Google Answers. Google has just introduced a new service, called Google Answers. At the moment it is in beta, but has already attracted a fairly large userbase. It works like this: you submit your question to Google, and pay a 50c listing fee, and then you put a value on how much you think it is worth (between $4 and $50). Dedicated researchers can then try to answer the question and earn the cash (though Google takes a 25% cut). The user interface needs a bit of work, but that hasn't stopped me from being addicted to reading through the questions and answers. [kuro5hin.org]

This is amazing. I had suggested a similar system back in 2000 when I was working for Aquent Partners as a means of generating additional revenue for the experts that they had working for them at the time, as well as a means of getting good press for their talent, to show that they had skilled folks. It was shot down as a non starter. Reason given: Revenue model was to hard to set up, combined with people reneging on agreed upon terms.

I sincerely hope Google makes this work, just as a proof of concept.

11:54:50 AM