...AOLs new CEO takes place during a slump in performance.

With the recently announced closures of Google Audio Ads and Google Print"and Google TV not doing much better"Google, led by Armstrongs efforts, has struggled to diversify its ad sales. Which leads me to the big question: Did Tim Armstrong leave Google because it was struggling, or because he was struggling?

Think about it. Either way Armstrong is a genius.

If Googles business model simply doesnt lend itself to anything other than AdWords and AdSense, why would a hot-shot ad sales guy stick around in such a limited role?

Alternatively, if Armstrong was the weak link"after all most of his experience is in online ad sales"then why not switch to a company that, a) needs help with its online ad sales and, b) is willing to offer you what Google cant"the title of CEO?

Unfortunately for Armstrong, by taking the AOL gig, were unlikely to find out if he was a superstar held back or a one-trick pony let go. Unless AOL can free itself of Time Warner"which is unlikely in this tough recession"Armstrong may find that his ability to turn AOL around is very much hampered by old baggage.

Wired.com goes as far as asking "Has Googles Tim Armstrong Lost His Mind?" I dont know, what do you think?

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