slide show that includes all the images in the search PLUS saving, editing and bunches of other customizing options. I've nothing like that elsewhere. The closest..I guess...would be the Goog Viewer, which seems VERY simplistic by comparison.
(ps. LOL! what up ZinguGuy!?! hope I didn't spoil too much of your article. :p like bill said, you gotta be quick around here or else..... +_+ Myuhahahaha!)
[edited by: GrendelKhan_TSU at 10:15 am (utc) on April 16, 2004]
That slideshow option is available on other portals, or just WiseNut? I wonder how that would play out in other markets. I know a lot of WebmasterWorld members spend a lot of time figuring out how to thwart things like this. They don't care for bandwidth leeching. A slideshow would be of little value to the site owner, but pretty cool for the portal user.
>I was going to make new thread
I was thinking of splitting it into a new thread before Brett put it on the front page. I might split it out at a later stage.
from ZinguGuy:
>surfing habits ~ passed ~ optimization for speed ~ long-search results pages ~ feature rich.
Interesting. When you are designing for high speed transmission you can afford to put in all the bell and whistles. Do you have a cut-down version for those on slower connections? Is the expanded search types a function of the increased speed, or the market requirements?
>Korean blog sites are very media rich
which seems to be the case across Asia, very much more visual and, dare I say it, gimmicky than non-Asian equivalents. Do you think the broadband penetration is driving this to a certain extent? That is, "we can so we do".
Onya
Woz
(note to self: DONT HIT ESC button!)
@%$@!(#$&@(##@$%(*&(!
+_+
That slideshow option is available on other portals, or just WiseNut?
AACK! correction and apologizes! I was unclear. This is a feature at Naver, NOT Korwisnut! Futher, KorWise is not a portal. It is "just" a search engine company (goog style home page), though I think they have desires to make their own portal. But yes, I've seen the slideshow elsewhere (or the like). In fact, there are probably at least 20+ extra "cool" features that I could name off the top my head that are pretty much available across all the portals here in one form or another, but non-existant in the US (or anywhere!)
(next time! unles ZinguGuy wants a crack at it.)
<<yup, trying to goad ya out, Big Z! heehee(^_^);;
I wonder how that would play out in other markets. I know a lot of WebmasterWorld members spend a lot of time figuring out how to thwart things like this. They don't care for bandwidth leeching.
I wonder too, though I think those worried about bandwidth are of the worried-that-others-dont-have-it mindset, which belies the point. That is simply not an issue here. For example, I noticed even in the US, PC game related sites tend to be very "fancy" (comparitively), since most of them are powerusers and/or on broadband gamers with an audience of other hardcore powerusers and/or on broadband gamers.
A slideshow would be of little value to the site owner, but pretty cool for the portal user.
Actually, cool for both! I think you can PAY (cpm?) to be the first images scrolled in the slideshow. lol. yup, naver monetizes EVERYTHING (and to their credit...evidence seems to show that they do so successsfully.)
>except for bill maybe
Hrmph!
LOL! I don't know what you are talking about! (refresh my post above) *^^* (and...er...um....I was only talking about amoung NON-admin. heehee. ya. that's what I meant.)
I was thinking of splitting it into a new thread before Brett put it on the front page. I might split it out at a later stage.
weeeeeeeee! way to milk it too woz! lol :D =P
Do you have a cut-down version for those on slower connections? like an option for "no graphics" display or something?
I don't think so. And if there is...I haven't found it, yet. (+__+) I mean, why would there be? But let me reiterate: when I say EVERYONE is on broadband..I mean EEEEVVVEEERYOOONE (that includes PC rooms...of which there are tens of thousands of---literally). The only situation I can even recall hearing a dial-up modem being used for nowadays is for laptops....when TRAVELLING TO THE US! LOL!
Is the expanded search types a function of the increased speed, or the market requirements?......Do you think the broadband penetration is driving this to a certain extent? That is, "we can so we do"
A little of both and yes...but its kinda of chicken and egg now. Certainly, broadband made it conducive for the initial quick development of feature rich sites (why not?), which also suited the cultural propensity and preference for "fancyness", which lent itself to becoming the actual preference and the expected standard (hence market demand) or some other mix of that. (lol). But its not really useful to argue, as one could posit that bill (and I) prefer minimalistic design in end because that's what he "started out in" and was conditioned to like since the days when search was young, so to speak.
Fun food for thought: If there was a complete amensia "do over" event, and the entire "internet thing" started again tomorrow in the US, but this time EVERYONE was on wireless broadband fiber optic lines... would sites and search engines design look the same? I really wonder.
more visual and, dare I say it, gimmicky than non-Asian equivalents.
Actually, this actually a very interesting statement. I have thought and dealt with this topic a lot and I think it speaks more to the point than perhaps anything else. btw, please dont' think I'm taking offense or trying to be patronizing or anything...I'm really not. Its honestly is one of those cliche "you-just-have-to-be-here" things...maybe someone local can back me up on that point :).
"gimmicky" is the wrong way attempt to describe it if one is trying understand the korean (asian) markets. When Koreans/asians see it...it just doesn't register that way. (picture tilted-head dog look. lol) It's strictly a cultural preference. I mean 95% of the music here is "bubblegum pop" (ala of the britney sp or backstreet boys sounding nature). But to describe that preference as "gimmicky" wouldn't quite fit.. its just what they like. (Much to my horror and dismay, btw...I wanna rock! lol!)
Understandably, thinking its "gimmicky" may be the easiest way for many americans relate to or understand Korean web UI, but its barking up the wrong tree. I know, I did it for a while too. But its not at all accurate from the Korean view point. That is, its relative, NOT subjective, since the basis of comparison is the opposite/reverse.
Here's an example: I've heard Koreans imply many times that if a web site, mobile phone (or what have you) DOESN'T have some of the "bells and whistles" they are used to...it must be because it CAN'T. That is, the company making it must be incapable, inadequate or just plain incompetent. (!) Case in point, many people were surprised or even disbelieving when I adamantly assured them that google is in fact very popular, successful web site and company with a great product that is not just "boring", "ugly", "simplistic", "empty/lonely" (rough translation). How weird would THAT post be on in the main forum? (o_O);;; LMAO! I mean, I had to CONVINCE them! (less so now with all the hype of course....but still!).
Try explaining why "minimistic style" can still mean GOOD QUALITY to people who type faster on their mp3-high-resoltion-2megapix-camera-mobiles-phone then I do on my keyboard.
Trust me, it takes some doing.
=P
then stop answering all the questions. like admin said hrmph!
I willadd my comments another time
========
from Grendel:
Try explaining why "minimistic style" can still mean GOOD QUALITY to people who type faster on their mp3-high-resoltion-2megapix-camera-mobiles-phone then I do on my keyboard.
========
haha. I laughed at that one.
I'll forgive you this time ... ;)
>"gimmicky" is the wrong way attempt to describe it
Yeah, bad choice of words on my part, and certainly not meant to be condescending.
My experience in Korea itself is limited to a 5 day tour - loved the place immensely. Was rather intrigued though by the subculture of the younguns wearing tight faded jeans with very pointed shoes, a la 60s R&R. Fascinating.
Mostly my experience is in China/Hing Kong, where platform shoes were the norm and wandering around with Hullo Kitty thingies hanging off you mobile phone was essential to being "in". (This is a few years ago.) And a Pop Concert just isn't a success without lots of Flashing Lights and Pyrotechnics, regardless of the quality of the music.
This is not a criticism, just an observation of a propensity for things we Westerners would consider passé, which has carried over to Asian websites with bulk animated gifs, floating animations, flashy flash, and so on; something we have discussed a few times here. For such sites to be acceptable there has to be broadband coverage to support it. I still don't know how they get away with it in China where low band (dial-up) is predominant.
>Koreans ~ if a web site, mobile phone ~ DOESN'T have some of the "bells and whistles" they are used to...it must be because it CAN'T.
Wow, now that is a mind bender, and quite a challenge to Western Designers. I am very minimal in my designing, which is a function of being Graphically Challenged I am sure. This was a critical factor in picking up some Expat clients in China a few years ago as they wanted something without the fluff and knew that local designers couldn't deliver what they wanted. Different mind-space - interesting.
But to assume that because something doesn't have the bells is an indication and inference that the designers were incapable of making the bells ... hmmmm.
>If ~ the entire internet ~ started again tomorrow ~ on broadband
Ooh, Twilight Zone stuff that. The main need in the Occidental world as I see it is information, pure and fast. Where to buy something, how to do something, who is where, and so on. Even if this information were delivered in more elaborate packages, it would still be the core need. The exception is of course entertainment; games, video on demand, and so on, but I don't see the need for this overtaking the need for information, even-though it would take more bandwidth.
In Asia though, I see this information delivered in "pretty" packages, with already more bandwidth being taken up in the packaging. I am not sure this would be the case in the West if things were to start again with current delivery technology.
>type faster on their mp3-high-resolution-2megapix-camera-mobiles-phone
Hehe, sounds like my Nephew.
Onya
Woz
Different mind-space
that about sums it up.
I don't know that I'd go as far as to say that koreans think designers or companies are "imcompetent" if they make things with a simple styling, but it's a point well taken. Certainly web site appearance does seem to play a larger role than seems to elsewhere. But as it is a "different mind-space", that means many things.
and definitely no offense taken! just wanted to highlight that is it IS a different mind-space (great description btw! can I use that? lol)
Now who wants to know more about Knowledge Search (or the other multitude of search features? (don't worry Z, I'll keep it on the up-and-up). ;) come on! gotta keep milking it! Unless any lurkers or Z wanna jump in first? (~_^);;
Now who wants to know more about Knowledge SearchI was wondering when you'd finally get around to that one... ;)
I was wondering when you'd finally get around to that one... ;)
haha. give an inch..... :p
(working on it! so much to say!)
So, here's the skinny........
Knowledge Search is a unique Korean phenomenon. For many reasons, both cultural and practical. But its not UNIQUE. Its nothing "new" under the sun, so to speak (as I'll explain). Regardless, it is impressive to say the least.
There most common type of knowledge search is the one popularized by Naver, which is, simply put: << dumdumdum! >>
a human edited (netizens and volunteer), Question and Answer type search engine.
It's like what askjeeves, askme, and/or ask.com WISHES they could be (lol). Ask.com on steriods AND speed (no side effects. haha)
Hmmm...or...perhaps more closely... like "Goog Answers", but immediate results, FREE and with tens of thousands of ppl rating and editing the answers. There are certainly MILLIONS of results in the DB/index already. ie: enough results that listings look the same and are as numerous as "regular" searches on any web search engine.
How did they get this kind of index? Well, that is the CULTURAL aspect of it.
Perhaps some other Koreans lurking (**COUGHCOUGH**ZINGUGUY!**) may say differently (thought I doubt it), but Koreans are kinda obsessive compulsive like that... I've heard many a tale of individual members answering thousands of questions a week. Think about that. That is for ONE person...EVERY WEEK! And this has been going on for YEARS. :-O The real thing to note is that this is NOT surprising for anyone who has spent sometime in this market---which also explains A LOT (and not just about knowledge search but for many areas of the Korean internet world).
Sorry if I made Knowledge search seem like something more technically crazy or "interesting" than that (not that its "easy" ~_^). But its "just" a search engine where humans ask questions...and humans answer and edited results...with a kickarse natural language processor/algo slapped on top. That said, I have yet to ever ask a question (even strange ones) that didn't yield pretty dang good results---often EXACTLY what I wanted (not a close algorithmic proximity). Better truthfully, then anything I've EVER seen elsewhere. And that's no mean feat.
From what I understand the original database was built (bought?) from a well known korean online DICTIONARY site/company and then repurposed and opened up into Q&A form. (NHN still also has an Open Dictionary Search feature though). Also, I hear they hired a slew of ppl early on to just manual edit and add info.
The results are/were rated by the questioner and can be added to (some cases amended) and rated by other netizens as well. Much like at ebay or shopping sites for rating merchants or reviews. You have to be a Naver member to do so (free registration....its basically the same as having a Yahoo ID or something). Naver added incentitives for asking or answering questions well. Ratings correlated a points systems which earned you titles like "Knowledge Search Answer King" or something, and other such (in this case appropriately put) "GIMMICKY" incentitives (lol ;))
So, its not unlike what we've seen elsewhere in different forms...but put all together, made "fancier" with other bells and whistles and well....more successfully done. There are several types of "Knowledge Search" now, the most recent and relevant being "Knowledge Shopping", which takes the dealtime type search engines to the next level.) Don't even get me started on those yet: Knowledge Shopping, Knowledge Professional/Doc search, etc... Yes, they are all different...and all quite good.
Obviously, its progressed and evolved into a very sophisicated system now then when it started. Now it is a combo of its very good (imo) natural language query processor, human and machine edited and approved answers system, updated UI, clustering tech and sophisticated integrations with other content and search features of the already feature rich portal.
I could go on...but I guess that should do it for now. Any lurking Koreans out there wanaa add?
Any questions? I can translate into korean and see what knowledge search comes up with. lol
=^^=
--GK
PS. Regarding the koreans and broadband point brought up earlier....its funny, I don't even know HOW to get dial-up service here now.
Its the default service from the major providers (and there are only a few) and just assumed you have it. Heck, I don't even know if its offered anymore! If that says anything.
Broadband wireless is even available for a very reasonable price. I think it covers seoul and pusan (which is like...where 95% of population resides anyway).
<<thread killer poster strikes again! *^^*
What a search! First, what you described just reinforces my belief that the net as I know it today won't be recognizable in another decade; a knowing look and fast brush - the way we might see the old card handlers of the 'computer age' now.
Culture has been mentioned, and I would think that factor is a major reason such a system is viable. I'm not suggesting that in Kor there aren't scammers, spammers and cheaters, but to the degree that a social culture can influence the search speaks volumes.
Not scared off, just scared.
What a search! First, what you described just reinforces my belief that the net as I know it today won't be recognizable in another decade; a knowing look and fast brush - the way we might see the old card handlers of the 'computer age' now.
too true.
Reminds me of that scene in Minority Report when tom cruise walks into the Gap of the future and the "targeted" in store ads signs start speaking to him. "Welcome Mr. Yakamoto, are you interested in another pair of blue jeans?" or something. LMAO! Scarier is that it could happen.
Culture has been mentioned, and I would think that factor is a major reason such a system is viable. I'm not suggesting that in Kor there aren't scammers, spammers and cheaters, but to the degree that a social culture can influence the search speaks volumes.
yah, the more I thought about it. The more important I think it is to this end.
One easy-to-overlook example is that to make Knowledge Search work, you need netizens asking detailed questions in the first place! (which obviously, many, or enough, koreans do.
Just having NETIZENS (in the US) be more sophisticated (longer and more detailed) in their queries is one thing I bet would immediately skyrocket or help search progress! I seem to recall even seeing Big G and Over pushing for that kinda of "netizen education" here and there even.
anyway, glad I didn't kill the thread. thought everyone was so disappointed after the build up that they moved on. LOL ^^
but Yahoo Kor also launched Knowledge Search in Korea (hmmm.....mid last year? forgot exactly) in direct response to the popularity and success of this kind search. Funny commercial to promote it even.
All major portals have it now. But Naver's is still considered the most indepth.
That's an incredible report...How do they qualify people to help out with knowledge searches? Can just anybody jump in? How are the bad eggs weeded out? I could see a lot of self promotinal spam working its way in...does that happen much?
That's an incredible report...How do they qualify people to help out with knowledge searches? Can just anybody jump in? How are the bad eggs weeded out? I could see a lot of self promotinal spam working its way in...does that happen much?
Short answer:
is that spam type stuff CAN happen and probably does here and there. but no more than any web search...probably less in fact.
Not-so-short answer:
Though, anybody who is a Nav member can join in the fray, there are some safeguards of course vary a bit from portal to portal, but here are some of the common ones (at Nav, for example)...
--person who asks the question rates the answers
--any netizen can vote good/bad and rate on answer quality (1-10)
--any netizens can send a modify/adjust/update request to Nav for any answer
--higher rated answers appear higher ranked in the answer results. Highest ranked result appears on the main SERP (explain more about that below).
--anyone can report bad posts, spam etc to Nav. Since its member based...getting a "black mark" could result in ban and penalties, etc.**
**This is a strong deterrent here for many other cultural and technical reasons...but that is whole different issue and point for another time (remind me sometime ;))
It works out quite well. Lots of balancing out mechanics.
Anyway, in general, Nav used to be VERY GOOD at responding to such things and making corrections (don't know anymore, but probably still are). Its to the point now where I think people just really tend to answer well in the first place.
But here's the REAL sustainable driver of the mechanics, IMO: The UI of the KS results page (hereforth KS=Knowledge Search ^^) creates a self-moderating incentive
Remember I said, you get LOTS of results for a query, right? (equivalent to any web search engine, for all intents and purposes). Well, I had to do an overview before, so maybe I skimmed too much and this was unclear:
The search results are NOT just the answers, but they are a list of questions similar to/exactly matching the question asked (of course, accompanied by an answer.)
Let me try to explain (aside: I really wish I could do Screen Shot attachments...this is REALLY hard to verbalize! ugh).
If the basic SERP listing shape we are familiar with in the US is:
-TITLE (link to page)
-DESCRIPTION
-URL (link to site)
Then the basic KS SERP listing in Korea is:
-QUESTION (link to question and top answers page)
-FIRST or HIGHEST RANKED ANSWER
-Breadcrumb to directory category and/or link to portal mini-forum discussions related to reply.
so,
-TITLE = QUESTION
-DESCRIPTION = the first or highest ranked answer for each question.
------or-----------
(note: I'M MAKING THE FOLLOWING RESULTS UP for the sake of easy example!) :
Keyword Query: "LOAN"
SERP (bold are "titles/questions", italics are "answers/descriptions"):
1. Where is the cheapest place to get a loan?
the cheapest place to get a loan is at Korea YYYYYYstealme Bank....
Knowledge Search > Banking > "loan"
2. How many types of loans are there?
there are 1000 different types of loans you can get...
Knowledge Search > Economics > "loan"
3. Why do I need a loan?
you should get a loan because you are broke and a total...
Knowledge Search > Personal Finance > "loan"
4.........etc.
5.........etc.
=====================
And THAT is a VERY oversimplied version of the results. Others features and details about the results abound for each result.
(AGAIN I MADE THOSE RESULTS UP FOR THE EXAMPLE!)
As I said, if you click on a link (question) in the SERP....IT GOES TO THE PAGE LISTING ALL THE ANSWERS TO THE FULL QUESTION! (almost like a mini-forum for that question)
ie: A Click-through brings you to the page with the full question (often there was more information or more details about the question) and the list of answers (forum like replies) for the question. And many options for rating and/or reporting the answers.
So a netizen has to "compete" to have his/her answer be the one that people see first on the main SERP for that question. Hence, its a nice self-motivation incentive to answer well. Add the "point rewards" for high ratings (tap into the pride and reward factor) and .....BAM! you got yourself a kickarse KS engine.
Again, remember that ALL results listing are previous asked questions and answers! Its just that most of time someone already HAS asked the question! and there are usually at least a few answers. So its easy to get good matches and great results.
you know, while writing that...I realized perhaps its more accurate to call Knowledge Search a QUESTION SEARCH ENGINE, proper.
A netizen performs a search for a question (that hopefully someone else already asked)....then from the results you click the link to the question that matches your intended question most to see the answers people have given for that question. Obviously more specific, long question queries will generally yield more exact question matches and thus, theoretically, a quicker answer. And this is of course, where Nav's natural language processor or search algo tech really comes into play.... matching queries with content of the questions and in the answers.
It makes sense, doesn't it? It cuts out "the middle man" in many ways, cause getting a decent results means finding someone who asked your specific question already...and thus, finding someone who answered the question already as well. No guessing or mining for results amoung disparate web sites. You mine for QUESTIONS (and just assume that the answer comes along with it. ^^)
A great bonus is that on the SERP you can sort the results by:
Relevancy, Link Clicked-frequency, Rating (1/10), Recentness (Time of last reply).
If that ain't enough.....chew on this:
Of course there are Jeopardy-style KS Sponsored link type programs.... you have to put your listing in the form of a question. LOL! ^^
etc etc...
and again...
THAT'S JUST THE OVERSIMPLIFIED TIP OF THE PROVERBIAL KS ICEBERG version!
ok....WHEW!
did any of that make ANY sense? lol (told you its hard to DESCRIBE...but if you saw it with Screen Shots and labels....it'd be A LOT easier. < sigh > )
anyway....
in the words of Austin Power......
"...and I'm spent!" :P
Would you say that KS works better on some portals than others? To use the DMOZ analogy again, do you find that the same people will answer the same questions on several portals? Like a category editor editing at other directories? I'm trying to see if I can draw any parallels to things people here would have experience with.
