I checked my gmail this morning and learned that I’m “a class member in a class-action lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Miller County, Arkansas.” In order to not be part of this lawsuit, I have to take action to exclude myself. This really makes me mad. Granted, it’s just a letter, but it’s my time and my stamp and my aggravation. And it’s the principle of it, as well. How can I be included in a civil legal action without my knowledge or consent?
The person who started this lawsuit “allege[s] that Google breached its contract with class members and violated the law by failing to adequately detect and stop “click fraud” or other invalid or improper clicks on online advertisements.” If I go along with this, and the plaintiffs prevail, I might get a minuscule credit for future AdWords. The lawyers will get a bundle, and Google will pass the expense onto me and the rest of their customers. In fact, even if Google wins it will almost certainly mean higher rates because they will pass on the expense of defending themselves.
The person originating this may or may not have a case. I have no idea. I don’t care. I use Ad Words for several clients, and we’ve been very happy with the results. It has translated into ringing phones, closed deals, and increased profits. How I, as a satisfied customer, can get dragged into this is beyond me. Shouldn’t we have to opt-in for this kind of thing, instead of opting out?
