Most of all, they sure as hell won't shoot themselves in the foot. Think about it: What is the main reason something shows up on top in Google's searches? Well, one of the reasons is that a lot of people who used the search term considered this link useful. Which in turn means that it is most likely useful for others using the same search term. Which in turn means that using Google, one of the first hits is what you were looking for.

If those links that usually appear at the top now have to be lowered in rank, it goes AGAINST the interests of Google, because their search results do no longer reflect what those searching actually wanted.

Dear RIAA: We know that you're world class experts at hitting your own foot effortlessly, and we welcome your advice how to do it. But unlike you, there are actually companies out there the business model of which centers around ideas that are alien and outlandish to you: Delivering what their audience wants.

Corporations buy politicians and put them up for public vote, but they can't vote on them. You in turn can vote on them, but you don't get to say what they should do.

And that we call the "separation of powers".

I guess our regulators won't be happy 'til everyone turned to Baidu because it censors less...

Do what I did with annoying callers, forward them to the fax machine.

I don't really agree. Their lawyers sure deserve something COMPLETELY different.

In case you haven't noticed yet, the very LAST thing dinosaurs like the RIAA want is an unguided free market. Think about it: Who needs them? People wanting to sell music can easily find people wanting to buy music, they're the middle man that can so easily be eliminated entirely.

In a free market they'd have gone the way of the dodo ages ago.

And even if, it certainly is none of YOUR country's business whether it's legal in mine.

Google SAID they would do it and the RIAA is the one claiming they failed.

The question is whether they failed or just paid some lip service to get the sponges to STFU.

Music industry expert ranks up there with the great oxymorons (emphasis on the moron) of our times with military intelligence and microsoft works.

Yes I do. It might be nice of Google to tell me "hey, this page could be infected with something, enter at your own risk", though.

Maybe we could meet half way where Google doesn't filter "illegal" sites but marks them with a similar warning?

Warning people that they might do something risky or illegal is quite fine and very welcome. Censoring content and taking the decision out of my hand is not.

And I had dinner plans a day after that.

Gives me an interesting idea. Can't we somehow sic the bible thumpers on them for defying God or some shit like that? I mean, for a change they could do some good.

The US are a great country. It's the dipshits that run it that are pathetic.

Sure you can't. But then again, you're not selling the crap. For Mosanto, it's just the other way 'round. Just like the dealer selling dope blended with poisonous crap doesn't give a shit how it fucks up his customers, so don't they.

Sadly, I doubt it will end like those movies.

Reality isn't Hollywood. The bad guys tend to win out here.