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New from Google

artmo
Aspiring Champion
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Registered: ‎12-08-2007

New from Google

Just had details of this service from a friend in the US.  It looks good and I hope Google introduce it here at some time.
http://www.google.com/goog411/
12 REPLIES 12
Lurker
Grafter
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Registered: ‎23-10-2008

Re: New from Google

Looks very good!
Like you, I hope they introduce it over here.
artmo
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Re: New from Google

Friends who have used the service say it works well.  I guess Google earn their money by getting the businesses to subscribe to the service.
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Grafter
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Registered: ‎23-10-2008

Re: New from Google

Ah - I hope not, as that makes it far less useful.
I thought it was simply a loss leader that makes the most recognised brand even more pervasive in our lives - I don't think I'd use it if it only found companies that have paid to be featured.
dvorak
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Re: New from Google

Depends, would you want to be the one company who isn't listed? Could be a case of one in all in, assuming the price is right, i.e. cheaper than the yellow pages.
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artmo
Aspiring Champion
Posts: 19,524
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Registered: ‎12-08-2007

Re: New from Google

I'll see if I can find out.  Initially I thought the same as you adewoo.
Lurker
Grafter
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Registered: ‎23-10-2008

Re: New from Google

I was meaning from a consumer POV.
I already ignore 'sponsored links' on Google, on the basis that the G Machine should return the most relevant results at the top of the search results, and if somebody can only get their business in front of me by paying, you have to question their reputation and relevance.
MrC
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Re: New from Google

Quote from: James_G
I already ignore 'sponsored links' on Google, on the basis that the G Machine should return the most relevant results at the top of the search results, and if somebody can only get their business in front of me by paying, you have to question their reputation and relevance.

But at least Google make it easy to separate the hit-based and the paid-for search results and therefore you can make that choice.
Personally I'm quite happy with Google. It provides a huge raft of excellent services free to the consumer without the plethora of advertising seen elsewhere. However, there's no such thing as a free lunch so someone has to pay for it somewhere.
Mike
artmo
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Re: New from Google

Google do not charge suppliers for this service.
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Grafter
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Registered: ‎23-10-2008

Re: New from Google

So how do they pay for it then? Presumably from their deep pockets.
I wonder how they will monetise it in future (if at all).
artmo
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Re: New from Google

In fairness to Google they say there is no charge at this time.  I guess they will make a charge in due course just like sticking an ad in Yellow Pages.
mal0z
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Registered: ‎02-10-2008

Re: New from Google

Not sure why I should trust Google to select a supplier for me ?.
artmo
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Re: New from Google

It's not only suppliers.  If you wanted the number of a local sports club for instance then you could ask for this.  Likewise railway stations, airports etc.