How Googley Is AOL?
August 6, 2010
One aspect of the question, “How Googley is AOL?” boils down to money. AOL loses it. Google makes it. Now a Xoogler runs Google and the financial performance of AOL makes clear that whatever it takes to get a job at Google does not instantly translate into a King Midas touch at AOL.
Furthermore, it’s nothing new to see struggling companies emulate Google online. Tech Crunch reports in, “AOL Sublets Huge Building from Google, Wants Startups to Move In” that AOL, is infusing its geriatric body with Google-esque youth. Besides bringing on Googlers to the AOL staff, renting out some of the search giant’s unused offices seems like an makeover. The move puts Stanford University and its collection of hotshot computer geeks a short walk away, while offering cheap rent to other businesses. “We’re all about fostering a culture around creativity and new ideas,” an AOL exec said, “which is why we plan to sublease our space to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the valley.” Desperate times, perhaps, but AOL should be applauded for trying everything possible to regain its crown.
There is, however, that pesky fact that a Googler cannot transmute lead into gold. Googlers seem to give alchemy the old college try.
Pat Roland, August 6, 2010
Comments
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
