Google censorship???

[Brian Ellis]

A tree-hugger group are complaining that Google has censored their paid advertising, when the ad itself is within their rules.

http://www.globetechnology.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040213.gtgooglefeb13/BNStory/Technology/

Should Google limit links that lead to doubtful moral tactics?

[Brian R.]

Seems Google has the right to put anything they want on their website.

[The PIT]

Originally posted by Brian R.
Seems Google has the right to put anything they want on their website.

Yup their site they can do what they want.

[Helevitia]

Yep, just like we deny certain topics from showing up in the Lounge. It's private property and they are allowed to do what they want on their property.

[stcynic]

The more predominate Google search technology becomes, the more careful Google will have to be in its behavior. According to this:

http://www.searchenginewatch.com/reports/article.php/2156431

Google technology (incl. Yahoo and AOL searches) accounted for 76% of English language searches as of Oct., 2003. What if that reaches 95%? Imagine if one broadcast TV station had 95% of the viewership (at all times, not just one time-slot). What if they then refused to sell air time to Republicans but allowed Democrat commercials? But the airwaves belong to everyone you say? To whom does the Internet belong (and where would Google be without it)?

I am not proposing a course of action, mind you, just pointing out that it is not as simple as it may seem at first.

[Brian R.]

Yeah, it's that simple. Such a monopoly is impossible with the diverse tastes in reading, searching, and TV viewing. Hell, even within my family, we can't agree on anything.

[stcynic]

Diverse tastes in searching? Hell, practically the only people who are _not_ using Google technology are people herded into MSN's home page (and we know how they ended up there). Diverse tastes in _what_ you search for, sure. But what technology? Not so much.

I honestly do not believe that it will stay that way. Realatively soon someone will surpass Google's tech. (MS is spending piles of money on this, and Yahoo is planning on ditching Google real soon.) The ultimate point is that there _is_ a line that can be crossed. And the line is subjective.

<OT>
Brian R. -- Rockville is near DC, right? I just moved here (DC). What is the best kept local's secret? Food, bars, activities, etc. I would not think of?
</OT>

[spadnos]

Originally posted by stcynic
<OT>
Brian R. -- Rockville is near DC, right? I just moved here (DC). What is the best kept local's secret? Food, bars, activities, etc. I would not think of?
</OT>

I'm not from there, but I can recommend a couple of places:

Tom Sarri's in Arlington. Excellent food - seafood, steak, I think prime rib as well. The place is in the shape/style of a Mississippi riverboat.
Sala Thai (2016 P Street NW, I think) - a basement restaurant with amazing Thai food. Sometimes smells like cooking gas, though.

It may (should) be obvious, but the Smithsonian is a great thing - especially the Air and Space museum.

- Steve

[Brian R.]

Originally posted by stcynic
<OT>
Brian R. -- Rockville is near DC, right? I just moved here (DC). What is the best kept local's secret? Food, bars, activities, etc. I would not think of?
</OT>

I've lived here for a while, but I am not well-aquainted with DC. There is no good pizza, or BBQ here. (I'm from Chicago and am spoiled that way).

In Rockville, I recommend the Ambrosia Restaurant for Greek food. Philadelphia Mike's (Bethesda on Wisconsin) has great steak and cheese. Easy to find good Chinese food anywhere and particularly in Chinatown (Gallery Place metro stop).
El Mariachi has great mexican food for cheap in Rockville also (Rockville Pike just south of RT 28). Original Pancake House has great breakfast (Rockville Pike and Montrose, also on Wisconsin Ave in Bethesda).

For concerts, movies, and general entertainment, see washingtonpost.com. Alot of references there.

[stcynic]

Thanks everyone! Sorry to hijack the thread.
[Insert some inflamatory statement about censorship and free speach here] <--- That is my best effort for getting the thread back on track.

[Ozbreeze]

i think they have a right to censor what ads say, but as far as where they lead (as long as they aren't pornographic in nature) shouldn't be of much concern....just my 2 cents worth

[Wombat]

Originally posted by stcynic
What if that reaches 95%? Imagine if one broadcast TV station had 95% of the viewership (at all times, not just one time-slot). What if they then refused to sell air time to Republicans but allowed Democrat commercials?

They just did that. Damn near everybody watches the Super Bowl, and CBS decided to do a little pro-war show, and declined to show MoveOn's ad.

[Jammrock]

Knowing what kind of psycho ads that environmental groups run, hell yeah Google should ban them if they feel they are too off the wall for their search page. Enviro-nuts are known for using shick value to amke their points. Tact is not in their vocabulary.

Jammrock