I just received, unannounced, my first ever report from Google Places. I’ve been on their system for quite some time, listed as a science journalist in this locale, so assumed it was a phishing email. After a quick check, apparently it isn’t. So, with the email verified I spent a few moments checking out the search terms that had brought visitors to my page on Google Places over the last 30 days.

I was fairly happy to have been in the search results for the terms “science” and “sci”, although, less so for “doctors”, “novartis” and “pharmaceutical companies”. But, most peculiar was that the top search term for me was “Media Molecule”.

Now, I know I should’ve known that Media Molecule is a British gaming software company, but I’m not a gamer, so I confess I didn’t. I was hoping to find some fascinating insight into the nature of media molecule when I Googled the phrase and was rather disappointed that it was something so mundane as a gaming company. Admittedly, they look like a gutsy little team, but like I say I’m not a gamer.

I was almost anticipating that the phrase media molecule was something like a Zemanta for science, or chemistry, perhaps. Speaking of which Chemicalize for WordPress is now available for download. The plugin adds chemical savvy to any of your posts that mention molecules whether you’re talking about Viagra, aspirin, or potassium permanganate.

More important than any of that, is that my Google Places listing got several hundred visits during the reporting period, but not one call or email requesting my services. Perhaps it’s time to tart up my entry.