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I've noticed a pattern with 'free' services like Facebook and now Google. With simple tasks like checking emails or finding phone numbers in contacts, there's n
by ben30 3y ago
I've noticed a pattern with 'free' services like Facebook and now Google. With simple tasks like checking emails or finding phone numbers in contacts, there's no friction. However, Facebook lost my trust long ago as it seemed more focused on capturing my attention for ad revenue, leading to time wastage.
I initially trusted Google for its efficient and seemingly fair service, where smart ad-targeting was the price for speed. But now, Google feels similar to Facebook; it's harder to switch to alternatives like Kagi on iPhone due to financial ties with Apple.
This shift in Google's approach, prioritizing trapping attention over genuine service, is frustrating. I'd rather pay for a search service that values my time and provides real utility, than endure the hidden costs of 'free' services.
- pg_1234 3y agoIn last 5 years I have noticed a clear decline in the usability of Google Maps as ... a Map. Increasingly you have to pick a destination and blindly follow directions, your ability to use it as an informational tool, but exercise your own judgement seems to have been intentionally crippled.
- dmvdoug 3y agoI can’t even blindly follow it. The last two or three times I’ve tried to use Google maps for directions, it has redirected me through walking trails and bike paths. Each time I closed it and just used Apple Maps to get where I needed to go.
- cj 3y ago> I'd rather pay for a search service that values my time and provides real utility, than endure the hidden costs of 'free' services. How much would you pay for Google search without ads? Or more importantly, how much would the average Google user be willing to pay? If you live in the US and click 3-4 ads per month, you're generating ~$10-20/mo in revenue for Google from advertisers. (Like you, I would also love to pay for an ad free Google, but sadly advertisers are willing to pay Google a lot more money than consumers are willing to)
- Spivak 3y agoI do pay $10/mo for search. Also lol "and click 3-4 ads per month" what? This is HN, who clicks ads? I've never clicked an ad. I spend all day trying to teach people to never click ads. At this point I actually couldn't click ads even if I wanted to because uBlock hard-blocks all the domains they redirect through for conversion tracking.
- error503 3y agoI occasionally click on Sponsored search results, if they're what I'm looking for and I don't much care for the company on the other end of the link. Take that, Big Corporate!
- guhcampos 3y ago10 years ago I'd pay for ad-free Google if I had the budget. Today? Nah. Search has become bad enough that I don't believe it's worth any cash.
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]