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Yesterday’s news of the death of Michael Jackson demonstrated the true colors of a couple different Internet services.

“Traditional” sources of information, Google, CNN, MSNBC, Associate Press, etc were put to shame by the uber-connected, real-time, user-created content site Twitter. (To be fair, Twitter nearly crashed to its knees under the weight of server loads and demands on their system.)

Google’s Achilles heel was immediately evident: they are reactionary. Where Twitter displayed the news immediately, Google as at the mercy of its content providers – news sources – to produce content. News of Jackson’s death hit Google’s trends very quickly, but there were no relevant search results to be found.

To remain king of the hill, Google needs to adjust to the real-time information thirst of users. This generation expects information before it happens. To wait 20, 30, or 90 minutes on our wired society is too long. Twitter will soon become the place for information, leaving Google in the dark.

Where do you get your news? Social sites like Facebook and Twitter or news sites like CNN or Associate Press?

EDIT: Mashable’s take on Google’s failure

About the Author, Shaun Nestor

Shaun Nestor is the Principal at Never Mind Marketing. He focuses his consulting on Inbound Marketing, social media, and using the power of the internet to promote brands.

Shaun has helped hundreds of people around the globe grow their business. His passion is helping small- and medium-sized companies expand their brand online.

You can find him on Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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