Google asks users to help make maps -- and they'll provide the tools.

[LiberalHeart]

Oooh boy, I'm already imagining the mischief that could spring up once folks start making these maps. I think I'll do one for the area around 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue:

http://newsgrinder.blogspot.com/2007/04/google-asks-users-to-help-make-maps-and.html

(Actually, I think this could be both informative and a great outlet for creative people.)

[sandnsea]

1. Please don't help Google

They suck everything out of the internet community, and do absolutely nothing to engage that same community when their search algorithms cause people's lifework to be destroyed. They make money through ads, as do all the corporate internet businesses; but individual sites can be penalized if they do it. They sell links, individual sites can't. The internet is based on linking and link favors, Google now penalizes that. There are so many rules that can cause penalties and bans, and there is no way to contact them if something gets screwed up. They've bought 5% of AOL Time Warner. They have monopolized the internet and people are going to hugely regret this in a few years.

[LiberalHeart]

2. I don't understand.

How are they selling links? I know they sell ad space to people who put links to their sites/businesses, etc. into the ads. Is that what you mean?

And how is someone's lifework destroyed?

[sandnsea]

3. random penalties and bans

That are not logically implemented. Google is a monopoly. If you're not there, you're done. (Unless you have a million in start-up money.) People don't get it until it happens to them.

[ruiner4u]

4. But if my area is wiped out by a major natural disaster,

will they use my new map?

[LiberalHeart]

5. Yes, you can replace it with a map of the Magical Kingdom.