Yesterday Google started hijacking 404 status codes through the Google Toolbar from unknowing Web sites to show pages with ads. TechCrunch even has a poll asking if you think the Google hijacking is a good thing or not. While Google publicly states they do not like Made For Adsense sites (MFAs) they have gone out of their way to force their own where unknowing Web site owners have missed a basic task in designing their site. While I think the stated purpose sounds good, helping users have a better online experience, is a good one. The reality is more like a Democrat enacting legislation, says it is to help you, but in reality is there to control your life and ensure you work for and depend on them for basic needs.
According to Matt Cutts Blog entry about their custom 404 pages, Google will not display their ads if the error page you serve is larger than 512 bytes, which means this should be a fringe occurrence for now. (Just as an aside, if you are not a part of the Search Engine World, Matt Cutts is the equivalent to Scott Guthrie). But like all liberal legislators I am sure this policy will eventually creep to cover more of our lives.
This type of practice has long been the territory of predatory hosting companies for years. In fact many used to inject their own promotions into your site's content, but that has long past away as useless. So I do not fault Google for bringing back an old practice. Regardless we should be responsible Web property owners and provide a good user experience on our own.
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