(5)
Frank Watson, AKA AussieWebmaster, has written a blog post at Search Engine Watch complaining that Google basically indexes content on hard liquor, such as vodka. Frank's specific complaint is that vodka results come up in Google Product Search for a search on vodka. His argument is that since Google AdWords has a policy against showing ads for hard liquor, Google should not show it in the "Google Checkout listing."
I have to be frank with Frank (bad joke). Frank, even though I respect you and we are friends, you are dead wrong in my opinion.
(1) These are not "Google Checkout" listings, it is Google Product Search results. (2) These are not AdWords results and the rule does not apply to Google Product Search. (3) Google does not get paid to show the Google Product listings. (4) People searching in vodka, should see results about vodka. Do you want a blank search page?
Ask Danny says in his comment at Sphinn, if Google Checkout merchants are selling Vodka using Google Checkout as a payment mechanism, then that is against Google Checkout's terms of service, as you can see here. But let's take a look at the merchants who are selling real vodka and accept Google Checkout. Of the first five pages of results, no Google Checkout merchant is selling vodka. They are selling vodka books, vodka DVDs, vodka shot glasses and so on. But not real vodka.
Most of the feedback in the thread supports my opinion on this. But some do argue and take Frank's side.
Forum discussion at Sphinn.
Comments:
No Name
05/17/2008 02:55 pm
i can't see a problem with alcohol being shown in searches, what better way to end a long week than a few drinks? so long as minors can't order strong liquor online where's the harm?
AussieWebmaster
05/17/2008 09:53 pm
I know I was not detailed on the reply.. I know it was not AdWords but product promotion of liquor sellers.... and the Checkout comment was more about how to get listed there.... they promote Checkout as well as products in those listings....
AussieWebmaster
05/17/2008 09:56 pm
And when I did the search they werew selling bottles of vodka... Avi and I both saw it. And when I just did a search they are still doing it. http://www.google.com/search?q=vodka&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
AussieWebmaster
05/17/2008 10:05 pm
The funny thing is you are now ranked 8th for vodka with this post.... guess my work for www.oval-vodka is going to be easier than I thought.
Barry Schwartz
05/18/2008 01:55 am
Frank, no they are not. They are not selling via Google Checkout, you need to filter the product search results via Google Checkout. Try this link http://www.google.com/products?q=vodka&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&checkout=1&sa=X&oi=product_result&resnum=1&ct=checkout-restrict