Google to close Google Answers
Link: Google to close Google Answers
Google Answers is to close down.
Google announced that although they would leave the existing site up as an archive, they would no longer be taking new questions for the service.
The project began more than four years ago, and started with four people administrating it. More than 800 staff would later be involved in the project.
Ironically, no answer was provided as to why the service was closing.
Overall, it’s always a shame to see online services close down.
However, considering Google’s extensive range of online services - many of which have yet to move out of beta, or see widespread uptake - it’s hard not to see this as a general refocusing of the company onto other services.
http://www.petitiononline.com/ganswers/
Keep Google Answers Alive
To: Google
The Google Answers service has helped many people during its four and a half years of existence, and it continues to do so. Researchers and unpaid commenters formed a community which should not be discarded lightly. Many repeat users were able to easily find answers to difficult questions thanks to the service. Furthermore, Google Answers proved that a living could be made working on the Internet alone, as many researchers worked on the site as their sole source of income.
We, the undersigned, believe that Google should continue to provide this valuable community service to the Internet.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Comment by John Peterson — November 29, 2006 @ 3:45 pm