From : This ZDNet Post
So, Google is purposefully placing those advertisers who utilize Google Checkout above those advertisers who have organically achieved a high result for a specific term. Sure, they're Froogle results, but it is possible to optimize for Froogle. Do they have the right to do this? It could be argued that they do as they own the search engine. Interestingly enough it looks like this is happening only for Microsoft products. Doing a search for other producst doesn't elicit the same result. Regardless, it sets a dangerous and troubling precedent.
See, here's what scares the crap out of me regarding Google's future ownership of the internet. It's not free email, it's not free offline/offsite storage, it's not the miles and miles of dark fiber they own that will eventually become an ad-based, private intranet available to those who want a spam-free (barring Google's ads) and uncluttered inter-network. It IS the loss of competition. It IS the monopoly they are looking to gain on all communication. It IS the ownership and monetization of my information for contextual advertising. It IS the fact that Google is doing everything they can to monetize Google, and NOT allowing others to share the wealth.
UPDATE: I have seen this with other, non-Microsoft centric products. Also, for those that say (and I know you are out there) that those companies hilighted are using Google Checkout, and Google Checkout is free so GOOG isn't making money off those merchants, I say this: It's free...FOR NOW. There will come a day when Checkout is OUT of the perpetual beta phase. And guess who will set the price for merchant and gateway fees?!
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