I have been using Google as a news source since about the time it came out. It is still a Beta release, but it works very well. They are a news aggregator, their computer algorithms sort through many news sources and constantly update their links to new information. However, lately it takes me more time to find sources for my news. I have a plan to fix this.

The decline in utility is not directly the fault of Google, but they can use their market power to help us, the end consumers. If you get a list of news articles on a subject, you will see some of the sources say (subscription) next to them. This means when you click on the link, you then have to provide personal information to the news organization before you can read the message. I'm also seeing more links to audio sources where I would have to click on a link and then listen to a message.

I recommend that Google give its users a few more options. I would like the option to only see sources that do not require subscriptions. This way I would only see links from sites that do not invade my privacy. I know these sites have to make money, but they are already exposing me to advertising when I read their news articles, that is sufficient payback.

I would also like the option to filter out all audio and video sources. I use Google to find text based stories – otherwise I would just turn on my TV. I have sent Google my suggestions. However, they are more likely to implement such suggestions if they hear them from multiple people. If you agree with my suggestions, please click here.

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