Published at LXer:

The perception by the majority of search users that they gain high quality results is the core value in Google's crown jewel, i.e. its search engine. Should Google persist in seeking the lowest cost solution to its being gamed, via software algorithms, while at the same time scrounging more user data gratis, it risks alienating a significant fraction of its user base. Its financial model depends upon its search engine retaining its high perceived value. Google's current counter attacks are insufficient, ineffective and sometimes misdirected. Therefore, I think Google is putting its financial model in jeopardy.

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