This is actually a reasonable approach to the problem. Currently many artificial intelligence problems are focusing on compiling lists of common knowledge, the structure of languages and their uses. As this task is completed, the gap between computer classification and human classification is closing. Another way that search engines will improve is through user interaction. It shouldn t be that long before we get a handle on searching the vast databases of our planet, and make information valuable.
Information is only powerful if it relevant.
Building Domain-Specific Search engines with Machine Learning Techniques. March 22-24, Stanford. Information Filtering and Information Retreival.