Search Wiki is a dynamic search tool that allows users to customize the Google search result page by re-ranking, deleting, adding and commenting on search results. The feature is available only for logged-in users. It is a big deal for Google, they have just taken the first step of launching its basic version and other processes like vandalism, libel, history, messiness, collaboration and other wiki matters are still hidden.

Will Search Wiki affect rankings? Currently it doesn't have any influence on the Hidden wiki
overall ranking algorithm. Google has clearly explained that the customized search result will be available only for logged-in users and users can see how people have collectively edited the search results for specific search keywords by clicking on the "See all notes for this SearchWiki" link.

Even if Google plans to take personalized results into account on search results, it will be a welcome change to boost informational sites with high relevancy to appear in the top rankings as only users can judge the best site rather than any other professionals. If this becomes reality, in order to gain rankings webmasters will be keen in offering the desired information for end users.

On the other hand, they can also ask their friends and families or even hire people to move their site to number one position in their wiki pages. Some webmasters may even spam with negative comments to remove their competitors' site from search result pages. On Wiki Search at the 2009 SMX West conference, Corey Anderson, a Google engineer, stated that they will be reviewing the comments very carefully to avoid any red flag or black hat motives. This activity will ensure that website rankings are not affected by this kind of spam.

Currently, Google gathers information from everything you are searching for, regardless of if you are logged in or not, for ranking a site. According to me, using personalized results in the ranking algorithm is a good idea as long as spam is avoided. This feature will encourage webmasters to provide only informative content on their site.