Commence Rant about Google… Now
Allow me a moment to express my feelings about Google. I am fully aware that there are a lot of “Google haters” out there who believe Google is out to get us, steal our information, control the world, bring about the apocalypse, the list goes on. Same goes for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and any other service that we have willingly given our personal information to. Its kinda strange when you think about it. We willingly give all of our information to them, put all our eggs in their basket, and then go crazy that they are misusing it or making changes which are supposed to improve our experience. Oh, and lets not forget the important changes layout or site re-design.
Every time one of these services change their privacy policy, there is an eruption of criticism with people threatening to protest or leave the service. Honestly, I am more surprised that all these people actually read these privacy agreements in the first place when they first joined, because I know I for sure didn’t.
I just don’t care about these things. If it really bothered me, I would shut down my account. And if it truly bothered enough people, they would ALL shut down their accounts. If all the people who complain took action, eventually, Google, Facebook, etc. would start to get the message (remember the strike against SOPA). But we aren’t seeing that happen.
Why am I writing this now?
For two reasons.
1. Google has recently launched a new change in their privacy policy. This change was prompted because Google has over 70 differnt privacy policies across all their products. I think it makes perfect sense that they merge them. I am personally not at all concerned and doubt very much that it will change weather or not I use Gmail or any other Google products. In fact, what they are proposing will make the way ads are served to you more relevant. I just don’t see the down side.
2. I just read 2 articles in Search Engine Land. One where Amit Singhal weighs in on Search Plus Your World (SPYW) and the other where Eric Ward said he gets about 6 million pageviews a year to his site, and Google is responsible for less than 6% of those visits (which is incredible and vert smart to diversify). I have no clue why anyone would be annoyed about SPYW. All its goign to do is enhance the user experiance. I will give it to you, currently the product is flawed and Search Results have not brought their A game lately, but I have faith in Google. Sure, they launch products that aren’t finished, but they are always working to improve them. I fail to see why that’s bad. And not only that, we have seen from the launch of Google Plus that not only are they constantly improving, they are also taking user feedback to make these improvements.
If you don’t like it, then do what Eric does. Don’t rely on them. But for sure don’t complain about it. People build entire businesses relying on the free service Google provides and then when it disappears, they cry foul play.
Their Strength is their Weakness
What I see as one of Google’s biggest strength and forward thinking is what they are most often criticized for, which I guess makes sense because thats just how things work (wait, what?!?!). Frankly, it’s insane to me. In fact, just yesterday, I had to clear my cache and SPYW stopped working on my computer. I am distraught over it!
While all the haters are complaining about Google, I will go back to enjoying my Gmail, Google Contacts and Google Calendar which are all synced to my Android powered phone allowing me to get all my information at my fingertips for free. I will also Google maps for directions when I need to get around chicago, along with the handy tool which gives me bus and train times built in. And when I need to call a friend in Canada, I will use my Google Voice account and call them, for free. Or perhaps I could video caht with them on a Google Hangout and bring more then one person into the conversation. Oh, and dare I forget the free, typically highly relevant, information I get when I search in the search engine they have created. Oh, did I mention this was all free?
You have my permission, not that you need it
Google, please continue to grow and innovate. And if that means combining my information to give me a better experience, go for it. I just don’t see a downside.
But please, haters, continue hating. And watch this to make sure you know what you are really hating
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jHxfJW7Zww[/youtube]
End Rant