danimalSK - 9:08 am on Nov 9, 2010 (gmt 0)

the problem with Google is that it is effectively a monopoly (albeit a natural one). most industries tend towards an oligopoly (not just as a result of competition law etc.); the motor industry, telecoms, aviation etc. Google has 90% market share in many European countries - if you operate in one of these countries Google IS the internet.

yes, of course you can drive traffic other than Google, but the reality is that for 95% of the population the first thing they do to find a page is search for it (including the facebook login screen...).