Blogging Googler Gagged

Well, this ought to set precedence over at Google on blogging about work. One of Google's newest employees, Mark Jen, hired on Jan 17th of 2005 is already making his presence know at the search engine giant. He could also be making himself known as the first person to be fired at Google for blogging (as far as I know). Irony at it's best! The problem arose from a post Mark made on his blog, "ninetyninezeros" about what happened to his bank account which led to a rant about Google's compensation package. Basically, he sums up the benefits package as thinly veiled timesavers to keep you at work. I'd have to agree with Mark on this one, but his delivery is not very tactful. He tells us about the free lunch and dinners Google has daily which keep employees close to work at all times. He also makes mention about on-site doctor, on-site dentist, and on-site car washes. He slams Google's policy on relocation reimbursment and their stock incentive program. All in all, Marky Mark is on to something, but these are thoughts best kept to one's self or maybe even used at the watercooler, but not suggested for his blog.

I believe Mark didn't intend any malice toward his new employeer but was just verbally weighing the options, after his decision about employement at Google was made. Call it buyers remorse, or whatever, but I think we all do it, just not in print. It's obvious he realized, though the company's motto is "Do no evil" that they are in business to make money and perks like those mentioned above ARE there to keep employees at work, working!

Anyway, I wish Mark good luck at his new job! Read some of the other blogs and articles on this topic here:

http://www.bloglines.com/blog/WRJ read the entry entitled, "uh oh, what happened to my bank account?"

http://blog.outer-court.com/archive/2005-01-25-n43.html

http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050126-083916