When Eric Schmidt stepped down as Google’s main man last January, all hopes to rekindle the spark within the organization was alighted as founder Larry Page took over. However, there seemed to be no change in Google, even after Schmidt assumed another post (plus $100 million in stock) and sidelined to look after partnerships, customer relations, and all-in-all business development stuff. This is because the company runs like a monarchy, where Schmidt was just the king playing as a symbolic leader and Page and co-founder Sergey Brin still call the shots as the prime ministers.

In a blog by a former employee, details on what went, are and will go wrong with Google were enumerated: “I worked at Google from 2005-2010, and saw the company go through many changes, and a huge increase in staff.  Most importantly, I saw the company go from a place where engineers were seen as violent disruptors and innovators, to a place where doing things “The Google Way” was king, and where thinking outside the box was discouraged and even chastised.” It also mentioned about key aspects that should be changed including engineers that should start focusing on coding and design rather than marketing, meetings and snippets, abolishing proprietary cluster management system, eliminating NIH or Not Invented Here syndrome and implementing in-house incubator.

Another example of how Google’s losing its original grass roots appeal is the recent Android 3.0 open source code delay. Some people are already reluctant as to whether or not the company can still pull this off, as Honeycomb’s open-source code is withheld indefinitely. But, this setback has not stalled Google’s passion for headlines as they made some updates with Android and its mobile payment options. Without any doubt, Android, which has recently knocked off Apple in speed and distribution, is one of the most lucrative aspects of Google. It’s also trying to push Google Chrome OS into the limelight.

Telling Google, the search engine legend that it is, what to do may sound bizarre. It pioneered some of the most amazing revolutions in the internet research, cloud computing and advertising technologies. But, when you start to long for the old “Google” feel, you may be able to come up with your own suggestions. While they are still dominating the boards, we sincerely hope that the spirit that was there in 1998 when it was founded in Menlo Park, California will be revived.