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ZDNet UK Begs for Google's Forgiveness

Posted by Zonk on from the a-little-snark-with-your-breakfast dept.

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.'"

4 of 621 comments (clear)

  1. Tantrum by ChilyMack · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Punishing a media outlet for publishing freely available non-sensitive information sets a very bad precedent. Imagine if the government could get away with that. My feeling is that Google got far too used to the press eating up their every action and was shocked - shocked - when someone had a criticism. Perhaps their corporate philosophy needs to be broadened into "Do no evil, and don't pander to your inner brat." It's good that the folks at ZDNet aren't sucking up to Google. On the other hand, they might be provoking a playground brawl.

  2. C/Net was right to question Google by greyfeld · · Score: 4, Interesting
    If you haven't read "A World Without Secrets" by Richard Hunter yet, I would suggest you do so. This is just the kind of questioning we need to have happen. Don't you ever wonder WHY they need your information, WHAT they are doing with it and HOW will it affect you when you give it to them? You should be!

    http://worldwithoutsecrets.gartner.com/section.php .id.49.s.1.jsp

  3. Ok, this is only marginally relevant... by mikeophile · · Score: 5, Interesting

    But did anyone catch that Eric Schmitt's email address is EricSchmidt1@yahoo.com?

    Check for yourself.

    Say what you will about the guy, but he's got a sense of humor.

  4. Re:I'm sure it'll end with a hug and a pink slip. by hal9000(jr) · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Here's the second. This is just wrong of google and does this mean the benevolent giant is really a bully in disguise. Sorry, google is a search engine that is used for all kinds of "interesting" things. If google doesn't like it, then they can pack up and go home. sheesh.