So where is this going? A search engine whose rankings are made by editors paid by a consortium of companies?

The editors would have to be paid in some way (reputation, job prospects or cash) because the result would be exploited by for-profit companies in some dimension.

That said, the idea could actually work -- and become an actual public good in the process (not unlike Linux) -- a status Google has only provisionally.

"The editors would have to be paid in some way ... because the result would be exploited by for-profit companies in some dimension."

I'm not sure that follows. Or at least, they're going to try to see if people can be induced to do it for the sheer joy and happiness, or perhaps protection of their top rankings!

I mean, if you got the #1 spot for a keyword, maybe you'd be willing to fight off spammers to keep that spot ...

They'd certainly be willing to fight off all the other spammers to keep that spot.

I think That this just gives more options to every day people looking for the right information I think it's a wonderful thing! I say good luck!