[Search-l] Simpy Chichimichi - "Wikia Search - Not Happening"

[Aerik Sylvan]

This is mostly written to Jimmy, but I wanted to send to the whole list:

I've got to admit to feeling a certain amount of pessimism myself.  Perhaps
a month ago I wrote and asked if anyone on the list had the prerequisite
knowledge of java and time and ability to set up a lucene/nutch setup on
a/some server(s).  I did not see any replies.  Also, traffic on the list
seems to have pretty much died off.  So, despite some great discussions, I
believe a lot of folks may share my perception that right now at least, this
is not going anywhere.

However, I think that you should recognize that we're fans.  We're here
because we like the idea, no matter how much criticism we may offer.  With
Wikpedia (and the other projects, to a lesser extent), you changed the world
for the better.  Reading between the lines, I perceive that you are very
proud of this achievement, but at the same time you have drive to find a a
way to make some money.  I want to do both those things too :-), and I'm
sure lots of people feel exactly the same way.

If this thing ever gets going, I'll use wikia search for all the reasons
you've stated you want to build it:  for transparency, and to support and
utilize a search engine that doesn't endorse censorship.  Despite their
"Don't be evil" slogan, Google is coming up somewhat short.  It could be
worse, but it could be better too... I remember cringing when I read,
"There's a subtext to 'Don't be evil,' and that is 'Don't be illegal.'"
Many horrible acts have been committed behind the shield of legality.
(Slavery, anyone?)

I'd like to suggest that, if this really is moving forward, more
transparency on the part of Wikia corporation might help with our
perceptions... we'd all love to know what's going on.  And if it's as
stalled out as it appears to be,  I can understand not wanting to share that
with the media, but on the other hand... I think it'd be commendable to lay
the cards on the table.  It might make getting some VC a little tougher, but
on the other hand, if we had a better grasp of what's going on, maybe we
could help.  We're professional programmers, consultants, business people...
smart people who are interested in seeing this happen.  Remember, we're
fans.  We want to change the world too (and maybe make some money on the
way).

Best Regards,
Aerik Sylvan
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