Issues I've had with Google

[Blake McBride]

In a previous email, I mentioned my move from Gmail to ProtonMail.  I wanted to add some comments as to why I avoid Google when I can.

1. Google has gotten so large that they basically no longer support their products unless you are a large company and pay them a lot of money. If you try to get help, you get directed to their documentation or public forums.

2. I use Google's cloud API. I bill my client for the costs. My client wanted an invoice from Google (that should have been sent to me). Google told me they only provide invoices to customers that spend at least $40K/year with them. (I can show you their email to me.)

3. Due to the quantity of services Google provides and their company size, many of their admin interfaces have become inordinately complex and lack basic functionality. (e.g., getting historical API usage, getting an invoice). What should take minutes to accomplish can take hours to figure out.  This problem is exasperated by the fact that you can't get support.

4. Since Google is so large, they basically do whatever they want. Their attitude is, if you don't like it, go somewhere else.  (Yes, I know it is their company and they can do whatever they want.  The problem is less ubiquitous companies care about their customers and try to help.  Google has gotten so large they couldn't care less about individual users.)

5. Google has a long history of promoting a product or service as the next great thing. Then, after you start using it, they abruptly drop it or change it. If you don't like it—too bad.  (Yes, I know they can drop whatever they want.  The problem is, if they cared about all the users they sold on the product, they should be more mindful of making the transition as painless as possible.  Basically, they don't care who depended on their products or services.) (e.g., GWT)

I use Google whenever I have to and avoid them otherwise.

Blake McBride