Google Needs Pals
March 28, 2010
I read a story with a Reuters byline in Economic Times called “Google Gets Little Support in Internet Fight with China.” The idea is that Google needs some pals. The most interesting comment in my opinion was:
Google’s difficulty in enlisting allies could hint at the challenges ahead for the world’s largest search engine in China, where organizing broad support has in the past proven to be an effective tool for negotiating with the government.
In my experience, when does the math club need the help of the homecoming committee? Answer: Never.
Another interesting passage is attributed to Alan Wolff, a person who used to be a US trade representative:
“If China takes a broad action … then all the trade associations sign a joint letter and complain about it. If it’s an action against one company, the reactions are more private.
So, in China there will be folks who follow the government’s white line.
Bottomline: Google may be in for some interesting challenges in China, which has some allies not just in the country but elsewhere.
Stephen E Arnold, March 28, 2010
A freebie. I will report non payment for writing this article to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, where payment is part of the policies’ when properly applied.