Being an AdWords advertiser for my company, I received a Seasons Greetings card from Google. Given the amount we spend each month (which I am not going to disclose in case someone from our competition stumbles accross this blog), it seems a little bit odd, especially since other people on webmaster and PPC forums report of various gifts like Google branded USB mice etc. being sent. There are reports from people spending less than my company who are receiving gifts, and reports from people spending more and not even getting a card…
It surprises me how erratic/chaotic Google handles such an obviously psychologically important thing. The AdWords advertisers are the ones who are responsible for the majority of Googles income. I think it should be no technological challenge to send a small appreciation to every AdWords advertiser worldwide (maybe draw the line at 100 US$ minimum spend per month). At least a card, reliably arriving prior to Christmas or New Years Eve, would have been enough to calm down most of the people participating in the discussions right now. As for gifts: I can understand that companies spending a month what we spend in a year get gifts. However our amount is substantial enough that I would have expected something small as well. But reading the reports, it seems I can consider myself lucky by getting that card… Oh well…