One of Google's Internet Annoyances
It seems that it has become Standard Operating Procedure for web companies to slap us across the face with an Internet Annoyance every year.
The first that comes to mind, of course, is Google. It is a foregone conclusion that they will push out a press release touting some new feature, service or corporate appendage that is clearly ridiculous. This year is no different. [WARNING: Site linked to has auto-playing music.]
We all know that Google does not stand alone in this regard. Internet Annoyance Day has become institutionalized.
The Populace has come to expect Internet Annoyances from companies to the point where companies must incorporate an Internet Annoyance plan into their marketing strategy. There are books dedicated to such marketing techniques.
This institutionalization has caused a few unpleasant consequences. For one, with expectation comes the loss of surprise; we are watching a magician perform with all of the mechanics of their illusions in plain sight and with no misdirection. The act must be quite good in order to appreciate the pure technique since the method has been revealed. Similarly, if an Internet Annoyance is to create any amusement it had better be at the core an impressive demonstration of closeup craftsmanship.
Secondly, the institutionalized bacteria of Internet Annoyance has become airborne and quickly taken refuge in the lungs of the populace. They have taken it unto themselves (ourselves?) to infect anyone that gets near their rancid cough. Sadly, this “cough” is broadcasted via Twitter, Facebook, email, and all other methods of communique. That dust you see covering our Tubes is not human dander. No, no…it is a much worse layer of Internet Annoyances.
This plague has a cure. The problem is that human nature is at direct odds with this cure: Abstinence.