RIAA Whines That Google Won't Let It Program Google's Search Algorithm
from the it-must-be-easy-when-you-see-the-world-that-way dept
There's been some discussion about the RIAA's ridiculous report card on Google's "progress" in dealing with infringement. Remember, a year ago, Google promised to take steps to appease the RIAA, even though it wasn't required to under the law. Both Ars Technica and TorrentFreak have good coverage of the ridiculousness of the report card, but I wanted to dive into a few of the specific claims, which just seem laughable. Let's start with the really ridiculous claim that Google isn't doing enough to remove search terms from "autocomplete." As we noted at the time of Google's announcement, this seemed silly and pointless. How would you figure out what words to choose? For example, 10 years ago, the industry would be upset about mp3 -- but now everyone sells unencrypted mp3s. And, indeed, the RIAA seems to believe that certain words that aren't illegal should be associated with infringement:Autocomplete still suggests terms associated with piracy when a user is searching for a piece of music or a movie. For example, when “lady gaga mp3” is typed into the search bar, autocomplete directs a user to choose “lady gaga mp3 free” or “lady gaga mp3 download,”Now that's interesting. I didn't realize that "free" and "download" were illegal terms. Especially since Lady Gaga and her manager have both expressed interest in giving away her music for free. It seems that the RIAA's real complaint is that the end result of the searches still points people to some sites that offer infringing works. But that's a totally different complaint. Google could censor the words "free" and "download" and within hours people involved in infringement would come up with alternative words.
The RIAA then goes totally off the rails, insisting that Google needs to pre-screen every mobile app for Android. Sure, Apple does this, but it's why there are so many complaints from iPhone developers. The whole point of Google's more open system is to allow more open innovation. We recognize that anything "open" is horrific to RIAA-types, but for those of us who recognize how innovation works, we'd prefer that Google continue to allow such innovation, rather than putting up a big wall just because the RIAA is too clueless to adapt. It's ridiculously presumptive for the RIAA to presume that it has the right to dictate a big part of Google's setup just to please the RIAA.
Finally, the RIAA whines that Google won't listen to its own suggestions for how Google's algorithm should work.
We don’t understand why Google can’t take delisting notices for a site into account in determining rankings if it uses this information in its other copyright policy activities.Funny, but I also don't think that the RIAA listens to Google's suggestions on how their labels should sign bands. Why should the RIAA get to determine how Google's algorithm should work?
In the end, this whole thing is a ridiculously obnoxious attempt by the RIAA to pretend that Google "isn't doing enough" when the company already goes significantly beyond what is required under the law (and now generates significant income for the RIAA's labels through things like YouTube's monetization scheme).
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Let's be reasonable.
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Re: Let's be reasonable.
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Your internet connection must kick ass. Mine would take several days.
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http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3444501/Static/JanewayCoffee.jpg
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The RIAA is upset that the closest anyone gives them to that is the option to vote up or down individual search results.
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It is untrue I tell you!
The RIAA would want Arrest and Jail buttons.
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I mean, if anyone could use it, how fast do you think it would take for someone to delist them?
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Here's a definition from healthline.com - "Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which there is an inflated sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with one's self."
P.S. Google made HUGE a mistake when they gave in one iota more than the law demanded.
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They don't have reflections.
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Here's a link:
http://duckduckgo.com/
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Re: Rubber Ducky
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It's the default search engine on all my machines and becomes the default search engine on any machine I touch ;)
I'm kind of a fan of Scroogle.org as well, but duckduckgo has a duck so it's better because ducks are delicious!
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Google should delist the RIAA and MIAA
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Re: Google should delist the RIAA and MIAA
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Re: Google should delist the RIAA and MIAA
FTFY
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re
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I believe that definition could be ascribed to most individuals in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as well as most politicians and many business executives.
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I do not necessarily exclude myself, but that's because I'm so damn important!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQZmCJUSC6g
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Stop whining RIAA
/s
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Remove ALL References
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Re: Remove ALL References
This reminds me of the Belgian case (was that several months ago), where Newspapers got a court order removing links, so Google removed all references to their content. They were pleading to get that fixed within days.
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Re: Re: Remove ALL References
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110718/04055115139/newspapers-win-suit-against-google-ge t-their-wish-to-be-delisted-then-complain.shtml
It would be a perfect idea to do to the RIAA associated companies. However, I think that the long term ramifications of that actions would be worse than initial joy and satisfaction. I can see wailing and gnashing of teeth in Congress as paid-for congressmen/women cry about "how large Google is" and "it must be broken up", etc. etc.
Still one can dream, though.
Randy
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Where can I find this list of illegal words.
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Start at A and work your way to Z. Include all cross references to dead or archaic languages.
You'll ALMOST be there.
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Nanoseconds lulz
I think I sense some sarcasm coming from the RIAA, and everybody knows that sarcasm is angers ugly cousin.
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Re: Nanoseconds lulz
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Android
Even if they did, Google's Market is not the only "app store" for Android. Android was designed to allow for alternative "app stores", and in fact there are several of them. For instance, see http://f-droid.org/, which specializes in FOSS software. I saw one somewhere which specialized in pornographic applications, which Google does not allow in its Market. And so on.
And even if every "app store" for Android pre-screened its applications, you do not need to use any "app store". Again, go to the F-Droid website and scroll to the bottom. You will see a QR code, which is a direct link to an Android application. You can either click on the link on your Android phone, or use a barcode scanner application to load the link. It downloads and installs directly, without involving the Market or any other "app store" at all.
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Re: Android
That would, of course, make SourceForge a pirate site but I'm sure the RIAA and MPAA consider that it is or at least potentially is. Look at all the stuff there that might just possibly, maybe, could be or might be used for piracy if someone adds a few lines of code!!!
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Ugh!
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Real Ignorant Asshats of America
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Finally some honesty.
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Yet another reason why, regardless of what you think about the woman's musical talent, Lady Gaga is awesome.
If you're so committed to illogical claims, misinformation, and misunderstanding, RIAA, why don't you marry them?
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