It was recently announced by Google (via their Official Google Blog) that a new content system is currently in a beta/invite only development stage.

This new system, which they are calling Knol (which they states stands for a unit of knowledge), will be similar to the well known Wikipedia publicly submitted article system. Their goal is to cover a wide range of topic including everything from medical to geographical topics.

Though this system will be similar to Wikipedia, it will have some major differences. One being that they will actually highlight the author’s names that contribute and post articles. Udi Manber on the Official Google Blog states, “We believe that knowing who wrote what will significantly help users make better use of web content.”

Another significant difference will be the idea of allowing authors to make money from their articles - basically a profit share system will be worked out along with Adsense allowing Google and the content Authors to share profits generated from individual articles.

If you would like to take a look at the screen shot Google has provided of one of their “test” articles - check it out here.

What are your thoughts on this new system? Will it hurt online publishers who monetize content? Do you think that it will cause Wikipedia to lose visitors? I would love to hear your thoughts - so take the time to post a comment and let us all know what you think.

Yet another niche on the web that Google has decided to spread its long tentacles into - while catching the users of the web along the way…