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Apr
22

Googled

I despise Google’s power over people, almost as much as I despise Mac computers (that is a whole other issue). While I do use a couple Google service (Analytics and Feedburner), I do so very grudgingly. Analytics is used only because there is no other tool quite as complete, although if someone created one, I would definitely switch. Feedburner is the same, I started with it when it was owned on it’s own, but then Google bought it  (ugh!) and I had to keep it because it controlled my RSS feed. I don’t use gmail, I don’t use Google docs, I don’t use anything else in google for the simple reason that I do not like how the tools work. Oh, and before you ask, no, I don’t use Google for search, I use Bing.

The first thing that happens when I tell someone my stand on Google is complete shock. Then the inevitable: “You just don’t like them because you’ve never used them”. Wrong. I don’t like them because I have used them. Many times. Tested, tried, and tested again. Even tried Google Wave when it came out. Not impressed one bit. The next thing that happens is they ask what I use. My answer, “a variety of tools from many different companies (carbonite, gotomypc, roboform), but most of my main tools are Microsoft based (including Outlook).” To which I always get the same comments; “Ugh, Microsoft sucks” or “how do you know that you will have your data when you need it?”.

It is because of my stand on Google and the comments I receive that I find the most recent debacle with Google so darn funny (in an ironic way, not a haha way). Unlike it’s faithful users Chapman and Brogan, Google doesn’t affect me. I am not a slave to one company, product or service, and were something to have an issue (my calendar, my email, my phone, etc), it wouldn’t all be in the same place and therefore would not completely interrupt my life!

Moral of the story? Just because the product you use seems so great, doesn’t mean it is infallible.

**I am on week 2 of my stand against blog titles. Click the link to learn why.**

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Category: Inspired by Other Blogs, Wright Point of View
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  • http://www.jontusmedia.com/ Jon Buscall

    Ah, a bit of a rant! Great stuff.

    Actually, I know what you mean though. They ARE everywhere. What gets me though is that they keep releasing half-baked products. Wave was not ready to release. Buzz is not going to kill Twitter unless they develop Apps and, well, now that Google Docs has got notes in it Docs could spell the end for the collaborative Wave. It's like they haven't got a clear strategy.

    And what with Facebook's Like button now putting social firmly on the agenda you can see them taking even more of a knock.

    Personally, I love to mix and match a bit of everything. Well, as long as it works on my Macs!!!

    • kirstenwright

      Jon,

      I couldn't agree more and I think that you hit the nail on the head about their sub-par products. They keep creating things that aren't needed and I feel like they just waste money – which is very frustrating.

      I will be interested to see how Facebook's like button affects all other sites too.

  • http://agoodtimewithwine.com mmwine

    I am sure your reasons are quite sound as to why you don't like google. That's cool, I of COURSE respect your position. I don't understand your dislike for Macs, and think that's a bit maligned – but I digress from THIS blog post :)

    Google works, well, for me. GMail is an amazing tool. It allows me to filter my emails, set up rules, not have to worry about disc space ever, and is searchable. I can access my email on the web – which usually cant be done from outlook – and it's integrated into my email client if I want.

    Google wave was horrible – I dropped it day 2 of beta. I'm not a fan of Buzz either – never even turned it on. However, I like, very much, what google does for my email. I also like their maps, and their search. I havent found anything about google search that makes me want to switch. What are your reasons, exactly?

    • kirstenwright

      Matt,

      For me, I think the issues with Google are a big part about the UI, I don't find their services easy to use nor intuitive of what I think makes sense of where things should be. Every time I try to work with their products, I feel like a lost puppy, confused about where to go. When I had to use “help” to figure out things that are so simple in Outlook or Bing, I knew Google just wasn't for me. Secondly, with the email thing – disc space isn't an issue for me (I have 2 TB) but my email is also stored online for me. Finally, Outlook's calendar feature is simpler, easier to use and I find it much better for me personally.

      And the Mac thing…well, it's just my personal preference ;)

      • http://agoodtimewithwine.com mmwine

        Kirsten
        Everyone has their preference, and of course, if we didn't there wouldn't be anywhere near as much business in the world, right? I've long hated the lack of functionality most Micro$oft products have. Outlook is so clunky, it makes me weep. Mail on my mac isnt better though, so they both lose. Outlook has a nice calendar, but so does my mac, which is integrated with my iPhone (yes, I'm a fanboi!)

        I dont really use Google's calendar, though I do sync it with my iPhone/iCal just because.

        I'm glad you've found tools that work for you. The most important thing is finding the right tool.

        For me, it's a mac though :) After years of building my own PCs, being a big Dell fan, etc, i bought my first Mac in Dec 2006. It took a while to get used to, about 3-4 weeks but the level of detail, the quality of the programs, and the over all ease of use blows away any windows machine. I've had 3 diff Mac laptops and an IMac since then – and I'll never buy another windows based machine again. I've helped 4 or 5 other people see the light. Hopefully, you will too one day ;)

        Matt

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