Is Google Blessing Me with Gmail Invites?

Mark Tosczak notes that Google cites blog entries, in addition to news coverage, on its PR page for Gmail.

Tosczak writes:

Obviously they have a stake in the success of blogging, but it still tells you something about who they think the online opinion leaders are.

A journalist I know asked me today if I thought Google might be granting bloggers like me additional invites because we make the first page of Google search results for "gmail invites." As Arsenio used to say, "Hmmm."

Comments

[Tejas Patel]

I don't think so, as I invited many people who got three extra invites to send. Am thinking has this to do anything (anything meaning even a single percent) to do with Yahoo releasing its new services?

[CT]

Actually, I don't think there's any question that Google is using bloggers as a substitute news service for hyping the wonders of Gmail. When the privacy concerns (admittedly rather bogus) arose at the same time Gmail was introduced, Google, unaccustomed to any negative buzz, decided to let bloggers--notably Blogger.com users--generate some gushing reviews. It was apparent to me from the first invitation I got:

I find it interesting that Google is using Blogger as a means to extend beta testing. Obviously, the intent is to get the blogging community buzzing about Gmail, thus giving it a positive, anti-establishment cache. In effect, Google is using Blogger as its very own news service! This would counter the bad-to-lukewarm reaction that it's gotten thus far in the mainstream and tech press, over the privacy issues spurred by the ad-placement strategy. Assuming the use of Gmail isn't terrible, the strategy should work. It's no surprise--I've noticed that Google is very adept at employing low-level public relations initiatives to generate gee-whiz good spin and exposure in the media. It's a big reason for their success.

[Nicholas Wicht]

Those GMail invites are so hard to find..grr. Any ideas where I can find one?

[Briana]

Hey...could you send me a gmail invite plz?my email is Xxdumbkidglory@yahoo.com.thnx

[Daryl]

hi! Can u please send me an invite? I'd love to have gmail account. please? Thanks
e-mail: darylsdl@yahoo.com

Daryl

[J. Golosinsky]

Hi!

I would like an invite to GMAIL!
Anybody sapre a lady an invite?

Thank you.

[Zak]

Hello
If You Have Any Spare Gmail Invites, I'll Be Thankfull If Send Me One

Name : Zak Rij
eMail : Zakxp@yahoo.com

Thanks Anyway
:)

[Hatung]

Hi!

I would like an invite to GM@IL!

[Habteleul]

Hi!
I would like an invite to Gmail.
Thanks.

Habteleul Wubayehu