I’ve just finished reading Simo Ahava latest article, which eloquently echoes the frustrations many of us have been feeling. I recall the days, nearly a quarter-century ago, when competition was rife among web analytics tools like Webtrends, HBX, Coremetrics, Urchin, and homegrown solutions using Perl scripts and the like. This competition kept the industry dynamic and innovative and there was a true sense of openness and collaboration amongst pioneers of this industry. Avinash Kaushik played a crucial role in evangelizing the benefits of #digitalanalytics and popularizing #GoogleAnalytics (GA) with his engaging, straightforward approach. He encouraged us to embrace this powerful, free tool without hesitation (which was quite controversial at the time!). As a fellow Google Expert (whatever that title really means now!), I echo Simo sentiment of feeling underappreciated by Google. Despite the title, there was little tangible recognition or benefits. My trust waned when GA was inundated with spam years ago, and our offers to help were dismissed, despite our supposed “expert” status. For years, I championed GA, emphasizing its unique ecosystem and community. Today, #Measure Slack is THE place to be, but some time ago, I was one of the founders and active administrators of the G+ community. Before that, there was a Yahoo! Forum, which I think had been created by Eric Peterson. Where was Google in those communities? Where is it now? It’s sad to say, but I think Simo is coming to the same realization I did a while ago: Google is this behemoth, opaque business that has become arrogant toward the users it should value the most. Don’t get me wrong, there are GREAT people at Google, but as anyone with an ounce of experience knows, even the best of intentions often can’t do anything in a big structure like Google. I now see alternative solutions emerging and fostering stronger communities, which could be a game changer in the long run. And that's great! I genuinely hope for #GA4’s success, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re witnessing the end of an era, reminiscent of when Webtrends was the go-to solution. With everything going on with #AI, I wish a new innovative solution would emerge and make us live the vibrant, exciting times of the early days of GA. Simo—please keep us updated if #Google responds to your concerns, though I remain skeptical. Your voice is important in this conversation. https://lnkd.in/g3RBtbvg