Talk on Web Search and Online Communities

5th April, 2007, as part of Big Thinkers India series, Yahoo presented a discussion on 'Web Seminar and Online Communities' at Taj Westend, Bangalore. Distinguished researcher of Yahoo Search, Andrew Tomkins spoke on the same and enthralled the audience with insights on Yahoo's works on Search domain, Implementation strategy using algorithms and latest technologies related to Search.

Andrew based his presentation with various available online communities and their contribution to Search. But before Andrew started with the presentation, there was an introduction by the Yahoo Research and Development team to the audience. The gathering, which included usability specialists, software engineers, designers and technical writers from various companies namely- Yahoo, SAP Labs, Infosys, Accenture etc and a host of students and professors from prestigious engineering colleges - IIT Khargapur, Kanpur, IIIT Bangalore and DCSE were waiting patiently for Andrew to start.

Andrew started his session at 1530 hours and gave a walk through of the topics that he would be touching that evening. Andrew spoke on content formation, fragmentation, online communities' importance and strategies for the future. He started with the website FLICKR and identified it to be a potential social network. It is because Andrew thinks FLICKR is not only a rich and diversified photo sharing website but it contributes a major chunk of internet traffic.

During a research conducted by Andrew, he noticed that people are more prone to engage in photos that are clear and conveys a message. As part of this, FLICKR has a strategy to involve group members in a discussion list and also add their favorite photographers in a list of the same.

Next, Andrew touched on web content and spoke on its relevance in today's technological world. He stressed on the importance of creating content by understanding the user's perspective, and warned otherwise of falling short of web's potential.

Though Andrew didn't wish to divulge on the Yahoo's Search initiatives, he provided some cues. First, the Yahoo search engine teams are working to improvise on their current structure and plan to give other search portals a run for their money. Also, they are working to have a content mixed image search; it means when you do a Yahoo search for Rockstar,Jim Morrison, the search results will be displayed along with his hyperlinked image on the left. In addition, you can view Jim's Bibliography, Songs, Concerts timings etc. On clicking the link, you have the dual option to go to the resource and also revert to the website.

There are also talks going on to have a drop drag search option. If successfully launched, it would give a refined look to the Search concept wherein you can drag any image to the Search page, and the desired results page will open up.

Andrew then spoke on social networks like Orkut, hi5, Gazzag and provided certain blogging tips. He also made some interesting observation regarding the search filters carried by people of all ages. The research shows that kids between the ages of 3-6 years are more likely to search for bicycles, pencils and pens while people in the ages of 50-60 are more likely to do more searches on Poetry, God, Religion etc. In addition, Andrew touched upon a bit of his work related to studying bullentin boards posting.

The house was open for an Q&A session next; Andrew was happy to respond to queries from audiences on various issues. The session got over and participants were treated to a high tea. I had a great evening, enjoyed the talk show, interacted with the participants and learnt that before we get started it is essential to understand what it takes to get to the top of the search engines.