Google Knol

Introduction to Google Knol

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Introduction to Knol

The Knol site has one goal: to help you share what you know.

The
Knol project is a site that hosts many knols — units of knowledge —
written about various subjects. The authors of the knols can take
credit for their writing, provide credentials, and elicit peer reviews
and comments. Users can provide feedback, comments, related
information. So the Knol project is a platform for sharing information,
with multiple cues that help you evaluate the quality and veracity of
information.

Knols are indexed by the big search engines, of
course. And well-written knols become popular the same as regular web
pages. The Knol site allows anyone to write and manage knols through a
browser on any computer.


So what subjects can I write on?

subject to Terms of Service and Content Policy to ensure a good experience for all users and compliance with applicable laws.


What if someone else has already written an article on that subject?


No problem, you can still write your own article. In fact, the Knol
project is a forum for encouraging individual voices and perspectives
on topics. As mentioned, no one else can edit your knol (unless you
permit it) or mandate how you write about a topic. If you do a search
on a topic, you may very well see more than one knol in the search
results. Of course, people are free to disagree with you, to write
their own knols, to post comments and ratings.


Can I collaborate with other authors?


Of course. For each knol you can choose to write on your own or collaborate with other authors.


Can I write knols in languages other than English?

Can I search for knols on a specific subject?


Yes, you can search on Google or other search engines to find knols,
like any other web pages. You can also use the Search button found on
the Knol homepage and each knols to search.


How do I get started writing my own knols?


Here are some links to knols that may be helpful to you:

Basics of Writing Knols

  • Creating and publishing a new knol
  • Entering text into a new or existing knol
  • Using the formatting bar


Managing Knols

  • Listing all of your knols
  • Managing your author profile
  • Managing versions of your knol
  • Specifying settings for your knols



Advanced Knol Techniques

  • Inserting Images
  • Creating and formatting tables
  • Creating links and references
  • Working with the HTML source
  • Changing your bio/profile

Best Practices: Writing Good Knols

  • Things to do
  • Things to avoid
  • Publishing tips for authors


Where else can I discuss or get help on Knol?

Several authors have noticed that there is a forum at http://groups.google.com/group/knol-users/topics
where people share tips and tricks about knol. Keep in mind that this
forum is user-driven and not moderated by the Knol team (although we do
take a peek from time to time to look for great suggestions...)

Have other questions? You can also send us email at knolhelp@google.com.

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