A Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Combining Subjective Search and Note-Making

A Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Combining Subjective Search and Note-Making

In today's digital age, our search habits have evolved. While we still use search engines like Google for objective queries, there is a growing demand for subjective search content. These are the searches that don't have simple answers but instead revolve around ideas, opinions, recommendations, and conversations. And this is where the trillion-dollar opportunity lies.

Traditionally, subjective search content was found in forums, long-tail blogs, social media platforms, and review sites. It was the space where people freely interacted and shared their thoughts. However, as our search behavior changes, these platforms are becoming the go-to sources for subjective search content. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, HackerNews, TikTok, and Pinterest are now hosting the discussions and conversations that shape our understanding of various topics.

This shift presents an innovator's dilemma for Google. Their business model relies heavily on displaying a page of links filled with keyword auctions and pay-per-click ads. However, subjective search doesn't necessarily require accuracy. It's more about exploring different perspectives and engaging in entertaining conversations. This opens up opportunities for new players to enter the market and challenge Google's dominance, particularly in domains where accuracy is less critical, such as fashion, food, and entertainment.

One of the key elements that make subjective search appealing is the element of fun and interactivity. Users come to these platforms not only in search of specific information but also to engage in entertaining conversations, play games, and connect with like-minded individuals. Adding a commenting feature to these platforms can further enhance the user experience and create a sense of community.

Another aspect that can revolutionize subjective search is customizable user control. Allowing users to personalize the algorithm, results, and user interface can empower them to tailor their search experience according to their preferences. For example, users can choose to never see recipes from Martha Stewart or have more Reddit threads surface in their search results. Additionally, incorporating features like upvoting and downvoting results can help users curate the content they find most valuable and relevant.

Bringing these ideas together, we can envision a platform like Glasp that combines the best aspects of subjective search and user control. Glasp would be a hub where users can explore different perspectives, engage in interactive conversations, and personalize their search experience. It would provide a space for users to curate and share cool information, sites, or content they discover, creating an ongoing taste board.

In a similar vein, there is a growing interest in the power of note-making and the need for customizable tools. Inspired by the extensibility of code editors, platforms like Obsidian are aiming to revolutionize the way we take notes. Just like we can customize every aspect of a code editor, why not apply the same concept to note-taking?

Obsidian takes the concept of a private digital garden to a whole new level. It functions as an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for thought, providing users with complete control over their notes. The platform offers a plugin system that allows users to customize the core features, and even turn them off if they are not needed. This level of composability gives users the freedom to create a note-taking experience that suits their specific needs and preferences.

To gather direct feedback from users and distribute early alpha versions, Obsidian chose to conduct a private beta through Discord. While Discord proved to be a valuable platform for community building, it fell short in terms of keeping track of discussions and topics. The forum format, on the other hand, excels in these areas by providing a structured environment for in-depth conversations and threaded replies.

Obsidian's newest feature, Publish, takes the concept of a private digital garden and opens it up to the world. Users can now easily share parts of their personal knowledge base with others, creating a platform for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.

In conclusion, the combination of subjective search and customizable note-making presents a trillion-dollar opportunity. By creating platforms like Glasp that prioritize interactive conversations, user control, and personalized search experiences, we can tap into the growing demand for subjective search content. Additionally, tools like Obsidian that offer extensibility and customization in note-taking can revolutionize the way we organize and interact with information. To make the most of this opportunity, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the power of subjective search: Recognize the value of ideas, opinions, recommendations, and conversations in shaping our understanding of the world. Explore platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and HackerNews to engage with diverse perspectives and gain insights beyond traditional search results.

2. Customize your note-taking experience: Don't settle for static note-taking tools. Look for platforms like Obsidian that offer extensibility and allow you to tailor your note-taking environment to suit your needs. Experiment with plugins and customization options to create a personalized knowledge base.

3. Foster collaborative learning: Share your knowledge and insights with others through platforms like Publish. By opening up parts of your personal knowledge base, you can contribute to the collective wisdom and engage in collaborative learning with like-minded individuals.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital information, subjective search and customizable note-making are two trends that hold great potential. By harnessing the power of these concepts, we can create platforms and tools that cater to our individual needs, foster interactive conversations, and unlock new possibilities for knowledge sharing and discovery.