ZDNet UK Begs for Google's Forgiveness

prostoalex writes "In light of the recent CNet ban by Google folks at ZDNet UK are now not sure whether they will get the same treatment, being a CNet company. But, just in case, they apologize profusely: 'Acting under the mistaken impression that Google's search engine was intended to help research public data, we have in the past enthusiastically abused the system to conduct exactly the kind of journalism that Google finds so objectionable. Clearly, there is no place in modern reporting for this kind of unregulated, unprotected access to readily available facts, let alone in capriciously using them to illustrate areas of concern. We apologise unreservedly, and will cooperate fully in helping Google change people's perceptions of its role just as soon as it feels capable of communicating to us how it wishes that role to be seen.'"

Comments

I'm sure it'll end with a hug and a pink slip.

[The I Shing]

I can't help but think that the people at Google would be able to find the sarcasm dripping from ZDNet UK's "apology" insightful, funny, and apropos, perhaps enough so that they'll lovingly buy them out and fire them all.

Re:I'm sure it'll end with a hug and a pink slip.

[R2.0]

From TFP: "folks at ZDNet UK are now not sure whether they will get the same treatment"

They can be sure of getting the same treatment now. Glad they cleared THAT up.

Re:I'm sure it'll end with a hug and a pink slip.

[cptbarkey]

yes, bow to your master, www.google.com!

Re:I'm sure it'll end with a hug and a pink slip.

[Anonymous Coward]

Agreed, I don't understand how we Americans have gained such a fearful reputation for ignorance in this regard.

I feel it's more than likely to happen that American's will be able to spot the sarcasm in ZDNet's response.

Re:I'm sure it'll end with a hug and a pink slip.

[VagaStorm]

I bet the owner of Glock would object to being shot even tho he dos make guns available to the public. :p

day-am.

[sammy baby]

I think this is the first time I've wanted to mod a story up for sarcasm.

Incidentally, "Oh, snap. No they dih-ent."

reminds me of...

[Johnny5000]

Dear Google:

we're sorry that you suck.

-ZDNet

Frink: It's a sarcasm detector

[93,000]

Comic Book Guy: Oh, that's usefull.

Actually, though, quite a good reply on ZD's part. It gave me a laugh, anyways.

Apologize profusely?

[ankura]

The submitter's sarcasm detector looks like it's woefully inadequate.

Re:CNET blames google for breakingthe law?

[Anonymous Coward]

In certain country legal areas you cannto publish home addresses andinfo ina news report without gettign permission.. CNET now blames google for breakign the law and publsihing the info?? Come on CNEt at least admit you have no freakign class the same as MOG!! Dei you un-repentant piece of MS 'dog sh**'

See what happens when you try to learn a second language by reading Slashdot and k5 threads, kids?...

Gods

[Ruie]

and will cooperate fully in helping Google change people's perceptions of its role just as soon as it feels capable of communicating to us how it wishes that role to be seen.

It is an old problem with gods - you don't know what they want..

John Cleese?

[fixer007]

Why do I get the image of the Google CEO hanging the ZDNet CEO out of a window by his legs (ala Fish Called Wanda) while reading that apology?

Students of Monty Python

[dazedNconfuzed]

Apologizing with "Clearly, there is no place in modern reporting for this kind of unregulated, unprotected access to readily available facts, let alone in capriciously using them to illustrate areas of concern" is reminiscent of Monty Python:

'We would like to apologize for the way in which politicians are represented in this programme. It was never our intention to imply that politicians are weak-kneed, political time-servers who are concerned more with thier personal vendettas and private power struggles than the problems of government, nor to suggest at any point that they sacrifice their credibility by denying free debate on vital matters in the mistaken impression that party unity comes before the well-being of the people they supposedly represent nor to imply at any stage that they are squabbling little toadies without an ounce of concern for the vital social problems of today. Nor indeed do we intend that viewers should consider them as crabby ulcerous little self-seeking vermin with furry legs and an excessive addiction to alcohol and certain explicity sexual practices which some people might find offensive.

We are sorry if this impression has come across.'
- Monty Python, Episode 32

Re:My favorite line

[alexander m]

hmmm, if ZDNet posted a story about me tomorrow saying that i was now worth a billion dollars and lived in a gigantic house, i can put my hand on my heart right here and say that i wouldn't have a single unkind word... ;)

Scoop Nazi

[Anonymous Coward]

No scoop for you, one year!

Re:Ok, this is only marginally relevant...

[ndansmith]

Don't worry, I just sent him a Gmail invite.

OK, Let's see if he bites....

[GeneralEmergency]

Just posted this on ZDUK.