The PageRank of the Future
http://www.stateofsearch.com/how-google-is-pushing-google-in-your-face/
This article discusses how Google is trying to integrate Google+ into their search algorithm by just having +1 buttons on every link. For example, every link would have a +1 button associated with it so it would get real user feedback instead of relying on a PageRank algorithm. However, they are adding this button in more places than links. Google is adding it on every type of media content: links, apps, mail, pictures, and other Google products. This article goes on to state the possibility of using this data to provide personalized links for people based on the content that you have +1’ed.
I think this article is very interesting because it explores a trend that Google is starting. Instead of just having a regular PageRank algorithm that takes backlinks as its main source of ranking, it lets users decide what is the best content. This has been implemented in some degree by viewing individual clicks. However, because Google+ accounts are personalized, they can give more relevant search results.
This relates to class because we have been talking about PageRank algorithms and the benefits/negatives associated with it. I think this is important because we evolving past the initial PageRank algorithm that we stated in class and we are advancing to a new stage that gives personalized results instead of general ones. However this will only work if Google+ and the +1 button reach the critical mass needed for it to be useful. In other words, if nobody actually uses the +1 to indicate his or her liking of content, then this will not work. I personally never +1 content so I can see how other people would ignore it. Though if we do reach critical mass , I can see this working out in everyone’s favor.