Susan Wojcicki Statement re Related Searches

This blank space brought to you by Google.

[martinibuster]

In an article [internetnews.com] about the Google I-Village deal:

If Google cannot figure out a page's content, it will serve a blank ad with a message, "This blank space brought to you by Google."

Likewise, a small related-searches link will appear at the bottom of all AdSense units for self-service customers. The changes will not affect premium AdSense partners like iVillage.

The related-searches boxes will also undoubtedly serve to increase traffic to Google's site. Wojcicki said small publishers directing the searches would not share in the revenue generated from clicks on paid searches there.

[PolishGuy]

The related-searches boxes will also undoubtedly serve to increase traffic to Google's site. Wojcicki said small publishers directing the searches would not share in the revenue generated from clicks on paid searches there.

This is blatant violation of monopolistic position of Google. Forget Bill Gates. Google is evil.

[edited by: Marcia at 5:35 pm (utc) on Aug. 8, 2003]

[Clark]

At least in that sentence she is saying it straight. What I'd like to reply to that is the following sentence:

"The idea is the publishers want to control the look and feel of the site and they want to control the look and feel of the ads," Wojcicki said.

Exactly.

[valortrade]

The related-searches boxes will also undoubtedly serve to increase traffic to Google's site. Wojcicki said small publishers directing the searches would not share in the revenue generated from clicks on paid searches there.

As I said before, it looked Google was a little unsatisfied to the current revenue flow from Adsense. Through adding "related search", they could solidify their "core" SE & ads business. Not any further payout rate issue with Adsense publishers.

The biggest beneficiary is Google. No direct impact on those "heavyweight" contextual ads publishers. Less choice for us, "small fish/shrimp".

[loanuniverse]

This is blatant violation of monopolistic position of Google. Forget Bill Gates. Google is evil.

Polishguy:

Did you take the ads from your site or sites? I mean that would be the right thing to do if you think they are evil.

Or is it more of a Faust-like relationship?

[Chndru]

Monopoly in any business is bad, however good they may/would/could have been. Who aint allured by the $.

[PolishGuy]

Did you take the ads from your site or sites?

No and I am not going to remove them. I also never ever block any ads.

I am making content web sites out of fun, not for money.... my primare directive is not to interfere with the healthy development of alien life and culture... wait, a minute, it was from Star Trek virtual reality... in this reality: not to censor AdSense banners.

[Rearden]

I'm not too thrilled with the related searches either, but sheesh, "biting the hand that feeds you" comes to mind.

"That evil monopoly is audacious enough to exploit me by...umm...paying me to run ads that I put on my site!"

[crookyboy]

This is blatant violation of monopolistic position of Google. Forget Bill Gates. Google is evil.

a bit harsh my friend

[Made In Sheffield]

Personally I think it adds value to the offering, people would only go and search for it anyway, it just makes it easier for them and gives them a more positive experience of your site.

I don't have a problem with it.

[PolishGuy]

Made_In_Sheffield said:

Personally I think it adds value to the offering, people would only go and search for it anyway, it just makes it easier for them and gives them a more positive experience of your site.
I don't have a problem with it.

For some of my sites yes, but for other absolutely no! Selected searches for some sites are a good extension, but for others they are the most certain way to tell to readers "look, this web site is lame, why not dumping it altogether and do some googling for pleasure, leisure and fun?"...