Sep 1 2009

Google is the new Borg

Sarah Sheard

Remember the Borg on Star Trek, warning Captain Picard that Resistance is Futile? Many of my writer friends, when asked about opting out of Google, throw up their hands and mutter those same words.

It got me thinking about the similarities between Google and The Borg. A little word substitution and you’ll see what I mean:

We are Google. Resistance is Futile. You will be assimilated. Your life as it has been is over. From this time forward you will service us. You will disarm your weapons and escort us to Sector  001.  If you attempt to intervene we will destroy you. Continue reading


Sep 1 2009

Press Release: We’re opting out

Sarah Sheard

PRESS RELEASE

September 2, 2009

Canadian Writers Launch Internet Campaign to Oppose Google

On Friday September 4, Canadian writers and publishers get their last chance to opt out of the increasingly infamous Google Book Settlement, condemned by dozens of international authors’ associations around the world.

“The best way I can describe this appalling deal is to compare it to a thief breaking into your house in the middle of the night and saying if you haven’t locked your windows, your property is theirs for the taking,” says B.C. author Katherine Gordon. “Google is saying we’re going to put your books online, we’re only telling you we’re doing that because someone caught us out, but unless you tell us you don’t want us doing it we’re going to keep doing it and pocket the profits. It’s outrageous.”

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