Google is apparently retracing its steps to improve the relevancy of their image search via the Google image labeler. It seems to be coming on the heels of (well documented) overall dissatisfaction of image search results:

“It is very difficult for image search engines to get at what’s inside a photo and how good a quality photo it is. …image search engines that rely solely on algorithms without any human filtering fall flat compared to results that are filtered through social networks.” Thomas Hawk—CEO of Zoomr

Whether or not this Beta tool (that has labeling cues consistent with “gaming”) is accepted remains unknown.

This tool was originally launched in 2006 and is now re-surfacing in conversation circles (292 blogs on the topic in the last month).

Treating users like sheep by adding an inane point system doesn’t strike me as the most effective method of viral distribution for this sort of effort. If Google were really taking this project seriously, the UI would be vastly more articulate and a greater depth would be added to the ‘gaming’ theme.

Casual gaming is hinged on the ability to appeal to a very primitive mindset; however, empty pointing is even too juvenile for my taste. This is from the prospective of a man interested in football, farts, and fried foods.

To engage the ‘pointing’ masses, the Google brain-trust should follow in the footsteps of MSN live search. If you would like people to aid your search processes, trick them into achieving your end goal.