Why I am Boycotting Google

February 28, 2011 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

Google’s announcement to go after “content farms” has me furious. I am so angry that I have abandoned Chrome, despite how much I like it. I have switched my default search engine to DuckDuckGo, a wonderful option if you haven’t tried it yet. There are several reasons behind my boycott of Google.

I work for those sites.
Not all of those sites targeted by Google are evil. Yes, some are crap. I won’t deny that. I work with sites where editing is topnotch, the owners donate to charity, and good SEO is practiced. A mediocre site should not be rewarded with better ranking if they cannot practice the simple principles of good web content.

Google has too much power.
It’s one thing to try and deliver good content. I am all for a business doing what it can without interference. However, I am sure that you must agree that Google has ventured into a different area altogether. It has a social responsibility comparable to its reach. Google has gone after JC Penney, Overstock, Yahoo, Demand Media, and countless others. Their drive for “quality” can impact many people’s livelihoods.

What about the innocent private sellers on Overstock just trying to make a living? Or those writing to break into the field? A company which can potentially pull the rug under so many people based on a whim has too much power. These people won’t get unemployment benefits. They will not be part of the statistics, yet these are the same people who took their lives in their own hands to make a living despite the odds. Google is going to penalize their efforts.

Google is a hypocrite.
It’s one thing to censor. It’s another thing entirely if you defend yourself in court over it, rant on about freedom, yet you try to censor others. I can’t imagine anything more hypocritical. Google, don’t you remember all that fuss about Street View? Re-read your own defense if you need a reminder. You are doing the very thing you fought against.

Google is shooting itself in the foot.
Does Google not realize the impact–to itself and its bottom line? Those sites that they have chosen to band carry ads–Google ads. Is Google that secure in its future to toss away ad revenue? Bear in mind, online ad revenue is down. Also, what about all of those advertisers? Do you think for one minute that they will not been enraged with lost sales?

I’ll admit; it’s not easy. I’ve become Google-dependent over the years. It’ll take time to break free from their stranglehold. However, I will do it. As sure as I’m writing this, I will give up benefiting a company with no foresight into the repercussions of its actions. I don’t Google it anymore; I duckduck go it.

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Freelancing with Your Spouse

February 22, 2011 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

After my husband’s surgery to correct an aortic aneurysm, we are now settling into our new lifestyle. My husband is now telecommuting, a welcome change especially after our 20 inch snowfall over the last two days.

It has been a challenge to say the least. I like to sleep in. Waking up at 8, 9 or even 10 is not uncommon. I stay up late past 12 to get in my me-time. My husband falls asleep at 10:30 pm as if by clockwork. The schedule works for us. I cherish my time and he likes his sleep.

Honestly, I love him being at home. His work involves phone calls and lots of talking. I sit alone and research my articles. We don’t talk much despite the fact that we are less than 20 feet away in our cozy lakeside cabin. He does his thing, I do mine.

From a writing perspective, I have felt a need to asset my independence. I want to try meditating and nature music therapy to treat my high blood pressure and as a form of stress management. Yes, we do still experience stress if we work from home. I feel obligated to interact and reluctant to listen to my nature music. This is the only major roadblock we’ve encountered.

Our plan is to go out for lunch at least once a week. We can both work remotely so time on the boat is part of the game. I love the time being with my husband. Once we’ve worked out our schedules, it will be bliss.

Tags: freelance