Dave Bouwman does some prognosticating about the how Google might one day monetize Google Maps. Given that Google Maps and Google Earth have a lot of data in common, this is of interest to those wondering about eventual revenue models for Google Earth.
My own prognostication, if I may, is that I think Google will stick to contextual text ads, perhaps in a discrete transparent overlay near where the scale now is in Google Maps. In Google Earth, you might have Google text ads taking up some screen real estate, perhaps in a browser window that is forced to stay open in the free version.
But this is just brainstorming, really. I have no idea what’s in store. (Link via Spatially Adjusted)
PS. Sorry about the pun in the title. I’m sure he gets that all the time.
Dear Dave,
I’ve spent almost 40 years building up sales resistance, which allows me to withstand exposure to any level of advertising. There may have been negative side effects. I wonder how much of my Attention Deficit is broad-brush, reflexive tuning out of media clutter. Then I find I still can’t tune out someone eating with their mouth open, and realize it’s all physiology.
I do have my kryptonite. In a textbook, there’s an ad with a rubber duck with a tear in its eye. The message is that going without vaccinations is dangerous for children. Aaaahh!! When they use something that’s sad and cute, I’m still poor, and I know I can’t replace the poor ducky’s kid, but I want to search the Earth for another bereaved duck, so they can form a support group.
But enough of that. As far as Google advertising, I’m not worried. US National Public Radio gave them not just “best of a bad lot,” but actually high marks for setting ads apart from non-sponsored search results, and not pushing corporate partners higher (and competitors lower), as the other search engines were found to do. I think Google will act responsibly.
I don’t think that because I’m naive, I think they realize they don’t have to shove sales pitches at people. When I go to Google, I’m looking for something. I’ll let them know, as best as I can, what I’m trying to find.
As is, I really wish there was a way I could go to a virtual local mall and find products I want, and the various prices, locations and so on. I think we all would like to be able to shop more effectively.
From the other end, businesses would like to get more for their advertising and general marketing budgets. Paying only to give information to people who want it, and really want to buy would be ideal for them, too.
I don’t expect the perfect marketplace any time soon, but I think we’re making some progress.