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Google Offers Scanned Books To Rival Stores

Posted by Soulskill on from the take-two-they're-small dept.

eldavojohn writes "Yesterday we covered Microsoft's jabs at the Google book deal, but today Reuters is reporting that the scanned books will be available to Google's rivals. Google said in a surprising statement, 'Google will host the digital (out-of-print) books online, and retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your local bookstore will be able to sell access to users on any Internet-connected device they choose.' They made this statement today at the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee that had been called to discuss criticism of a 2008 settlement between the Authors Guild and Google. Well, I would bet this has caught more than a few people by surprise. The Authors Guild offers a history and the fine print of the agreement."

7 of 150 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft's reply by Yvan256 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Google: Google will host the digital (out-of-print) books online, and retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your local bookstore will be able to sell access to users on any Internet-connected device they choose.
    Microsoft: Well, the Jerk Store called, and they're running out of you.

    (yes, that stupid joke works with almost any topic)

    1. Re:Microsoft's reply by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Microsoft: Yeah? Well, I had sex with your wife!

      You leave Mozilla out of this!

  2. There goes Google... by nametaken · · Score: 4, Funny

    Being less evil again.

  3. Interns? by swanzilla · · Score: 2, Funny

    Who in the hell is actually going to do the scanning? I'd be wary of accepting an internship at the Googleplex right about now.

    --
    0 = 1 + e^(Alt something)
  4. Re:Comebine this with by CannonballHead · · Score: 3, Funny

    I take it you don't play musical instruments (with sheet music) a whole lot. :)

  5. Re:That was EXACTLY my thought by GradiusCVK · · Score: 3, Funny

    If you were other nations, wouldn't you be begging Google to set up shop inside you? Sounds... inappropriate.

  6. Re:Comebine this with by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I take it you don't play musical instruments (with sheet music) a whole lot. :)

    Cornet in the 70's, piano every so often.

    Musically inclined, *and* he time travels! A multi-talented individual, indeed :)