Brin, Page and Schmidt, the trio that runs Google, are the cover boys of this week's Time Magazine. Asking questions like "Can we Trust Google With our Secrets" and publishing a general Q&A with the threesome turns up some interesting tidbits of information, including a claim by the founders that porn makes up a tiny percentage of their overall search numbers.

The article includes some interesting insight. For example, the decision not to run ads on Google's image search results because the estimated $80 million that it would produce in revenue each year isn't "worth it." It also includes a fair share of snipey criticism, including the claim that Schmidt was brought in "to provide adult supervision" and claims that it's having difficulty monetizing it's newly diversified offerings.

From the article:

Google is known for being outside of the usual when it comes to even the oddest of tech firms. It's odd hiring practices (currently filling 100 positions a week) have included stunts like running a billboard that read "(first 10-digit prime found in consecutive digits of e).com." Those who headed to the now shut down 7427466391.com were presented with yet another complex math problem before being invited to interview with Google. Google also includes all employees on a 70/20/10 plan designed to split work hours between mainstream projects (70% of the time), their own search related projects (20% of the time) and outstanding ideas (10% of the time.)

Overall, the article gives an interesting look at the inevitable public relations crash that will have to follow Google's amazing success. Consumers, and the media have an amazing propensity for placing companies on lofty pedestals before taking a nice swipe at the base to watch them come crashing down. That may or may not be what the upcoming year holds for Google, but it's certainly interesting to keep tabs on what people are saying.

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