We spoke with Google rep Jim Prosser about +1. Here are some of our questions answered. What other questions do you have about the new product?
Why is Google doing this?
Aside from the fact that it represents another way to compete with Facebook, Google's officlal line is that it will make search results more germane. Says Prosser: "People consult their friends and other contacts on decisions. It's very easy and lightweight way to make search results more relevant."
Will the number of +1s affect search rankings?
Prosser says no, but adds that it's something Google is "very interested" in incorporating in some form at some point.
Who are th ese contacts we're seeing next to the +1s?
They are from Google Contacts, which come from various Google products, most notably Gmail, Buzz and Reader.
Will we see Facebook friends giving +1s at some point?
Not likely. Prosser draws a distinction between the "open web" and Facebook's closed system. Google is up for incorporating open social media apps, but not Facebook. And Facebook isn't likely to be interested in bolstering +1, a competitor to its "Like" button.
What about Twitter?
That's a different story. Google already incorporates Twitter data into its searches, though Prosser says there are no immediate plans for integrating Twitter results with +1.
What about using data from other social networks?
Prosser says Google is interested in using more data from Flickr and Quora, which Google considers "open web" apps. Initially, though, you won't see y our Flickr or Quora friends’ +1...
