Why Google Deleted Linda Ikeji's Blog - The REAL Story

While attending an event that my organisation co-sponsored today, I was opportune to address the
attendees for a few minutes. As usual, I started by telling them my name, where I work and of course what I do for the organisation I work with.

At the end of my speech, I received the normal applause and alighted the podium without taking time to observe my environment. Few seconds after I left the podium - heading for my booth, I had a group of about 10 people follow me with huge interest and zeal. ''I've made an impression'' I thought. But I was yet to realise that my being followed by that number of people was far from the impression I made.

I got back, then it was time to engage the people. The first question came from a young man who couldn't wait to ask... "Ehen, you said you're from Google'' he asked. ''I am a Google Apps and Adwords Specialist with Descasio Limited'' I responded. Without caring to know the difference, he continued ..."why did you people delete Linda Ikeji's Blog, Is it true that it's because she bought a car". I mean I couldn't hold my laughter but I made it brief and spent most of my time explaining the reasons to him. I got more of that question today than I did other matters. Hence my taking to blogger to write this Post.

To all those who still wonder, here's what really happened;

LINDA IKEJI's BLOG WAS DELETED DUE TO COPYRIGHT RELATED ISSUES. Just like any other policy guided organisation, ''Google clearly spells out how users of its products and services can go about copyright related activities.

For Google, copyright infringement, is a punishable offense - one that can eventually cost you your web publications. That explains why organisations take time to draft policies, terms of service that every user is expected to read and accept before their platforms, product or service can be used.

In Linda's case, Just like most Nigerian users, I doubt she took time to review the terms. I bet she would have noticed the warning(s) in paragraph 1 that reads "we will work to promptly remove content that has been identified as copyright infringement. Repeat infringers' blogs are removed, and in appropriate instances Blogger accounts will be terminated"

I mean, Google will care less if Linda orders a fleet of 2020 Range Rovers - No doubt, she's one of the organisation's top GDN partners in the country. That would have gotten her off-the-hook if that's what it took but in the world of professionalism, business integrity and customer rights to content, sentiments do not apply and Google will spare nobody.

So here you have it. Linda Ikeji's blog was deleted for content/copyright infringement. One report/petition by just one angry person she wrote about or took content from is enough to enforce the policy on her. I consider it a very bad post birthday present for the blogger and hope she gets back and better soon. Meanwhile word has it that her new blog URL might be www.lindaikejionline.com - the site is currently undergoing maintenance but LIB lovers can be on the look-out.

So when next you think about collecting content as 'little as a screen shot of someone's Twitter post, Instagram photo, or even blog post (like this one), remember.... all it takes is one petition to Google, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Copy Wisely or better still, seek the consent of the content owner before you do.(XOXO)