Posted On 03/02/05
Contributed by Boris

"AutoLink" is a new feature in the new third version of Google's popular Google Toolbar that's raised controversy since it was released. There is a ton of hue and cry about how Google is trying to repeat a plan that Microsoft abandoned after a large outcry in 2001. That program was called Smart Tags and would have allowed words on pages to be turned into links.

AutoLink works by creating a link to a website based on information contained in a webpage. When Web surfers install the new Google toolbar in their Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser and click the AutoLink button, Web pages with street addresses suddenly sprout links to Google's map service by default. Book publishers' ISBN numbers trigger links to Amazon.com, potentially luring shoppers away from competing book sellers such as BarnesandNoble.com. Vehicle ID licenses spawn links to Carfax.com, while package tracking numbers connect automatically to shippers' Web sites. (source: ebrandz.com)"

So, let's get it straight - Google is taking the liberty of modifying other people's content and directing the visitors to the sites they deem appropriate?

Sure, they are starting with the addresses, VINs, and ISBNs, but what's stopping them from linking the rest of the content to their advertisers in the future?

As an editor of a content-rich site, I spend a lot of time and money to attract visitors to our site. Sometimes, we even make some money through commissions. We're in the same boat as thousands upon thousands of other webmasters that depend on their site for income.

Having Google come in and link whatever they want to other sites gets in the way of that. I don't feel that any company has the right to change and monetize other people's content for their own self-gain in a manner such as this one.

I'd love to hear your perspectives on this. Post them below.

Boris