Happy 10th Birthday, Google. You've been a good kid. I first read about you when you were only four months old (thank you, Scott Rosenberg of Salon.com for the introduction). Soon, you'll be in your teens. Lots more responsibility. Tons of homework. A driver's license.
Will you be a trustworthy youth? The data you're gathering on us is extremely powerful. Power computing means you are using Gmail, Desktop Search and browser toolbars. Businesses and individuals are using your free analytics tools, doc & photo sharing, sitemapping. You can peer into our worlds and understand the soul of the wired user in more ways than any of your competitors.
You will need to monetize many of your properties in the years ahead. You could be dealer who gets us all hooked on cheap smack then jack up the prices. Or you can continue to be the visionary enterprise who understands what the phrase "value added services" actually means, and continue to deliver powerful services as a loss leader while providing strong enhancements for a price.
Hard to believe you're only 10 years old. You've been too clever by half. You started the lemonade stand that sold the best-tasting beverage, and we keep coming back for more. Your generous approach to your customers is heartening. Can you continue to be as reliable in your next ten years?
I hope so.
Best regards,
Mike
