Microsoft thinks you’re getting ‘scroogled’ by Google [Updated]
Are you getting “scroogled” by Google? Microsoft thinks so.
In its latest attack against its search engine rival, Microsoft has launched a website in which it tells users that they are, essentially, getting dishonest search results when they use Google Shopping.
“In the beginning, Google preached, ‘Don’t be evil’ -- but that changed on May 31, 2012,” Microsoft writes on the Scroogled website. “That’s when Google Shopping announced a new initiative. Simply put, all of their shopping results are now paid ads.”
Microsoft goes on to say that “when you limit choices and rank them by payment, consumers get Scroogled. For an honest search result, try Bing.”
QUIZ: What set the Internet on fire in 2012?
The Scroogled site features quotes from Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page that appear to show that the company is money-driven in its pursuits, such as: “Advertising income often provides an incentive to provide poor quality search results,” as well as quotes from various media outlets that cast doubt on Google’s practices.
Microsoft also encourages users to share stories of being duped by a bad Google Search and tells people to “warn your friends now” via Facebook and Twitter. For those who want to switch to Microsoft’s Bing search engine, there are buttons to “Try Bing” and “Make Bing your homepage.”
[Updated at 1:45 p.m. Google released the following statement:
“Google Shopping makes it easier for shoppers to quickly find what they’re looking for, compare different products and connect with merchants to make a purchase. With new 360-degree, interactive product images, social shopping lists and a fast growing inventory of more than a billion products worldwide, Google is a great resource for shoppers to find what they need, at great prices for their loved ones this holiday season.”]
What do you guys think? Low blow by Microsoft or clever marketing move?
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