You can’t believe everything you read on the Internet

In the category of “You can’t believe everything you read on the Internet” have been my past several postings about what I call the Google Scam, or more officially, the “Google Suggestions” functionality. In previous postings I displayed some screen shots that indicate that, according to Google’s new functionality, everything on the Internet is a scam. Regardless of whether your Google search involves Inc. 500 #1 company Ambit Energy, bottled water, chiropractors, Google, Zappos, or even Outskirts Press, scam display results in Google are misleading.

No need to describe it yet again (this posting does a good job of it), but my previous several postings about apparent “scams” on the Internet caused me to mention a recent correspondence I had with one of our new authors.  Even with our 99% satisfaction rate at Outskirts Press,  I touch base with all of our new authors to see if things are going smoothly with their self-publishing process and if I can do anything to assist them.

One of our recent authors mentioned “negative stuff” on the Internet when I reached out to her:

So I replied:

Hi Catherine,

You’re right, the Internet is a double-edged sword. It is filled with valuable and useful information.  It is also so unregulated that anyone, with any opinion, can post anything they want without repercussion, no matter how inaccurate it is. If it would help comfort you, I would be happy to provide my perspective on the “negative stuff,” if you feel like sharing the exact location of what you are referring to.

I’m happy to hear things are going smoothly. Thank you for saying “hello.” We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Brent

Her response in turn:

Hi Brent –
 
And you are exactly right – it’s our responsibility to sift through the unedited information, weigh what may be behind it and make our own decisions, listening to our inner feelings. If we don’t, we’re just sheep being led.   I look forward to working with you, also.

Catherine

—

Hi Catherine,

 I couldn’t have said it better myself. Say, with your permission, would you mind if I posted this email exchange on my blog?

 Sincerely,

Brent

Brent –  No problem….permission granted.    Catherine

And there you have it. The system works.   In spite of Google’s attempt to display controversial, irrelevant information, most people are knowledgeable enough to know that there are two sides to every story; one does not simply believe everything one reads on the Internet without thinking for one’s self.     And for those who do…. Well, maybe you don’t want them for clients anyway.