Gmail rocks my world. And my friends’ worlds. And my Mom’s.

I don’t know what I love most about it. Is it the endless storage space? The quick and easy search capability? Or the smiley face that winks at me in my Gchat conversations?

Just talking about it makes me giddy.

The truth is, I love it all. Google hit the mark on so many levels with Gmail, I don’t even know where to begin to sing its praises (So the following list is not in any order):

1. I can be lazy and still feel organized: The labeling function is a great way for people with OCD to spend their time. Other users can still feel the satisfaction of quick results without any organizational effort. Gmail’s powerful search capability enables one to find a needle in a haystack. For me, this includes the entry code to the DP building, every Sunday.

2. Gchat is Gmazing: Forget AIM. Whether it’s on the record, off the record, popped in or out, this feature is where I go to chat online. Deborah Shnay, a college senior concurs. “I love Gmail, because with the Gchat function I can Instant Message with my friends when I’m bored at work without getting in trouble”, she said.

3. It groups and updates my emails: If you’re on any type of listserv with frequent activity, you know what I mean. If you’re not, start a Google Group with your friends and send each other YouTube videos.

4. The sponsored links don’t bother me: Google makes 98% of their revenues from advertising, according to COMM 130 Professor Joseph Turow’s textbook Media Today. Despite this high revenue from advertising, my eyes scroll over the unobtrusive ad bar across the top of my inbox and along the right margin of my emails. The quiet aesthetic of these sponsored links allow me to enjoy the Gmail platform without feeling like I’m being bombarded with endless targeted ads… even though I am.

5. If I wanted to stop sending drunk emails, Gmail would help me: Gmail’s new feature, Mail Goggles, is an application you can add to prevent yourself from sending emails you’ll regret in the morning. It asks you a series of simple math questions you have a minute to answer, and unless you do, you won’t be able to send emails. It’s like those breathalyzers put in DUI offenders’ cars, except the repercussions are probably less serious if you get your sober friend to add 32 and 15 for you.

So to those of you still resisting the Gmail love, let me ask you this: do your smileys make you smile?

This entry was posted on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.