Google, The Big Underdog
WordPress database error: [Unknown column 'pollq_multiple' in 'field list']
SELECT pollq_id, pollq_question, pollq_totalvotes, pollq_timestamp, pollq_expiry, pollq_multiple, pollq_totalvoters FROM wp_pollsq WHERE pollq_id = 3 LIMIT 1
Is Google Too Powerful? I don’t think so.
While Google’s billions are impressive even to the most jaded critic, let’s look at the Google agenda and put all this in perspective. The company has some pretty big hurdles to overcome in the near future.
It is a uniquely American sport for the media to build up and then tear down the biggest, most successful people and companies. Google is definitely on the way up.
One can’t seem to pickup The New York Times without seeing one of the 1,100 times it has mentioned Google in the last 12 months or BusinessWeek with the 1,436 times it has mentioned Google in the last 12 months including Rob Hof’s April 9, 2007, cover story.
When one turns-off the Google PR machine and puts down the Google obsessed news media in all its forms, Google has a myriad of challenges ahead.
A quick look shows it is Google vs. the world—a lot like most start-ups I know… only a little bigger ;)-
1. Google vs. All Web Publishers
Google is competing for advertising dollars from the very web publishers it depends for its search and contextual (Adsense) distribution deals. These are both the big guys (CNN.com, FoxNews.com, CNET.com, etc.) and the Long Tail which, according to Technorati, includes over 70 million bloggers. Web publishers today are mercenary and will drop Google Adsense or anyone else in a millisecond if they think the next guy will provide better advertising revenue payout (along with some service and quality).
If you think this makes Google not as powerful as the media king makers suggest, vote “No” in the poll below.
2. Google vs. All (Web and non-Web) Publishers (Again)
Google aims to “organize all the world’s information”.
OK, the company just picked a fight with all the world’s publishers including newspapers, magazines, newswire and database services, music and movie companies and book publishers. They have managed to upset both the international French wire service AFP (Agence France-Presse) and the entire country of France. And more recently the company has sent Belgian Courts into a tizzy about copyrights. And if you are a book publisher or music company, get in line.
If you think this makes Google not as powerful as the media king makers suggest, vote “No” in the poll below.
3. Google vs. All Advertising Agencies or Google as “Frienemy”
Sir Martin Sorrell, Chairman and CEO of WPP Group, the world’s largest buyer of media, called Google a “Frienemy” at an investor conference in December –that’s part friend and part enemy. Google’s purchase of dMarc (radio advertising, its testing of print advertising sales and its purchase of YouTube and impending foray into video and television ads has agency clients excited about new marketing channels and their agencies concerned about disintermediation.
If you think this makes Google not as powerful as the media king makers suggest, vote “No” in the poll below.
4. Google vs. All Advertising Networks
Google is the world’s largest advertising network with 99% of its revenue dollars coming from advertisers. Google is a broker, pure and simple. Who wants a part of these dollars besides Microsoft, Yahoo! and AOL? Oh, about 200+ other advertising networks.
If you think this makes Google not as powerful as the media king makers suggest, vote “No” in the poll below.
5. Google Aims to “Do No Evil”
We know Googliath has already alienated the entire country of France. Now, just call Amnesty International how they feel about Google’s capitulation and kowtowing to the People’s Republic of China or talk to them in person at Google’s annual meeting on May 11th –they will be the guys outside the building holding the placards. I’m sure the video of the protest will be on YouTube.
If you think this makes Google not as powerful as the media king makers suggest, vote “No” in the poll below.
Most companies don’t pursue such ambitious agendas. Google has a lot of challenges ahead. Google has a lot of forces to battle—publishers, advertisers, ad agencies, ad networks, entire countries and the force of evil.
Let’s root for the Big Underdog. Go Google!
If you think this makes Google not as powerful as the media king makers suggest, vote “No” in the poll below.
| Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. |
Sphere It