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> I would say it isn't exactly "if on google, do x". I wish bing had taken this opportunity to answer that question in this blog post. Since they didn't, it ma

> I would say it isn't exactly "if on google, do x". I wish bing had taken this opportunity to answer that question in this blog post. Since they didn't, it makes me more likely to assume the worst. All they would have to say is something like "We use anonymized click data and don't special case Google" to avoid most of the controversy. Then we would be back to debating whether it is ethical to do something theoretically ok even if you know that it practically means you'll be cribbing from a competitor.

HardyLeung 16y ago
One thing is sure. This episode makes Microsoft look like a cheater, but also Google like a child. I rather Google spend more time on combating search spam and content farms than this concerted "caught-in-the-act" ambush. Instead, Google likes to cheapen themselves with endless argument with everyone (how supporting WebM and Flash is open, how the iPhone world is "draconian", etc). Just call it "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery" and be done with it, would you, Google? Spend your time improving UI, defend your cash cow against spam, focus on making Android better, be more coherent in your social/location strategies, lead the industry in privacy (not just talk of privacy). All of these will benefit users more.
- michaelneale 16y ago
  It is all fun and games, and a bit childish. Obviously google are not offended, just trying to get some PR about it - just business. But the argument "I rather Google spend.." can be applied to anything - it isn't as if they haven't be tackling other problems, and they are clearly worried about bing (at least in PR, bing spends big - lots of MS employees posting on forums, including here, which I am sure is encouraged). Bing is losing a lot of money for Microsoft, so by that token, I could say that they should stop it, and spend money on xbox (which is fantastic - no idea if it is losing money, but what a leader) - make it stupidly cheap, make it dominate the home etc ...
  - HardyLeung 16y ago
    You can also argue that Bing fits in the "offense is the best defense" category. Hit Google where it hurts so Google can't cannibalize MSFT's core business as quickly. From a customer's perspective, it keeps Google honest.
- zzleeper 16y ago
  Let's go one step further from your argument: Why should Google improve their search spam algorithm? Would they gain anything if MSFT then their compares their own results against Google's, to delete the spam farms thanks to Google's work?
  - HardyLeung 16y ago
    I can't agree with that. You always want to improve, even if there is no "competition". Don't worry much about competitors that only imitate, but pay attention to those who innovate and exceed you. So, exceed yourself before others do.

HardyLeung 16y ago

One thing is sure. This episode makes Microsoft look like a cheater, but also Google like a child. I rather Google spend more time on combating search spam and content farms than this concerted "caught-in-the-act" ambush. Instead, Google likes to cheapen themselves with endless argument with everyone (how supporting WebM and Flash is open, how the iPhone world is "draconian", etc). Just call it "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery" and be done with it, would you, Google? Spend your time improving UI, defend your cash cow against spam, focus on making Android better, be more coherent in your social/location strategies, lead the industry in privacy (not just talk of privacy). All of these will benefit users more.

michaelneale 16y ago
It is all fun and games, and a bit childish. Obviously google are not offended, just trying to get some PR about it - just business. But the argument "I rather Google spend.." can be applied to anything - it isn't as if they haven't be tackling other problems, and they are clearly worried about bing (at least in PR, bing spends big - lots of MS employees posting on forums, including here, which I am sure is encouraged). Bing is losing a lot of money for Microsoft, so by that token, I could say that they should stop it, and spend money on xbox (which is fantastic - no idea if it is losing money, but what a leader) - make it stupidly cheap, make it dominate the home etc ...
- HardyLeung 16y ago
  You can also argue that Bing fits in the "offense is the best defense" category. Hit Google where it hurts so Google can't cannibalize MSFT's core business as quickly. From a customer's perspective, it keeps Google honest.
zzleeper 16y ago
Let's go one step further from your argument: Why should Google improve their search spam algorithm? Would they gain anything if MSFT then their compares their own results against Google's, to delete the spam farms thanks to Google's work?
- HardyLeung 16y ago
  I can't agree with that. You always want to improve, even if there is no "competition". Don't worry much about competitors that only imitate, but pay attention to those who innovate and exceed you. So, exceed yourself before others do.