Stumping Google

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081126 Stumping Google

(November 26, 2008) In the office, we all use Gmail. The array of features and overlay applications make it a "must use" tool. Google is seeping into the corners of our lives. They have become our partner and we didn’t even notice.

The holidays and shifting economic times make for a difficult realization. If Google decided to charge $500/month tomorrow morning, we’d have to pay. Google has us right where they want us.

So, we’ve been looking for the things we haven’t noticed.

Probably the most pernicious and quietly intrusive thing our new partner does is ad placement on emails.

In the midst of an ongoing discussion about financing the kids college education, Google provides ads from lawyers who help you declare bankruptcy.
An early version of this article, pasted into an email titled "stumping google" got ads for shoring jacks, Jump Fly (an Ad Sense service), and Dream Cricket.
William Tincup sent me a note the other day called J to the PIE (an inside joke, I’m noodling a piece for him). Google provided "Why Am I Fat? Parasites Living Inside You. Don’t Believe it, See It For Real".
Responses to invitations for the Recruiting Roadshow generate stuff from "NoNonsesenseJobSearch.com" (The Real Skinny on Recruiters)

So, we decided to invent a parlor game for the holidays. "Stumping Google" was invented as we started to try to provoke Google and predict the response. We started sending goofy emails just to see what ads they’d get.

The email, from me to myself, said "The paternity test was positive." Google said "Recruiters in Russia", "Dubai Recruiting", "Daily Positive Attitude" and "Positive Attitude Test"
A blank email title "Please cancel my subscription" generated two guitar chord websites, an acai berry warning and Kid Rock’s IQ (118)
And so on

The stated object of the game, Stumping Google is to generate an email that Google can’t or won’t generate ads for. This means that you have to use GMail. You can send the mail to yourself or a friend (it doesn’t seem to matter to google).

We’ll be playing this weekend. If the idea tickles your fancy, let me know (john-at-johnsumser.com)

About the author

John Sumser

John Sumser is a principal analyst for HRExaminer, an independent analyst firm covering HR Technology and the intersection of people, tech, and work. John’s mix of experience over the course of his career gives him a broad and unique perspective on the industry. Like anyone trying to process a lot of information, he is two or three steps ahead in some areas and still learning about others. Sumser’s work includes deep research into the nooks and crannies of HR Technology to identify and explain rapidly evolving trends. Built on a foundation of engineering, design, and philosophy, John’s seeks to understand and advise clients on where their technology works best, for whom, and in what context. Each year, John examines the insides of hundreds of companies, their products, and ecosystems. He delivers vendor analysis by building the framework from which to deliver the critique. He is constantly connecting and making visible the front end of change. He can help you see the path of evolution and the risks on the journey. The HRExaminer is Sumser’s vehicle for understanding and explaining the inner workings of the industry. With three weekly podcasts, and written commentary, he covers emerging ideas, the state of the industry, and the executives who operate it.

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