12 replies to this topic

[robertclough]

http://www.businessw..._9018_tc047.htm

Snippet:
Taken to its logical extension of providing an interface for every popular service or sector on the Web, Google becomes the omnipresent middleman and a clear and present danger to just about any company that relies on the Internet for commerce. Which, increasingly, is every company in the developed world.

[gstark]

Interesting article.

Since I learned there is javascript on every Google search result that returns
your search info to the Googleplex, I have been thinking about the unique place Google occupies at the center of online culture and commerce.

Not to wax too paranoic, but since we live in a 'Google everywhere' world,
they are collecting an incredible sea of data.

I don't think there has ever been anything like it in history.

Tracking the global clickstream... my goodness.

It surely is worth noticing and maybe even thinking about.

[t49]

Just wait until Big Brother gets his hands on Googles pie [ charts,etc. ] and don't think he won't/can't ... the laws are already in place.

I had typed several more lines,but decided to delete them ... to keep from getting myself deleted [from this forum,at least ]

Tom

[jbelle]

Since I learned there is javascript on every Google search result that returns...

If you're using Adwords and want to track conversions, Google has a new feature that allows you to do this now, but insists you use a little graphic on your "thanks" page to "let users know they're being tracked."

I'm just confused; there's probably a distinction here, but I don't see it. I couldn't really understand their reasoning several months ago (seemed more like an advertising thing to me).

[JamesW]

I wouldn't quite start worrying just yet. Certain experts are actually predicting that Google's search market share will fall over the next couple of years as others, such as MSN, start to gain more custom.

Cheers

James

[projectphp]

If y'all are worried about being tracked, just turn off cookies or, better still, turn off third party cookies or set them to prompt, which if you do so, will shock you with how many you get.

Online tracking is unique, but as 99.9% is anonymous, then it isn't really an invasion of privacy or a big concern IMHO. Unless, of course, you have a static IP Address, never del;ete cookies and regularly give out your name address etc etc.

[gstark]

I wouldn't quite start worrying just yet. Certain experts are actually predicting that Google's search market share will fall over the next couple of years as others, such as MSN, start to gain more custom.

Sure, but at the moment Google knows more about what folks do than any private institution in history (perhaps bested only by Carnivore and Echelon).

I am not worried, but I do feel that this is a noteworthy state of affairs.

[flasht75]

I have been reading through most Google related posts, and still cannot find any real answers about what's really going on. I suppose because there ARE none, at this point? The article on searchenginepostion.com was good, but still not revealing, and I'm not sure where to look? Besides this forum of course... I just can't handle the clients asking about something I can't understand! At my company they're still using the 'google adwords' theory.
sincerely,
flasht

[bwelford]

Perhaps you may find the Newsletter in my signature helpful.

[Ambys]

Barry...That is an exceptional article and one that you obviously dedicated alot of effort. Very impressive, very logical and well-presented.

[Steve Sardell]

Barry,

Enjoyed your article. It is very well researched and written.

[flasht75]

Hi Barry,
Your article helped me a lot...I really appreciate you sharing it! It's one of the best I've come across.

[bwelford]

Thanks for all the kind words. I really appreciate them.