I’ve been critical of Google. Still am. They pandered to dictators. They’re the largest advertisement company in the world, and the sneakiest. They’re too powerful.
However, these days i find myself using more and more Google products. Google Notebook, Google Calendar, of course Gmail, i’m working calls to Google API (well, XML) into my pet projects.
Work was rather quiet last week, so i found myself personalizing my iGoogle page, bringing different (Google and other) tools into one convenient start page. iGoogle has themes now, which change in function of the time of day. Very cute.
I see myself as a rather principled person, but apparently i’m easily corruptible. Give me good design, ease of use, and an attractive interface, and i’ll go against my higher ideals. And i’ll hand Google much of my personal data. Oh well.
Let’s be honest..
While it’s healthy to stay sceptic when it comes to companies who (potentially) hold great power, Google has by no means a reputation of abuse or leaking.
Personally, I give them the benefit of the doubt.
1. They deliver great products with no cost, except personalized advertisments.
2. They fully respect the end user’s privacy.
3. If you’ve ever seen a movie about the Google company and the people who work there, you realise they are insanely do-gooders.
Just my 20 euros
(inflation!)
Maybe the people at Google are good – but it’s a stock quoted company. Which means not the people at Google, but their shareholders decide where it’s going.
Usually they decide to go where the money is, regardless of morals. It’s a flaw of the system.
But i do hope you’re right
I totally agree with you. For me, Google is good right now and wants to improve the users experience with new and innovative solutions.
Right now, no need to worry since they’re still in a growing postion with tons of cash and the liberty to act how they want. The problem will be shareholders and when Larry and Sergey will leave the boat. With the quantity of data they have and the number of services they offer, they can really be a great danger. But for now, I’m staying in the boat. Sure hope it’ll stay like that a few more years
amen