Originally Posted by benny1967 (Post 88931)

While the idea is nice, FON as one possible way of doing it is not. It's is a closed system and backed by companies with a rather bad reputation. The fact that iSteve falls in love with it now doesn't make it any more attractive.

Originally Posted by rs-px (Post 88932)

I've never used it but I guess the most important point is if it actually works, both on a practical level (can I get a signal?) and on a social level (are people willing to put FON boxes in their houses?).

Originally Posted by rs-px (Post 88932)

Not sure if I agree that the companies backing it have a bad reputation (Google? British Telecom?). But telco companies aren't usually the most honourable examples of corporations. In fact, of all corporate entities, they often have the sharpest business practices (product lock-ins, extensive contractual demands etc).

Originally Posted by benny1967 (Post 88947)

The question if it works or not is one of many, not the most important. Thats the wonderful thing about our society: Even though it's said that consumers make rational choices, in fact they don't. There's always a lot of emotion ínvolved. (Like people buying a certain brand because its associated with "young", "free", "independent" - even though they sell furniture which has no potential of making you any more free or independent :D )

Likewise, the choice for a certain technology is (at least for some of us) influenced in part by moral aspects. We use OGG vorbis partly because it has better quality, but also because its free - even though there's hassle getting the codec to work on some platforms. We use GNU/Linux partly because we like its flexibility, but also because we support an ideology - even though its a nightmare getting the webcams and scanners to work.

So: No, I dont think the most important point is if it actually works. Consuming only what works and whats easily available is somewhat irresponsible, even indecent.



Skype (via EBay) and Google both have a very negative reputation - you know, privacy concerns, closed system, connections to US-administration, all this kind of stuff. They're not the companies I would voluntarily provide additional information like where I am, who I talk to etc.

Originally Posted by benny1967 (Post 88947)

So: No, I dont think the most important point is if it actually works. Consuming only what works and whats easily available is somewhat irresponsible, even indecent.

Originally Posted by benny1967 (Post 88947)

Skype (via EBay) and Google both have a very negative reputation - you know, privacy concerns, closed system, connections to US-administration, all this kind of stuff. They're not the companies I would voluntarily provide additional information like where I am, who I talk to etc.

Originally Posted by zerojay (Post 88954)

Um, Google has an extremely positive reputation, especially right now... not sure where you're getting that from.

Originally Posted by Texrat (Post 88959)

Obviously that assessment depends on the context. I've also seen negative aspersions cast against Google for some practices. Google Earth probably has as many opponents as adherents.

Originally Posted by zerojay (Post 88974)

When I showed my mom Google Earth for the first time (she's not computer literate), she ran outside and started yelling "HI!!! CAN YOU SEE ME?!?" while waving at the sky. lol

Originally Posted by zerojay (Post 88954)

Um, Google has an extremely positive reputation, especially right now... not sure where you're getting that from.

Originally Posted by benny1967 (Post 89009)

How do they manage to get a good reputation at your place?

Originally Posted by rs-px (Post 88956)

It's also how the world works :)

Originally Posted by rs-px (Post 88956)

My original point was that it matters if it works for most people -- those who live outside of the geeksphere. If FON works then it could well be the biggest thing since sliced bread, and will certainly be good for Internet tablet users. Above everything else, it's very fair -- I share my connection, and you share yours with me.

Originally Posted by rs-px (Post 88956)

But, really, you're impracticably idealistic.

Originally Posted by Texrat (Post 89011)

By making search easy and effective.

We Americans are lazy, and often willing to overlook little matters such as true security and anonymity. ;)

Originally Posted by TA-t3 (Post 89013)

The google services do what I want, the difference between them and other services is that they don't get in the way. So to me, they're good ;)

Originally Posted by aflegg (Post 89035)

I'd wager that, in the UK at least, Google is one of the most trusted brands around. Certainly one of the most trusted US IT brands. Possibly shortly followed by Apple ;-)