Googlified

So Google decided to close down their Video Marketplace program that was launched in January 2006 which allows users to purchase video contents like CSI, Survior, and NBA games. Here’s the email they sent to their “valued customers” (not me):

As a valued Google user, we’re contacting you with some important information about the videos you’ve purchased or rented from Google Video. In an effort to improve all Google services, we will no longer offer the ability to buy or rent videos for download from Google Video, ending the DTO/DTR (download-to-own/rent) program. This change will be effective August 15, 2007.

To fully account for the video purchases you made before July 18, 2007, we are providing you with a Google Checkout bonus for $2.00. Your bonus expires in 60 days, and you can use it at the stores listed here: [Google Checkout]. The minimum purchase amount must be equal to or greater than your bonus amount, before shipping and tax.

After August 15, 2007, you will no longer be able to view your purchased or rented videos.

If I understand correctly, no matter how much you spent on Google Video, you will only get $2 compensation from them. [update see below] Cory Doctorow from Boing Boing put it this way,

Imagine if these were DVDs: one day, a man from Virgin Megastore shows up at your door and says, “We’re taking away all your videos. Sorry! But we’ll give you a credit to spend at a different store. Not a credit for videos, though. Also: it expires in 60 days.”

Looks like you don’t really own the videos from Google Video, it’s the other way around: they owned you.

UPDATE: Jacobsd comments, “You actually get a credit based on what you bought…” Thanks! :)