Google have the right model to making money in the digital world. Relevant, unobrusive ads attached to FREE services, which costs users nothing and doesn't inconvenience them, in fact it is the very opposite. I don't mind adverts on websites, except for popups (which almost don't exist anymore) and for big flashy eye-hurting adverts, and for adverts that try to trick you. Besides these, I can live with advertising. In fact, very often I do click on advertising, and sometimes it even ends up in me making a purchase, or at the very least, being impressed at a company and/or its services/products, which I would then recommend to others, or keep in mind for the future. I don't use an Ad-blocker anymore. It makes me feel disconnected to the rest of the world. This is all thanks to Google.
When companies stop trying to trick their (potential) customers, treat them decently, and try not to rip them off, or limit or restrict them, they stand to make lots of money. All they need to do is be innovative, listen to their (potential) customers, don't try to rip them off or inconvenience them, don't try to sue them to set examples (heard of all the kids being sued or arrested for illegal downloads??) and make a compelling offer, and they stand to make big money. This is what people want. And this is what Google have done, and they've proven that it is a successful business model. Google don't go suing kids or others, like Microsoft, Apple, and the music, movie and gaming industries. They have a very good reputation among all users around the world. They are very often even hailed as "the great saviour" of the interwebz.
Thats what companies need to do to make money in the new digital age - don't piss your users off. These companies need start being really really innovative and smart about how they do things. We're reaching a tipping point, where those that do this will survive, and those that don't will die a slow painful death.
Piracy FTW!! Viva!
