4 ms·
Confusing criticism for sour grapes shuts down discussion of externalities like this. Ignoble words can argue for noble ends, but won't when people shoot the me
by JamesBlair 15y ago
Confusing criticism for sour grapes shuts down discussion of externalities like this. Ignoble words can argue for noble ends, but won't when people shoot the messenger.
Improving the rules of the game should make it easier for the meritocracy, if that is what you value then you should pay extra attention to those who look like they should be winning but aren't rather than the opposite.
- brudgers 15y agoThe criticism of the process would be more convincing had Google won the bidding because there would not be any appearance of self-interest. Given that the article concludes: "So the hunt continues for some nuclear warheads to build towards mutual assured destruction, and eventually détente," It is hard to see Google's motives as meaningfully different from those who won the auction. In an arms race both sides can claim it is for defense - and I will point out that nuclear warheads may deter a powerful opponent, but they will invariably intimidate the weak.
- MikeCapone 15y agoIsn't the difference that Google is the one being sued and the others are doing the suing? Defensive patent holdings seem different from offensive ones to me.