4 ms·

This in is essence exactly the argument that Google Books is using so copy/paste all the arguments against that (the French were particularly vocal) to see the

by Jun8 15y ago

This in is essence exactly the argument that Google Books is using so copy/paste all the arguments against that (the French were particularly vocal) to see the problem. If I had to choose between the government (French, US, whatever) and Google doing such a thing, I would definitely choose an entity like Google on the grounds that since they stand to make money and have a stake, they'll manage it better than a typical government can.

loceng 15y ago
France plans things pretty well in comparison (at least on outwardly views) compared to the US. I realize you said based on a typical government. There are negatives to a for-profit company doing things as well, where if something that could be developed would be beneficial to usefulness to users - but perhaps would hurt the profitable, then it likely wouldn't get implemented.
bryanlarsen 15y ago
The difference between a corporation and a government is that the corporation has a clear conflict of interest. Also, keep in mind that French governmental organizations are typically less dysfunctional than American ones.
- JumpCrisscross 15y ago
  French governmental organizations are typically less dysfunctional than American ones Sorry, the research I've seen has shown the American government to be marginally more effective [1] and marginally less venal [2] at a much lower relative cost [3] than the French government. Quangos are usually in a class of their own when it comes to derision for public sector inefficiency [4]. [1] http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/worldmap.asp http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/worldmap.asp (2010 Government Effectiveness) [2] http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2011/results/ http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2011/results/ [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_spending#Government_spending_as_a_percentage_of_GDP http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_spending#Government_... [4] http://www.economist.com/node/18867672 http://www.economist.com/node/18867672

by Jun8 15y ago

loceng 15y ago

France plans things pretty well in comparison (at least on outwardly views) compared to the US. I realize you said based on a typical government. There are negatives to a for-profit company doing things as well, where if something that could be developed would be beneficial to usefulness to users - but perhaps would hurt the profitable, then it likely wouldn't get implemented.

bryanlarsen 15y ago

The difference between a corporation and a government is that the corporation has a clear conflict of interest. Also, keep in mind that French governmental organizations are typically less dysfunctional than American ones.

JumpCrisscross 15y ago
French governmental organizations are typically less dysfunctional than American ones Sorry, the research I've seen has shown the American government to be marginally more effective [1] and marginally less venal [2] at a much lower relative cost [3] than the French government. Quangos are usually in a class of their own when it comes to derision for public sector inefficiency [4]. [1] http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/worldmap.asp http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/worldmap.asp (2010 Government Effectiveness) [2] http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2011/results/ http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2011/results/ [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_spending#Government_spending_as_a_percentage_of_GDP http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_spending#Government_... [4] http://www.economist.com/node/18867672 http://www.economist.com/node/18867672