The disturbing thing -- not because it is CNET that is doing it (they aren't all that reputable, or accurate) but this does seem to be a more wide reaching trend -- is that a news organization is apologizing for a hard hitting, pull-no-punches, relatively interesting and valuable investigative journalism report... AND PROMISING NOT TO DO IT AGAIN in the interests of not-pissing-off big faceless corporation A (in this case, Google.)

Isn't this what we've seen news organizations doing for the past X (insert a number that jives with your own observations) years? Whether it's reporting on some big corporation, or congress, or whatever administration is currently controlling the federal branch... they cowtow to the big groups that can cut off their access to "inside information" and as a result have stopped serving the people's interest.

This is what I've been seeing, anyway. Am I crazy or have others noticed similar trends? Or do you at least see them now that I've pointed it out?

I am. I chose to be. If I wanted to be dating all I need to do is make a phone call. However, I want to make sure I find the right guy. =oP