Followed by its recent spectrum bidding, the search giant Google is all set to extend its influence into the knowledge sharing game. Currently, Google is building its own version of communally constructed online encyclopedia which is expected to be a tough competitor to Wikipedia. The move is seen as part of Google’s plan to infiltrate into all areas of the Web and also as its strategic approach to ramp up its page rank.

The Internet search powerhouse is inviting chosen people to test a free service dubbed ‘knol’, to indicate a unit of knowledge, Udi Manber, Vice President of Engineering, said in a posting at Google’s website.

“Our goal is to encourage people who know a particular subject to write an authoritative article about it,” wrote Udi Manber. According to a sample provided by Google, pictures of authors will be displayed on their ‘knol’ web pages. A ‘knol’ may include advertisements, at the discretion of the author. If an author chooses to include advertisements, Google will provide the author with substantial revenue share from the proceeds of those ads.

Google hopes ‘knols’ will be written on all conceivable topics and says it has no plans to edit or endorse content. According to Manber, editorial responsibility will rest with authors, whose reputations will be at stake. Google will not ask for any exclusivity of content. It will be made available to any other search engine, such as Yahoo, MSN, and Ask.