Don’t Do a Google
If actions speak louder than words, and a picture paints a thousand words, take a look at this image and ask yourself what message it portrays.
If you’re a business owner, would you bring out a new product that could change the way your customers use your service (and that of your competitors) forever, yet not allow them to use it via your service?
That’s like a restaurant that employs the best chef then delivers the food to the restaurant across the street. Or Ford coming up with an amazing safety feature and then making it work in every vehicle except Ford cars and trucks. It’s using your smarts and then opening up the brains to everyone but your team.
You’re not doing a Google, are you?
9 Responses to “Don’t Do a Google”
I agree that it could definitely be looked at that way, Jason. But let's say (for a moment) that it's a paid service and the money goes to the provider – a bit like cable. Do you think Google would have been so quick to release to what are essentially competitors, or held off and made sure they were making it for their business model?
If that were the case I would agree with you more. However, in this example Google sidewiki IS a free service. It is not that I am struggling with the concept, just with the term “doing a google”.
one word
duh.
amazing slip up in my book
Interesting post Danny and this isn't the first example – I love Chrome and have been using it exclusively – and it is just now to a point where it's Blogger interface is as good as Blogger through IE/FF.
That is crazy. It is almost like they are admitting their search engine is bad and no one is using it.
Strange, isn't it? They have some of the best and most user-friendly products around, yet they seem to hinder more than most when some simple forward planning might have helped.
Initially, I'm inclined to agree with you Danny. However, Jason makes a really good point. You could look at it as genius or insane. Either way, there's a fine line.
I guess what it comes down to is this, we have no way of knowing what Google was thinking. Until we do, we can't really pass judgment on their decision.
Tessa Carroll
http://www.blogs.vbpoutsourcing.com
I understand where you are coming from, but couldn't one also see that and think “Wow, Google has a product ready for FF and IE and instead of withholding it from people who could use until they finish tying up a few loose ends on their own platform, they decide to release it.” I guess what I am trying to say is I don't think it portrays such a negative message.