29 October, 2006 | Leave a Comment
I feel so lonely in my boycott of Google. They blow. My Google boycott makes me an outcast. Sniffle. And now that they have bought YouTube, I must find another site for my videos. Next they’ll probably buy France and then I’ll have to move.
Link: Amnesty International “Call to Bloggers.”
Anglofille said @ 11:02 pm | blogging + technology |
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I guess, having blogged from China, my view is that *any* access to information is only a good thing. That where China thinks it can put up a “Great FireWall” to bar the door, it has left the back window wide open.
People will not be denied their voice - and maybe having even a limited Google will give them more opportunities to find it.
Just my 2p…
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For me, I just don’t think they can justify compromising freedom of speech in such a way. On a practical level, I’m sure you’re right about there being some positive benefits to Google making a deal with the devil. Perhaps I’m too much of an idealist, but I think they should stand firm on the principle of anti-censorship regardless of the consequences for people in China. And I just can’t help but think that Google’s motive is ultimately financial.
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Well, you’re not alone. I also want to boycott Google, but they’re just so enticing and useful. Maybe if we put Google into good use and let the people of North America and Europe know more about it’s support on human rights abuse in China, we could gain substantial support on this boycotting Google campaign. Yes, I know it’s ironic but I think this is the only viable way.
Or, we (especially I) should all move to a different web log provider.
BTW, this is the same argument I’ve heard from some extreme animal-rights protesters.
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Oops, forgot to tell you. Apparently Google is aim for total world domination, starting with the control over your privacy. Like how I felt, once you started to use any Google product, you’ll notice they “voluntarily” provide you with more “essential” services. Only after you’ve used it a while you’ll realise you’ve voluntarily surrendered all private and confidential information to Google. By then, it’s already too late. You’ve given it your soul!
At least that’s how I felt.
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Last note. You’re not alone. It’s just we’re so few that nobody ever takes a notice of us.
Apparently, I’ve written a similar blog earlier this year, regarding this same issue. Here it is.
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I think you’re right that Google wants world domination. The funny thing is that I was boycotting them way before the China situation. I don’t understand why people are obsessed with Google. I get by just fine without it. What makes it so great? Beats me.
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Keyword blocking is quite normal business for search engine providers. As normal as keyword advertisment is.
The real problem is there are not many alternatives left, when it comes to search engines. There are only 3 big players left, that provide big primary indexes: Google, MSN and Yahoo. All others are based on their indexes.
So does Google want to reach the dominate information flows? No, they already do.
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That’s an interesting website. Just shows how all of these search engines are connected. I’ll stick with my boycott just because it makes me feel good.
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The problem is not just keyword blocking. It’s a total government censorship, particularly on China’s past and current abuse of human rights.
It’s also a distortion and denial of historical facts. It’s the same as the denial of Holocaust and Nanking (or Jenin) massacre. Now, if that were to happen here in North America, or in Europe, what would happen? For sure, there’ll be outcries and persecution against the deniers.
Now, if you’re passionate about telling the truth. You will also be passionate about the fight for human rights.
I guess no better how good their (i.e. the search engine) intentions are they’ll always base on the decisions on the bottom line. It’s in us to be greedy. Especially when you’ve 1.3 billion potential customers at hand like China. Canada’s not doing too much better, as I’ve noted here.
Here’s BBC’s article for today. Shows you again the true nature of the corporate sector.
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