Freebase, the upstart database that some are calling the first major Web 3.0 application and others the bastard child of wikipedia and the Open Directory Project, is still moving through alpha. But it’s getting pretty damn interesting. And I’ve got some free invites to give away.
Have you ever been frustrated by Google, trying to narrow down thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of results that seem like what you’re looking for but are actually completely different? Freebase, like Wikipedia, allows users to contribute information, but it also allows them to add meta tags that describe the relationship between information. The result is a tool that helps you find a needle in a haystack, instead of just finding a smaller haystack.
Freebase is still in alpha, but the potential is already apparent. I won’t go into all of the ins and outs of Freebase here. You’ll find a good introduction by Tim O’Reilly, Freebase Will Prove Addictive, and another at Neomeme. Check them out and then let me know if you want an invite.
If you’re interested, post a comment and I’ll send an invite. I only have a few, so please—only ask for one if you’re a serious data junky. If you’re just curious, wait around. I’m sure they’ll be plentiful soon.
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25 Comments
Freebase depends on tags, adn tags fail to have specific enough meanign when used by masses of heterogeneous people. That is the problem with all tagging systems.
“Tags” are a very crude way to describe Freebase. More precisely, Freebase relies on universally accepted defintions that everyone can agree on like “band” or “building”.
Sure, I’ll take an invite and have a look around.
Thanks
I would love to get an invite as well and check Freebase out.
Thanks,
Invites have been sent!
Do you any more invites? Could I get one?
Dj, your invite has been sent!
Any left? would love to try it out.
Rayan, your invite has been sent!
It looks interesting. I’d like an invite.
Rich, your invite has been sent. And you’re the last one, I have no more invites available at this time.
me, me, me!!
if any become available, can i have one too please…
Sorry, Vijay. I don’t have any more invite, at least not at this time. If they give me some more, I’ll let you know.
Robert,
Can you please invite me as well, once you have more invites available?
Thanks.
Hi,
I’d like an invite as well please, if you have any avaliable.
Thanks
@William: Invitation sent.
if you get your hands on any more free trial invites for freebase, can you send one my way?
thanks.
@ben: Invitation sent.
Thanks! I already got the invite from you!
I’d love one if there are any left. I’m intrigued by what Freebase has to offer and am anxious to check it all out.
Would love an invite, thanks!
Invitations sent!
Do you have any invites. I’m definitely a data junkie and have a passion for learning about the semantic web and the RDF, RDFS and OWL languages. If I get one I’ll I’ll try and add everything I can contribute to make freebase better! Thanks, Pat.
Sent!
I’m also hoping to get an invite… any invites still kicking around?