just.a.guy

The Time Has Come to Regulate Search Engine Marketing and SEO

If a company's business is entirely dependent upon being found via online (Google) searches, perhaps that company should invest in alternate means of generating awareness. There are many media choices out there.

If, however, such a business cannot cost effectively and profitably generate awareness and sales through other means, then its owner/operator will learn a valuable and possibly expensive lesson about building a business that depends upon the kindness of strangers.

Microsoft: Where Fines Are a Cost of Doing Business

The parents in Freakanomics were likely not going through a rational cost/benefit analysis, whereas Microsoft certainly is. Corrolary: Penalties that don't hurt aren't a deterrent.