Searching for fairness on Google

Maybe Google users in recent weeks have noticed those “tips” showing up under a search that point to products developed by Google itself.

Type in “Yahoo calendar” for instance and a line above the results reads: “Want to organize your schedule and share events with friends? Try Google Calendar.”

You get the same tip with a search for MSN and calendar.

The Web community, which once believed the Google mission statement (Don’t Be Evil) meant it would also be fair and impartial in its business dealings, has been acting perplexed and disturbed.

Google searches for “photo sharing” also produce a similar result, suggesting the download of Picassa, a Google-developed image sorter.

One worried Web head is Blake Ross, who helped develop the Firefox open-source browser. He opined on his blog Blakeross.com that “This is clearly bad for competitors, and it’s also a bad sign for Google.”

His main point is that Google can’t have it both ways, offering its own products at the top of a “fair and impartial” search list that finds the best results sought by any user.

Where does .TXT stand? Hey, it’s no different than Microsoft building its own chat and browser into the Windows operating system. It’s what happens as companies grab every opportunity to stake a claim on your desktop. If you expect Google to change and not list its own products among (actually near) its search results, you’re still living in the 20th century.

Get weather and maps, mashed together

More and more sites are learning to combine handy information with services like maps.

WeatherBonk.com is a clever combination of Google Maps with local weather conditions. When available, it also plugs in nearby weather cams to give an extra dimension to the weather-curious.

Check out some of the features at www.weatherbonk.com. One little Web 2.0 option is the freedom to add your own Web cam.