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While this is true in principle, this is a bit of a Google talking point that has more PR cachet than practical implications. Giving users the ability to make
by Elepsis 17y ago
While this is true in principle, this is a bit of a Google talking point that has more PR cachet than practical implications.
Giving users the ability to make backups of their data certainly does not mean they will actually do so. How many Gmail users actually keep full backups of their email (using POP or IMAP or whatever)? And if Gmail had a case of massive data loss tomorrow, do you really think saying "well, you could've made a backup just fine" would have somehow made everything okay?
I don't deny that this sort of data loss is pretty awful, but "data liberation" is not the solution.
- wrinklz 17y agoThe reluctance of some people to back up their online data is a testament to the general dependability of online services. More screwups like this one, or like Magnolia recently, can only serve to scare folks from "the cloud", or teach them to back it up.
- paul9290 17y agoI back up my Gmail by forwarding it to other providers (Yahoo, Comcast). If Gmail fails and loses all my data, it's in my comcast and yahoo account. If they both fail then ok Im screwed, but the Internet I hope would have to melt down if all three of these systems failed simultaneously.
- joe_the_user 17y agoUh, "Data Liberation", as in educated users, is the solution. You back up your data because no cares as much about your data as you do (repeat...). It's like basic hygene. In the future, few people will be actual computer experts but everyone will know a few things. Backing up data will be one of them. A large enough density of people who understand this will mean those who will lack excuses - see main story!