If someone has the technical know how and monetary resources to have more control over their email and phone service, then why not do it. For some people it's great to just use what Google provides. It's relatively simple and is free, but you are at the mercy of whatever new policies they might put in place. Also, it is purportedly very difficult to get any kind of customer service from Google, so if your account is deleted, you might be out of luck. Google doesn't care, but for an individual it could be a huge deal to all of the sudden be cut off from multiple means of communication. If this guy doesn't want to take that risk, what's the problem with that?
I think it would be an exceedingly bad policy for companies to ignore that kind of feedback. It’s valuable and it should inform decisions. That doesn’t mean that every vitriolic comment deserves a response, but flat out ignoring it – on principle and not because what is said is a wrong argument[1] – would be stupid.
On an emotional level I can understand not wanting to react to that kind of criticism. I probably wouldn’t want to if it were directed at me as an individual. But as a company? I think I would have to[2].
[1] And if there is no argument and only insults the company should do their best to find out what the underlying reasons are.
[2] I’m obviously talking about feedback on an aggregate level. The company should try and identify common patterns in the feedback they receive.
In much the same way, if one user gets upset and stops using Google or Facebook, it is the user's loss, but if millions of users do it, the company is in trouble.
EXACTLY! They don't care. That's why you have to care. Otherwise, who's looking out for you?
I for one am deleting my g+ account until they fix all this garbage. If they don't, then I won't use it, simple as that. I'm using it for fun, I don't really need it (everyone's on facebook).
BTW, let me know if you ever run any companies, I want to know who to short and what software not to use.
"Be civil. Don't say things you wouldn't say in a face to face conversation."
If your life is so grossly devastated by a google action then you're an idiot. All my data on google is backed up multiple times, because I'm a responsible adult and want to ensure the safety of my data. I don't trust google simply because it's google. They're a mega corp that's going to ditch you, screw you and abuse you for a penny if they can.
As I said, it's time for people to grow up or get out.
Just so you're not surprised and disappointed later, I'll let you in on a secret- they don't care. Even besides the part where they are Google, I have witnessed a long history of complaints to different companies, and the more false bravado and chest- and/or drum-beating you display, the less they care about you.