Almanesiac

Dictionary Squared is the creation of an old friend of mine, and it's a pretty interesting simple algorithm for displaying word usage by employing (I've been told) Google's search function, delivering usage examples much to the same effect as does the OED. In this case, the rub is that the answers are arbitrary in their selection, or at least follow internet search parameters, in stark opposition to the process the OED uses to supply its usage examples (at times, the origin of the word itself). This idea is something that critic John Simon would shake his fist at-- a neat if not aggressive tool based in the association of words with their colloquial usage, if it works as I imagine it will. Even if priority is given to academic resources online to supply the examples, the responses will still be inclusive in scope. It may be a very neat little idea to thwart the likes of Simon, since his stalwart defense against "misuse" of usage leaves little room for this kind of bottom-up, mechanized democratization in language. Anyway, it's cool.