Mathew's comments - Latest Comments in Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Stuart MacDonald — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 17:09:11 -0000

I was blown away when I learned it. They have apparently acquired some sites with strong traffic in specific verticals. I'd need to dig into the ComScore data to better understand it (and I don't have a subscription anymore - how about a comp, Brent? ;)) and it is not impossible that this is a one-month-wonder (you used to be able to pop your MediaMetrix reach numbers for a one-time gain big time via pop-unders, promos etc. back in the day -- less so now). But still noteworthy.

Gifts to wrap.

- Stuart

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Mathew — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 16:39:26 -0000

Hmmmm... that is interesting. I wonder what would be driving that kind of traffic? I didn't realize they were quite that big.

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Stuart MacDonald — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:45:20 -0000

Now now... they must have something to offer :)

In fact, did you know that AOL.ca has climbed to Number Two in terms of reach on the Canadian web, per ComScore? I just learned that last Wednesday and was super surprised. 14 million monthly uniques to MSN-Sympatico's 17 million (all numbers on a roll-up basis). With essentially no homepage-preset user base and a relatively recent open-doors content approach in Canada, this is darn impressive results, even allowing for the usual +/- 20% ComScore wobble. AOL US should be paying attention...

- Stuart

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Mathew — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 14:05:20 -0000

I agree -- it is all about how it's done, and how it's flagged to the user. If AOL crap... er, content seems to float magically to the top of all my searches, then I agree a flame war is in order :-)

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Stuart MacDonald — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 14:03:11 -0000

Execution will be everything. A side box, clearly outlined like AdWords results are -- and just as relevant -- should pass muster. But, if they put a special dog team of Maximizer folks inside AOL's offices to sprinkle bonus pixie dust that magically moves their unpaid placement from Number 1.752 million to Number 7 -- ya, baby, that's a Big Deal.

- Stuart

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Mathew — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 13:33:50 -0000

Is it really that serious, Stuart? I admit, if Google starts providing AOL links high up on the page mixed in with the rest of a search, that's a big problem -- but it sounds like they're planning to have them listed separately in a box on the lower right-hand side (below the AdWords ads, I assume), and clearly marked as AOL -- is that really so bad?

Re: Hey Google — You’ve got AOL!

Stuart MacDonald — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 13:27:48 -0000

Regardless of the competitive blocking, revenue protecting, MS losing etc. funsy aspects of this still-not-done deal, I soooo agree with John on the real spectre here. Preferencing aol, no matter how they do it, would put a bullet through their brand promise and call their worthiness as the repository of everything into serious question. The $1b is relative chump change; agreeing to an Indecent Proposal would be a colossal price to pay.

Let's hope it's not true.

- Stuart