Google tried that with Google Answers based on negotiated bidding. But they discontinued it, not profitable, I guess. Although it was a very good service, because the answers generated were made public to all. Charging $0.01/search (or something similiar) would have to demonstrate a clear value over regular searches (Ad funded) before you pay for it. I don't see that.
Google Answers had value: your need of tailored information and the amount you're willing to pay to get it.
For-pay Google searches do not correlate to the HBO for-pay model: TV commercials require our time, assuming we do not watch DVR files, so they obstruct and fragment our viewing. I'm willing to pay for unwrecked programming.
Also, subscription TV, since it's prepaid, can provide serious, adult programming that the commercial stations, in their eternal quest for the 10 year old male audience, do not. Think Huff, Weeds, Sopranos, Tudors, etc.
Google ads ask only a bit of space, on the other hand, which we can simply ignore without loss of time or quality of content. Nor would paid searches, I think, improve significantly.
My point was simply this: at some time in the next five to ten years, Google will decide that it needs another revenue stream that isn't advertising-related. Just as Microsoft continually goes back to its Windows and Office well when it needs revenue, I believe Google will return to its core competency in search to boost its performance. The big question is what can it charge for in the search domain that isn't advertising?
Thanks for your thoughts?
Carl
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