Because I can
Chrome EULA
In response to a rather alarmist post about the EULA of Google's Chrome web browser, I wrote the following to the University Webmaster's List:
I think Chrome and Google skepticism is healthy and important, but let's not get overheated. I've encountered this language in the past and talked to folks who used the language in their EULAs. Turns out that a lot of this non-exclusive redistribution rights language has to do with search results, RSS, and mash-ups and not anything to do with trying to steal your content and monetize it.
I'm not saying we shouldn't be concerned or skeptical. If you're really concerned, find out the reasoning behind the EULA by calling Google yourself. In my life, I find I'm much happier and less stressed in assuming that folks are acting in good faith until they prove otherwise. I would much prefer we focus our indignation on entities that have proven that they cannot or will not act in good faith like the RIAA.
I fear that we listen too much to screechy ideologues who have made digital liberty into some kind of civil religion (Doctorow), which makes us both 1.) Take ourselves and our causes far too seriously and 2.) Refuse to give any individual or company the benefit of the doubt.
Your thoughts?
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Unintentionally terrifying new attraction at Orr Family Farm!
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