• by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, August 18, 2005

Google undoubtedly has assembled many of the best and brightest people in the world to develop its technology. There's no doubt that, substantively, Google's ideas have been brilliant. From its search algorithm to the user interface to the continually evolving new features, Google has revolutionized the way people access information.

But style's another matter altogether. It's become obvious these last few weeks that Google lacks the ability to control its public image. Whether dealing with the press or counteracting misleading reports by adversaries, the tech company is at a loss.

Last month, Google thought the appropriate response to a CNET article it didn't like was to stop talking to CNET News.com reporters for a year. And to inform CNET of this decision. Now, News.com articles about Google include a disclaimer that Google declined to comment because it's blacklisting the news organization; they also include a link to the story that triggered the step, ensuring that even more people will read it.

Earlier this week, some articles appeared indicating that Google had lost a trademark infringement lawsuit brought by insurance giant Geico. While Google actually won the lawsuit in every significant way, Geico nonetheless spun its defeat into a victory by putting out a press release declaring itself the winner.

Google's response has been slow and ineffective. Wednesday night, Google Vice President and General Counsel David Drummond wrote a lengthy blog entry attempting to clarify the result of the Geico lawsuit: "There have been a few erroneous reports suggesting that a judge ruled against Google in a case involving Geico. It's actually the reverse of that," he wrote.

Yet, rather than help Google, the post seems to have triggered a backlash. For instance, this morning a post on the blog WebProNews reads, "Apparently, the ability to make lemons into lemonade is one of Google's strong points." The author goes on to state that "many" believed that the case went against Google -- when, actually, just one minor portion of the case fell short of an all-out victory for the search giant.

It's baffling that Google can't do a better job of handling media relations -- especially when, as in the Geico case, the truth is on Google's side.

Then again, tech geniuses aren't known for caring about appearances. Google in particular seems oblivious to such concerns. In fact, unlike Yahoo!, MSN, America Online, or other large Internet companies, Google doesn't do consumer branding campaigns and has no army of Madison Avenue executives ready to spring into action to defend its reputation.

Google's apparent inability to court the press will end up hurting everyone -- Google and search marketers alike -- by making it easy for disinformation about the company to continue to spread.

Now, in case you missed the Minute on Friday, we remind you that the editors of MediaPost and OMMA magazine invite you to enter nominees for the Online All Stars. We will name three individuals in the creative ranks; three media strategists (those who architect and implement media buys and plans); and three marketing minds. The common denominator? All entrants must work in the online arena.

We expect to draw people from the ranks of agencies, brand marketers, media companies, online publishers, and multimedia companies. All nominees, no matter their age or rank, will be considered. Heck, you can even nominate yourself! The nine winners will be featured in a special supplement that will accompany the October issue of OMMA. That issue will debut at the OMMA East Conference and Expo on Sept. 27.

How to enter? Send a backgrounder, briefing, and bio detailing the All Star nominee's specific and most recent accomplishments, citing campaigns and initiatives, and any other relevant data here. DEADLINE for Entry: August 19.