Has Google become the new Kleenex?

[reveal]

There are few things in the US that almost everyone refers to in the same manner. For example, most people don't say "Give me a tissue" they say "Hand me a Kleenex." Even if they're using a generic, Wal-Mart brand tissue, they still call it a Kleenex.

The same is true for Xerox. For a long time, people have referred to copiers as "Xerox" even if it's Canon or some other brand.

I've noticed Google is steadily gaining that status. People say I "googled" something on the internet. Basically it means they searched for it using the google search engine. But how long until a search on the internet becomes a "google" regardless of which search engine you use, if you use any at all? Interesting times my friend... Interesting times...

 

[Kemrain]

People use search engines other than Google?

- Kemrain the Shocked.


...Wait, lemme get this straight.. There ARE search engines other than Google?

- Kemrain the Acolyte of the Holy Google.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I use A9 and ocassionally Yahoo.

 

[Crothian]

Google is getting great word of mouth and it is used on TV sitcoms and shows.

 

[Kemrain]

There are few things in the US that almost everyone refers to in the same manner. For example, most people don't say "Give me a tissue" they say "Hand me a Kleenex." Even if they're using a generic, Wal-Mart brand tissue, they still call it a Kleenex.

The same is true for Xerox. For a long time, people have referred to copiers as "Xerox" even if it's Canon or some other brand.

Didn't Asprin used to be a trademark of Bayer?

- Kemrain the Headached.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Yahoo was referred to in Frequency.

 

[der_kluge]

This is actually a bad thing for a company over time, and can diminish a product's brand.

The same is true for "photoshop". The company is actually trying to stop the practice. But, any manipulation of a graphic image is typically refered to as a "photoshopped" image.

 

[Arnwyn]

The company is actually trying to stop the practice.

Cool that it's impossible to do.

 

[CarlZog]

This is actually a bad thing for a company over time, and can diminish a product's brand.

The same is true for "photoshop". The company is actually trying to stop the practice. But, any manipulation of a graphic image is typically refered to as a "photoshopped" image.

Companies will usually work furiously -- and with good reason -- to protect their trademarks. Sometimes it's seen as silly and draconian, but they have no other protection if it becomes a generic reference.

Carl

 

[Mystery Man]

Everyone that works for Google is a millionaire.