China vs Google

[liowkc]

China is again flexing her powerful muscles to censor Google's search results.

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[A-NAT]

I am upset with the principle of what China advocates. But really I find this objection inconsistant at times.

No one will admit that of course. But having the Internet is not a "right" in life. It is not needed to survive. There is nothing on the Internet that Chinese people can't find if they want too.

You don't like it? Move to a country that has unlimited Google.

The fact is liowkc people make editing decisions everyday in entertainment and business for their own reason and agenda, why do you think a Govt is going to be any different? Is it right? No! But when did that ever matter.

There are a ton of things that humanity deserves that we aren't getting, and we are worried about the Chinese getting unlimited Internet?

Well it does make a good topic. And I respect your point more than it sounds like I do.

[vistaa]

Google is the best and i use this also.

[liowkc]

I am always for free speech and believe that Chinese like all their western counterparts should be entitled to it. But sadly, out of business interest, Google will kowtow to China just like Microsoft and all big companies.

[A-NAT]

I still don't see how you view a sound business decision as kowtowing?

Don't they have an obligation to their stock holders?

I do suppose there is a line that should be drawn somewhere though. I mean I am against the sale of cigarettes and they have a obligation to there stockholders.

But then again it would take a Govt to ban tobacco sales and we would be back to your point.

[liowkc]

I guess we will never come to an agreement on this point . My point is that if not for China's great potential, would Google stay on despite all these restrictions?

[A-NAT]

NO, and we agree on that.

My question is why do you call smart business kowtowing?

Don't get me wrong I have principles I would literally die for but there are also other principles that I would not confuse with business.

For example, I could not sell cigarettes regardless of how much money I would make. But I could do what Google and Microsoft are doing without blinking an eye.

Why? Because whether the Chinese can have porn or negative politics is not a life altering experience. And frankly I know that the Internet restrictions are not stopping them from getting either. So how much are they truly being deprived?

You may say "well they can get cigarettes elsewhere without you". And that is true and I wouldn't be able to do anything about it nor would I.

[liowkc]

To me it is not really smart business, more like cowardice and letting the profit motive take precedence over principles.

[A-NAT]

Like that is not what business is all about? Welcome to capatilism my man! Wake up and smell the Almighty Dollar!

There are no principles in business.

And you know what I bet if you were approached by the Chinese to write articles for some serious bucks you would change your tune. I hope you wouldn't, but most people would.

I have a line myself, so I am on board with your point. But I guess we disagree at the level of how much it matters. I don't think the Chinese people are missing out on anything from the strict oversight of the Internet.

[liowkc]

In a sad way, I agree with you. But I hope Google and all other big business could come up and said it upfront instead of practicing hypocrisy and cowardice.

[A-NAT]

And I agree with that. But I still am confused where going for a buck is cowardice? Sounds more like financial suicide.

But then again in the big picture, these companies are successful without the Chinese population. So I would applaud them if they had the balls to make a stand. I guess because I am so used to companies following the dollar signs I expect it and therefore do not see it as caving in.

I am starting to waver a little toward your point. It would take balls to make the stand so therefore maybe not doing it is a little cowardice. But I see it more as greed.