And, as with most friends, there's a point when you want to say, "fuck you."

I'm still mulling the whole thing over. I most certainly don't think the stance Google is taking here vis a vis the DOJ obligates them not to cooperate with the Chinese government: after all, privacy is a different issue from free speech. I think there's something to be said for Stephen Green's contention that this may not turn into a big deal in the long run. And of course there is the argument that the Chinese may be better off with half a Google versus none at all.

But the capitulation to "local standards and laws" leaves a very bad taste in my mouth, and makes me eager to try other search engines.

Goldstein has some thoughts, as does Esmay and his crew. And, of course, Malkin is furious in a fun way.

"Don't be evil," indeed. Try not being dickweeds, Boys.

Anyone know how to change the default search engine on Safari?

Posted by: Attila Girl at 02:51 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 176 words, total size 1 kb.

Joy: Hello?

B: Aren't writers supposed to know their readers?

Joy: I assume all my readers are exactly like me, to avoid confusion.

B: Well, you don't have to work tomorrow.

Joy: Thanks, but how come I'm getting this confirmation at 10:00 at night? Isn't that a smidge late?

B: Because I didn't have your schedule, so I thought you probably weren't available this week anyway.

Joy: But I e-mailed it to you!

B: That gets us back to "know your reader." Or audience. You know I don't check my e-mail very often.

Joy: Sure. I know that. But surely you get to it once a day?

B: Once a day? I check it a couple of times a week. I'm not one of these obsessive blogger types, who check their mail all the time.

Joy: A couple times a week? Are you freaking kidding me? The average dog checks their e-mail more than that.

B: People know how to get hold of me.

Joy: [finally grasps the implication, and realizes that some people default to those little last-ditch emergency-only voice box thingies on their desks and belts when they need to communicate] Oh.

Joy: I have to go now. Goodnight. [pulls over to the side of the road; replaces phone on its holster with a shudder; slowly restarts the car, and drives up the hill, badly shaken]

Posted by: Attila Girl at 12:54 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 191 words, total size 1 kb.