2 Comments

My Google

May 20, 2005
by

Google came out with customizable homepages…http://www.google.com/ig

I have mixed feelings about this, as Google just seems to be getting distracted from its main goal of helping people find information. I understand that personal portals pull desired content, but it’s not a new, revolutionary idea. A personalized homepage with my email and stocks just isn’t that impressive. It’s one of those “been-there-done-that” deals. Additionally, if someone already uses a Yahoo portal, why would they switch? Consumers are habitual creatures. Sure, there’s a lack of advertising on the Google page, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time till AdSense hits.

Filed under: Online Marketing
  • http://adjungle.com/ Brad Waller

    Carolyn, You beat me to it. I have a personalized page with Excite and MyWay, and free email from Excite and gmail. I don't use either of the portals for search, just news, weather, movies, and the basics. I could do the same with Google, but they need to do something special – like let me earn money from the ads they show me – to get me to take the time and trouble to switch.

  • http://adjungle.com/ Brad Waller

    OK, I had to check it out to see what it was like. After seeing it, I was both very impressed and disappointed. You can drag and drop each block to rearrange your page – amazingly cool. But, they waste a ton of screen space at the top with their logo and links. You are a good 300 pixels down the page before you get to content. Finally, their customization and options are limited. I like to get eather for both where I am and where I'll be soon, so I can't get both Redondo Beach and Las Vegas on the page…