Technorati
From Modifieddesign
| |
| Function | Blog Search Engine |
| Content | Blog Links |
| Participation Type | Folksonomy |
| Home Page | Technorati.com |
Contents |
Description
Technorati is an internet search engine which users can use to find blogs. The site uses tags to search through its database of over 60 million blogs. As well as allowing users to find blogs relating to particular subjects, Technorati also allows users to "claim" their own blog/s in the database and track visitors and links back to their blog. Users can claim multiple blogs as well as add blogs that interest them to a favourites list which is attached to a user account.
Use
Technorati can be used anonymously (without a user account) or with a user account. It's relatively easy to sign up to gain an account and users with accounts have extended abilities. They can not only search for blogs or blog posts but "claim" their own blog/s. Users with accounts are also able to add blogs or blog posts that they have found to a favourites list. Using the favourites list users can view the most recent posts from their favourite blogs.
Searching
The Technorati search is simple to use. Users type in a word or a phrase into the search bar input field, select whether to search in blog posts, blog tags or the blog directory. Users then hit search and are presented with a page of results. Each result features a blog title, ranking, profile picture of the owner, amount of time the blog has been favourited as well as an abstract of the blog content. Users can then click on the blog title to find out more information including what other posts are featured on the blog, information about the owner as well as statistics for the blog itself (post frequency etc.).
Claiming a Blog
Users that create an account can claim their own blog. Claiming a blog allows the user to keep track of who is reading the blog, how many people may be reading the blog and how many people have linked back to it.
Participation
Tags & Folksonomy
The search function utilises a method of participatory design that is known as tagging or "folksonomy". This involves users tagging or labeling entries in the database with keywords that are relevant to subject of a particular entry. This method is a form of taxonomy that has been called folksonomy.
