GlobeAlive is definitely still beta quality. Although there are great posts on the web about what it can become, at the moment it is not well implemented. Parts of it built to connect people to people, and parts are built to connect users to experts, with the result that it’s very confusing.

Here is a chat from this morning, and actualy, it’s so funny, it’s the real reason for this post.:

bq. – user searched for “furnishing” – [guest] joined the chat – [Brains] joined the chat [guest] hai [Brains] Hi [guest] what do you do [Brains] Web design and programming [Brains] I love it. :) [guest] where is your country and [guest] what is your name [guest] age and sex [guest] what happened you are not replying [guest] are you confused [Brains] I’m trying to think of a witty answer. [guest] please do not time waste, reply soon [guest] are you mad [Brains] Okay. I’m not sure I’m an expert on “furnishing” [guest] can you please furnish some address of buyers in your country to that we could do business with those parties. [Brains] Hmmm. [Brains] Probably. [guest] you are not coming out properly [Brains] What country are you from? [guest] do you like me [guest] i am from Inida [guest] I am from India [Brains] What kind of buyers are you looking for? [guest] I am looking for home furnishing buyers of kitchen towels, table cloths, napkins, bed spread, mat etc. [Brains] ah [guest] do you provide these address [Brains] No, I really do webdesign [Brains] http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=imported+furnishings&spell=1 [guest] what is your main features – [guest] left the chat

bq. How does an expert keep from getting bothered by the wrong questions?

bq. You only come up in searches when you want to be found. Your keywords and nothing else. (It’s a bit more complicated than that, I think; but that’s what I wrote down.)

Actually anyone who is online shows up on any search. I’ve never gotten a single on topic question.

Unfortunately, the instant messager client for Mac OS dies after one chat, and you have to quit it to close the window.

A search engine for people is a awesome idea, but I’m not sure this is the right way. It seems against the Unix/Mac small-sharp-tools philosophy. Rather it is one big ball. I think people-communication problem should be broken down into four separate parts.

Identity / Interests Search Communication Value / Ratings