Do you see Google as a big threat to small web sites and affliates

Google has started it with travel sector

[eddie111]

On the other day i was looking for airfare from los angeles to san francisco, i was amazed to see the box by google there. Seems they have affiliated with all the major travel sites.

What looks disturbing to me is its only the starting. They are going to target all the sectors which generate enough revenue or PPC campaign.

On one google is charging 2-3$ from the maximum bidder and just beside that you can see google's own affiliate links.

[LifeinAsia]

Can you explain better what you mean? Are you trying to say that Google shouldn't be allowed to use its own site to monetize its searches?

Advertisers' bidding is market driven. The advertisers themselves decide how much they want to spend. In general, travel-related campaigns always command a premium on any site because it is such a competitive field.

[eddie111]

Google is monetizing through Adwords, no issues, but inserting google's own affiliate links on top of SERP's disturbs me.

[LifeinAsia]

Okay, I understand what you mean now. Hmmm, I definitely see your point.

If it weren't very relevant, I would definitely have a problem with it. But if I search for "airfare from los angeles to san francisco" and Google gives me a box where I can instantly check fares on several different sites, I'd have to say that's pretty relevant.

I suppose I would like a little better indication that Google was monetizing that part (I'm also assuming that they actually are monetizing it), just like they clearly mark their "Sponsored Links."

[66sore]

They have the power now. It's a delicate process of brand image.

Some brands go sour overnight (Audi, New Coke).