Facebook, Search, and the Real World
February 16, 2013
I think there is or was a television program about the “real world.” I am hazy on this, but I perceive “reality television” as a semi scripted, low cost way to fill the gaping maw of 24×7 programming at a bargain basement price. In fact, when anyone suggests that something is “real” I take a second look. This applies to “real stories”, “real life examples”, and “real consulting insights”. In today’s world, the notion of “real” is slippery. I think of Plato, Hollywood special effects, and marketing baloney.
I read “You’re Not Gonna Like It: Facebook’s New Search Struggles with the Real World.” The title caught my attention because of its use of the familiar “you,” the word “gonna”, the inclusion of “search”, and the phrase “real world.” In a horse race there is a big payday from picking win, place, and show. Here the headline snags the top four spots in the social media World Cup.
The article points out that some of the features of Facebook search need to be rethought. That’s a fair statement. The product is a beta and represents the first somewhat edible fruit of the marriage between the Facebook crowd, the injected Googlers, and the post IPO attention of the kind and loving stakeholders.
Facebook has to produce revenues, keep its costs under control, and cope with a number of darned exciting issues. These include the mandatory registration Google has slapped on Google Plus and the awareness by some Facebookers that there may be something else to do with the time invested in posting information about one’s comings and goings.
Here’s the passage I noted:
Facebook launched Graph Search at a big press event at its Menlo Park, CA headquarters almost exactly one month ago. CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivered a large part of the event keynote himself, highlighting the feature as one of three “pillars of Facebook” alongside the News Feed and Timeline. Graph Search is supposed to help you gather friends for a Twin Peaks marathon, find photos taken in London on your last trip, and see which sushi places are most popular among your friends. After a month of testing Graph Search, I’ve found that it’s fantastic at finding people and photos, but not so good at finding anything else.
Is any search system able to do more than one or two things well? Google does the ad thing. Lexis does the legal laundry list thing. Chemical Abstracts does the structure thing. Sure, these systems purport to provide more functions than a bucket of Swiss Army knives.
But the reality of search and information retrieval is that each system has a strength. Each system has gaps, blind spots, and stuff that just does not work as the users expect.
The write up identifies some of Facebook’s notable gaps; for example, dirty data. Don’t most Facebook users perceive content in Facebook is as accurate?
Net net: Facebook social search is a beta. What changes are coming? Wait and see.
Stephen E Arnold, February 16, 2013
Google Plus Nips at Facebooks Heels
February 14, 2013
It looks like victory is approaching for Google. The International Business Times reports, “Google Plus Becomes No. 2 Social Network After Facebook, Knocking Off Twitter.” I guess that’s what mandatory registration will do for a social network.
The article cites a recent report from Global Web Index, which found that the number of Google+‘s active users grew by 27 percent in the last quarter of 2012. On top of that, Google’s property YouTube came in at number three. This was the first time that site was included in this social-network tracking study. Facebook maintains its healthy lead, though, with nearly 693 million active users to Google+’s 343 million and YouTube’s 300 million.
Writer Dave Smith points out that Google+ and YouTube both benefit from their close user-base integration. He notes some other smart moves on Google’s part:
“Not too long ago, Google Plus was against the ropes, struggling to maintain traffic and momentum after its public debut. The site, at the time, looked very plain and lacked any real key differentiator from Facebook, besides its video chat offering, Hangouts.
“In about a year and a half, Google has done many things to beef up its social offering, giving it a new design, new technology and a really sleek mobile application. But the best thing Google did in the last 16 months — something its competitors should learn from — is learning how to seamlessly integrate its services.”
Smith believes that capturing the second and third spots stands as a declaration of Google’s Internet dominance. He also praises Google+ as a (now) well-designed app. See the article for more of his observations on the resurgent social network.
Cynthia Murrell, February 14, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
DataStax Enterprise 3 0
February 7, 2013
DataStax hooked itself to the Facebook entity and now pitches its newest version, we learn from the Register’s “DataStax Cranks Up Facebook NoSQL to 3.0 with Enterprise Features.” The article explains what to expect from the latest release of its DataStax Enterprise Edition. It is worth noting that this company also offers a search system.
Writer Timothy Prickett Morgan informs us that DataStax’s raison d’être is to commercialize the open-source Cassandra NoSQL data store created by Facebook. The company does offer a stripped-down Community Edition for free, but the list of features available only in the Enterprise Edition is significant. Version 3.0 tackles perceived security flaws in Hadoop with new features, including some tweaks it is releasing to the open-source-community edition of Cassandra. Morgan writes:
“The open source tweaks include internal authentication and internal object permissions, with the same grant/revoke paradigm used by relational databases also being applied to the NoSQL data store – in this case, it is done at a table or column level. Databases also have row-level locking, but there is no analogy to this in a NoSQL data store. DataStax has also added client-to-node encryption based on the familiar SSL protocol to make sure that data being passed between Cassandra and an end user device is encrypted in flight.”
Enterprise users can also count on external authentication, encryption for at-rest data inside the stack, data auditing features, and a commercial version of Cassandra (aka the DataStax Enterprise Database Server). Round-the-clock tech-support coverage is thrown in as well. The product is not quite ready for general release, but “early adopter customers” can take it for a spin now. Check back around the end of February for general availability.
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, DataStax was founded in 2010. Their Cassandra-based software implementations are flexible and scalable, and are employed by businesses from young startups to Fortune 100 companies, including such notables as Adobe, eBay, and Netflix.
Cynthia Murrell, February 07, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Repercussions of Facebook Graph Search
February 6, 2013
As with the arrival of most new things, no one is quite sure what the results of Facebook’s venture into search will be. Forbes investigates the possibilities in, “Facebook Graph Search is a Disruptive Minefield of Unintended Consequences.” It is good to see we are not the only ones who think this development could shake up the search terrain.
Journalist Anthony Wing Kosner begins by noting that Graph Search is not something users have requested, but rather a marketing initiative. For the feature to work, users will have to help by continuing to populate Facebook with data in the form of likes, check-ins, photos, and profile info. Somehow, I don’t think that’s a big hurdle, even if some users do get spooked by the very real search-related privacy concerns. More tricky, perhaps, is convincing users they want to narrow their searches from the World Wide Web to their own Facebook network.
Kosner writes:
“I think Graph Search is indeed important, but the results of Facebook’s search for increased relevance may be both more and less than it intends. Its users may find the utility of searching their own social graph to be hit-or-miss, but they also may find themselves feeling much more exposed in the searches of others than they ever intended to be. Rather than phrase this negatively, however, I want to try to identify the potentially explosive issues, land mines if you will, that Facebook will encounter in its path to build out its third pillar and suggest what it needs to do to avoid or diffuse them.”
Not surprisingly, the main suggestion is to make it easier for users to protect their privacy. The current process can be cumbersome, and not even a Zuckerberg can be certain the results will be as expected. With Graph Search in particular, the inability of algorithms to understand irony or a love of randomness, both hallmarks of today’s youth culture, can result in acute misrepresentation of someone’s views. Sometimes this could simply be amusing, but other times, it could cause real damage. And you might never know.
If you are concerned about these issues (and if you or someone you love uses Facebook, you should be), check out this detailed article. I suppose we will just have to wait and see where the chips fall, while helping spread the word—be careful out there.
Cynthia Murrell, February 06, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
A Quote To Note About Search
February 5, 2013
Search is act of trying to find the answer to a question. Internet users browse the Web searching for answers to their questions. The main tool people user to search the Internet are search engines, but while reading Explore this quote came up:
“Forget search engines. The real revolution will come when we have research engines, intelligent Web helpers that can find out new things, not just what’s already been written. Facebook Graph Search isn’t anywhere near that good, but it’s a nice hint at greater things to come.”
Gary Marcus, a neuroscientist, said this quote about Facebook and how its new Graph search mean big changes for search in the coming years. Explore also mentioned that it echoes Vannevar Bush’s 1945 vision for the future of knowledge. Bush was an engineer and well known for his work on analog computers and little project called the Manhattan. Reflecting on this quote, one can only agree that yes, Graph Search and other searches, are on the brink of something grand. From the science fiction and romantic writing angle, these will be the times that people will find nostalgic for our infant-like knowledge. All the information in the world can be discovered on a little device someone carries around in their pocket, but people are still clueless about how to use it.
Google is already trying to remedy this with Knowledge Graph, which is the start of a Star Trek like computer. People need to be taught how to use information and what it can do for them, rather than passively let it seep through their heads. The time to start is now.
Whitney Grace, February 05, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Beyond Search
Microsoft Wants In On Social Search
February 4, 2013
Facebook’s Graph Search launched recently and quick as a hare Microsoft follows with its own social search. ZDNet reports that “Bing And Beyond: How Microsoft Is Attacking ‘Social Search.’” Microsoft is not a social networking company, but it does use Bing’s social sidebar to sync with Facebook. Microsoft now allows more Facebook content via the social sidebar. How much? An average of five times more information from links, status updates, photos, and all the usual Facebook content.
Microsoft and Facebook already have an ongoing deal and the PC-maker wanted to remind users of its existence:
“Microsoft officials played up the increased Facebook integration in a January 17 Bing Community blog post. Two days ago, when Facebook announced its Graph Search technology, the Bing team reminded users that Microsoft is still providing Web search for Facebook. Bing isn’t providing any of the back-end search for Graph Search, however.”
Microsoft and Facebook may be partners right now, but judging how Facebook is trying to compete with Google search by developing an in-house search tool. They might be closer to a dissolution than we think. Microsoft sounds like the gold star student, who is suddenly replaced by a new kid. Microsoft is standing in the back and waving its hand, “I can do that too! Don’t forget about me!”
Whitney Grace, February 04, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Beyond Search
Facebook Graph Search No Threat to Google Search
February 1, 2013
Contrary to some early predictions, it looks like Google has nothing to worry about from Facebook’s just-released “graph search” function. The Manila Times reports, “Facebook’s New Search Product Not Threat to Google – Analysts.” The brief write-up reports:
“After Facebook rolled out the friends-based search product on Tuesday, people began thinking about the question of how this new feature could affect Google, the king of search. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that ‘graph search’ is different from an all-purpose search engine. His view was agreed by experts, who said that compared with Facebook’s focus on the network of friends, the search function of Google takes a much more holistic approach. Analysts agreed that Facebook’s search tool is unlikely to challenge Google’s leading position in web search at least in the near future.”
The new feature allows users to tap into opinions and recommendations expressed by their “friends” when searching for information. Our own leader, Stephen E. Arnold, has observed that it functions better for some folks than for others, and that the less superficial the search, the less useful it is. Thanks, but no thanks.
If you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, it may be because of similar social-linked moves last year by Microsoft and, yes, Google itself. Microsoft tied recommendations from Foursquare into their Bing results, while Google connected Google+ data with its search (opting out is possible). All three implementations seem like either-love-it-or-hate-it propositions. But, hey, all is well as long as the advertisers are happy.
Cynthia Murrell, February 01, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Business Think and the Social Media
January 31, 2013
I read “Which Social Media Work?” I get the dead tree edition, which is getting thinner and thinner it seems, of the Wall Street Journal. The story appears on B8 in the January 31, 2013, issue. You may be able to find the story online at www.wsj.com.
The main point of the write up is that the Wall Street Journal’s professionals have researched the subject, done a survey I think, talked to gurus, and produced a league table. Big finding: Small business is sort of on the fence. The “working” social media service is LinkedIn. The Losers include Google’s properties and Pinterest. Stuck in nowhere land—that is, the middle—are Facebook and Twitter.
Okay. Let’s assume the ranking is correct. The write up asserts:
Six out of 10 small business owners say they believe social media tools are valuable to their company’s growth—but most aren’t impressed by Twitter Inc.
I am not particularly social. I think I pay a paralegal to be “me” on social media. I am not sure because, I don’t talk to the paralegal. Remember. I am not social.
My take on the social media angle pursued by the Wall Street Journal is that using it is probably less of a challenge than tapping phones or performing some other interesting actions to get information.
However, the league table raises some questions for me:
First, isn’t LinkedIn a haven for job seekers, consultants trying to build a footprint, and marketers who are pushing every possible button to make a sale? I find that the baloney which flows to my email from LinkedIn is essentially useless. If I don’t “participate” in a group, I get told, “Hey, goose, you aren’t using this service. You’re out.” I feel like Heidi Klum is saying, “You aus.” Free LinkedIn, I believe, is different from for fee LinkedIn. Since I don’t pay, I am not 100% certain of this difference, but I am not looking for a job nor am I trying to create an impression in the social snow bank.
Second, isn’t Twitter a gem for the 20 somethings who live in Silicon Alley and Silicon Valley. Twitter does not do too much here in Harrod’s Creek. Ergo: Perhaps the value or perceived value depends on the tweeters’ location? Just a thought.
Third, Google is in the process of requiring people to join Google Plus. YouTube is on the path to monetization. Will Google charge for premium social services? Will Google just buy LinkedIn and get it over with? My point is that in terms of utility, Google probably deserves to be in the vast wasteland of the middle of the pack. I am not sure small business knows what Google’s trajectory is. If small business owners were clued in, there might be a different perception. Until then, Google is a solid C according to the write up.
Fourth, Facebook is near the top. But Facebook is only “sort of” for small business or any business. Facebook wants to sell ads. I am not sure if Facebook wants to serve small business with anything other than an invoice for messages pumped to the 800 million or more Facebook users.
Net net: Silly stuff because Google and Facebook are the big dogs. The other outfits in the league table are biscuits to be eaten or ignored. Honk and quack.
Stephen E Arnold, January 31, 2013
Graph Search Makes Facebook Rival Google
January 30, 2013
Facebook’s search application has never been very strong. Yandex’s Wonder application has urged Facebook to bump up its search development and launch the new Graph Search. Steve Cheny’s blog takes an in depth look at the new Graph Search in his post: “Graph Search’s Dirty Promise And The Con Of The Facebook ‘Like.’” Graph Search is supposed to compete with Google and allow users to search all of the content on their social networks. Cheny says that Graph Search is much weaker than Facebook wants to admit and most of the data it searches is outdated.
Cheny explains that Facebook has convinced companies that they need to buy fans, meaning “likes” on Facebook. Facebook’s users are not its customers, rather these companies are and they have spent 50% of their advertising budget on Facebook campaigns. All of this produces a lot of data and connections, but Cheny argues that it will not meet users’ real needs.
“The truth is Graph Search deserves the exact disclaimer FB gave it… it’s a beta product. Through time, iteration, and effort it can and will be a useful tool for FB power users who are well connected, to find people and to sift through memories. But the fact is we’re living in a web where services are unbundling, and social is unbundling too. You simply can’t roll up recommendations for people, places, and interests into a service that’s one size fits all. “
Of course Graph Search is a beta. It will not decide what you do, only try to influence your decision. Facebook have you failed in search?
Whitney Grace, January 30, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Beyond Search
Facebook Changes Privacy Policy Again
January 30, 2013
In light of the Facebook’s aim to improve its search and make more money, the social network Web site changed its privacy policy yet again. Quartz has more info on the change in the article, “Ahead Of Graph Search Launch, Facebook Removed The Ability To Opt Out Of Search Results.” Facebook changed the privacy policy due to a new search tool called Graph Search that allows users to search their networks for queries about restaurants, friends’ locations, and likes. It is a big step up for Facebook as its search functions have been extremely limited. Facebook hopes that advertising and use more of its user data.
Users cannot opt out fully from search results, but they can still control who sees their content. The Federal Trade Commission has been keeping tabs on Facebook and its privacy policy and has issued a heavy fine if the social network refuses to follow rules:
“The FTC settlement mandates that Facebook submit to annual privacy audits for 20 years and pay $16,000 per day for any violations. It also requires Facebook to “obtain the user’s affirmative express consent” when adding a feature that “materially exceeds the restrictions imposed by a user’s privacy setting.” The changes to Facebook’s privacy policy in December may have given Facebook clearance to debut Graph Search, although for now, at least, the company is also asking users to sign up for the feature.”
Facebook makes it hard to keep your information private, so always remember to watch what you post. It will come up in search when you least expect it.
Whitney Grace, January 30, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Beyond Search
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
