Now we learn from Google that AdSense video ad units are being retired at the end of April.

After reviewing our AdSense video units feature, which allows you to show YouTube content and ads on your pages, weve found that it hasnt had the impact we had hoped for. As a result, weve decided to retire this feature at the end of April so we can focus our resources on other opportunities to help publishers earn from their sites.

What to make of this? On the one hand, we see Google taking measures to remove anything thats not realizing revenue"a smart move in these tough times. On the other hand, it makes you wonder just how bloated has Google become? If ad units within Googles core AdSense offering are sucking-wind, then how many other areas of Googles business are nothing more than a drain on the companys profits?

Ben Bernanke"and the rest of us"might want to add Google to its list of indexes that indicate whether were still in a recession or not. All the while Google cuts the chaff from the wheat, we know were still in trouble. Once Google starts announcing new revenue channels"or starts making acquisitions again"well know the light is at the end of the tunnel.

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