I was strongly considering skipping this topic, but the amount of buzz an official blog post at the Google Health blog named Does negative press make you Sicko? caused, was pretty significant, in light of all the iPhone buzz this weekend.
The Google blog post, which was then clarified to be personal opinion of a specific Google employee, was not a fan of Moore's Sicko movie. I did not see this movie, but from what I understand, it shows the bad side of the health care industry.
Google then recommended that those in this industry should do what they can, which may be buy search ads, to help improve the industry's credibility.
Many of our clients face these issues; companies come to us hoping we can help them better manage their reputations through “Get the Facts” or issue management campaigns. Your brand or corporate site may already have these informational assets, but can users easily find them?We can place text ads, video ads, and rich media ads in paid search results or in relevant websites within our ever-expanding content network. Whatever the problem, Google can act as a platform for educating the public and promoting your message. We help you connect your company’s assets while helping users find the information they seek.
You can read all the coverage via Techmeme. I love how Danny explained why Google posted such a thing and why he feels Google should step aside as an ad agency.
There is a Cre8asite Forums thread with discussion on this topic, here are some select quotes:
Personally, I'm not fond of Google using its muscle to sway public opinion or politicians, and then to do so while lining its pockets is just outrageous. It just feels all wrong. In a big, big, scary sort of way. I can't even describe how dangerous and wrong this all feels, but it's just one big blob of scariness that I don't like.
So where does this put Google? It's a strong tide with lots of scientists and data going against the pharma industry. It's mainstream, and people generally support it (the universal healthcare debates of recent months come to mind). So with this tide about to hit properly, the pharma industry is going to go under pressure... and Google is telling them we can help you by paying us.
Forum discussion at Cre8asite Forums.
