Google has recently abandoned its answer service (http://answers.google.com/answers/)

We’re sorry, but Google Answers has been retired, and is no longer accepting new questions.
Search or browse the existing Google Answers index by using the search box above or the category links below.

The analysis from Forbes suggests that “represents a rare victory for rival Yahoo”. Instead of charging dollars for answers, Yahoo started free answer serivces one year ago. It’s market share is now “24 times greater than Google’s service” which has been in service for four years.

Another article worth to read is Adieu to Google Answers from Google’s official blog.

I percieve this as another victory of Web society, as the previous ones such as open source code, Wikipedia, and blog. Many people would volunteer their spare time in adding more knowledge on the web to gain their web reputation. Such “Free labor” work will get pay off becuase the value of a famous ID on the web is as valuable as big name in real world.

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