> Google may be suffering from trying to be too many things to too many people,” the report noted. “In fact, when asked what they like least about Google, survey respondents commonly mentioned issues like advertising, overwhelming search results, privacy concerns, and too many special features (like maps and shopping.)
via [macworld.com](http://www.macworld.com/article/152802/2010/07/facebook.html?lsrc=rss_main)
This article is mainly about Facebook, and the odd paradox that barely a majority of Facebook users is satisfied with the site, and yet Facebook is still growing. I chalk that up to the peer pressure factor; you go where your friends are, and right now your friends are on Facebook. Why they are all hanging out there is anybody’s guess. Why did people listen to the Thomson Twins? Why do more people like Pepsi than Dr. Pepper? Somewhere, someone decides these things, and the sheep follow.
The quote I put up top there about Google is very interesting, too. Funny that the things people complain about most with Google are the only things that make Google money: advertising, links to shopping, etc.) People want a free ride, because that’s what the web has trained people to expect.
Which is exactly why I think Google has a much shakier future than most people realize. It really wouldn’t be hard to imagine the search and advertising business hitting another wall, and all these pet projects of Google’s don’t seem to get them anywhere, financially.
Still, I think unseating Google would be a lot harder than Facebook, with its 64% user satisfaction rate. If Buzz can’t manage to grab some marketshare away from Facebook, considering those numbers, then Google really should give it up on Social networking.
