Comments on: Google's Chinese Standoff Continues: So Why Not Just Leave?

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:01:10 +0000

Google is all talk and no trousers.

By: Franz

Franz — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:35:09 +0000

Why didn't they just leave? maybe they actually care about their Chinese users? I know I know, they're not the only internet company operating in China, but changing your primary email is a pain in the ass. Baidu is useless in search for english content (btw, they're better than Google in Chinese search is a myth, they're not, and baidu's portal is infested with virus). Not everything has to be about PR, this is one PR campaign they didn't need to start at all.

The Chinese government don't want to be appear hostile to foreign companies (especially this has become so high profile) and is seeking a legal excuse to kick out Google, therefore Google is flinching left and right, legally.

By: Greentech in China: Who to Know, Where to Start

Greentech in China: Who to Know, Where to Start — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:50:17 +0000

[...] as Google’s ongoing standoff with Chinese authorities has demonstrated, doing business in China can be a labyrinthine task. Guzy’s top recommendation [...]

By: Artruro Jayson

Artruro Jayson — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:06:10 +0000

Despite this being a pit bull attacking a kennel of attack dogs, if either side were taken I'd have to support the one that's been giving me my daily YouTube these past few years. As China works to encrust the world in more of this Chinese thought, we'll all just have to sit back and watch it screw into its own potential, yet unlikely, prospects. Even totalitarian living has to unwind itself now and then.

By: Dan O

Dan O — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:10:10 +0000

Who knows google's thinking when opting to take on China.

But as a Citizen that wants companies like Google to have a conscious when adopting policy, my reaction is clear:

Support Google!! Give them a cheer, and an extra share of your buisness! If you are a skeptic that Google's motives are selfishly motivated, then support them double, since you know that it was your support that they were motivated by anyway.

It does not matter WHY, it matters WHAT. and in this case the "what" is a great precedent that I for one would like to see, followed by many other selfish businesses.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:40:04 +0000

It would put a big hurt on Apps - doc sharing is less fun when 20% of potential sharers (and maybe half your potential business partners) can't play.

By: Najeeb

Najeeb — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:46:08 +0000

"but at least if it left China, the company would be able to say that it stood firm in the face of demands from a totalitarian regime, and that has got to be worth something."

Good sentiment. But businesses don't operate that way, they are looking at the bottom line, which is a potential loss of a billion customers and worse someone else wedging in Google's place. Tough call but it is worth continuing the dance!

By: Mathew Ingram

Mathew Ingram — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:01:08 +0000

I'm not sure, Paul -- my understanding is that when in China, users of those services would have to go through the Great Firewall, so would be subject to whatever blocking or filtering or monitoring the government chose to impose. If anyone knows the specifics, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:37:21 +0000

If Google were to leave China, or be kicked out, how would that likely affect other countries' users of Gmail, Apps and Android devices when they visit China?