There's Always Something! Google Places is Free! Sort of. Except.

By now you have figured out that Google is a harsh mistress.

She requires constant attention.

You must send her constant supplies of chocolate, flowers, and dinner invitations.

Otherwise you could be banished to the North Forty.

Recently there were interesting changes in Google's desires.

I have explored them, and will report.

In specific, there are little "tags" that you can use in an attempt to get folks look at your Google Places entry.

It won't make you show up higher in the Google Places Sweepstakes.

It may or may not make a customer or client more likely to click on your listing.

On the other hand, the cost for the moment is $25 per month.

And you can use statistics built into Google to see what changes in performance your tag generates.

So I'm gonna take a chance, and if it works to improve the performance of my Google Places listing, I'll let you know!