Wow! Is it time to start using Bing ?!

[tomato]

Wow!!! We were so busy complaining about Facebook that we didn't see that one coming from Google.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/busine...GOQ_story.html

or did you?

What do you all think? Gonna close your accounts?

[fnkngrv]

I have a dozen google accounts. I can't just go and close them unfortunately. I guess it is what it is. I have been flip-floppin on even keeping my G+ account as it just seems to be blah.

[tk-421]

Yikes. I guess we'll all have to remember to sign out of all Google related services before using them from now on...

And to think I was actually toying with the idea of getting an Android device this year.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

it doesn't matter who you use or how you use the internet.

if you do not want information and details about yourself stored forever in
limitless databases, then just don't put any information whatsoever on the internet.

there is no protection other than financial data such as credit card transactions or bank transactions.

[Kioshi]

Google CAN log calls, etc...but will it? No...unless it wants to end up like Carrier IQ which is now eliminated from Sprints network and other phone providers who used them in their phones. Carrier IQ kept track of what you did, when you did it, etc.....

Whether you turn off capturing search results, never logged into Google+, etc.....chances are......Google still has the tools to find you.

Only thing you can do is...rebel against them.

I will not switch to Bing, leave Android cell phones, etc. Google already mentioned they had cool ideas for the future and this method will help them deliver it smoothly to consumers.

Using the Android phone the first time, i accidentally synced contacts and calendar. But since 6 months after, i dont sync anything and the fact that Google cant sync my calendar events from the past and a few foreign friend names, just tells me I might be lucky..lol

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby

if you do not want information and details about yourself stored forever in
limitless databases, then just don't put any information whatsoever on the internet.

Either that or use tools that don't track you in the first place (DuckDuckGo comes to mind).

But yeah, I agree that it was bound to happen at some point.

[thepartsmancometh]

[Altitude]

Who uses Google services anyway? Sure, I have a gmail account, but that's only because it was necessary (isn't it?) to use Android Market.

Maybe I shouldn't be commenting, but I just don't see why people need all these 'services' in the first place.

[tomato]

Originally Posted by Altitude

Who uses Google services anyway? Sure, I have a gmail account, but that's only because it was necessary (isn't it?) to use Android Market.

Maybe I shouldn't be commenting, but I just don't see why people need all these 'services' in the first place.

Because they're cool. They're convenient. They store in the cloud which is very attractive to people who have computers in several different locations, people who travel, or to people who have older equipment (like I used to and lost their HD once or twice ;) And they're a breeze to use (compared to MS products, for instance) although, granted, maybe not as user friendly as Apple's stuff.

Google Docs, Google calendar, GMAIL (simply the best spam control out there IMO), blog platforms, etc., etc. I know they had me at GMAIL. I've used a couple of GMAIL accounts for ** years.** and there is no going back.

To be completely honest with you, if the AT&T network in SF didn't suck as much as it does, I probably would have gotten an iPhone a long time ago (calm down, Pavel! lol ;) and maybe we wouldn't be having this conversation. But I still would have a GMAIL account and a host of other Google apps.
Now, with an android device I also use Navigation, Latitude, and a few other apps, which I guess I could do without but Navigation absolutely rules and without it I'd be lost.

[Shroomster]

is everyone really so scared? You have one life to live. Are you going to spend it worrying that someone is going to take your 'digital fingerprint' life or are you going to just continue living the way you have been. Really so what if some company compiles your information on where you are or what you are doing. Are you a celebrity? are you worried someone is stalking you?

I use credit cards.
I pay bills online.
I give out my email.
I give out my home address.

DO you really think you have control of any of your information?
when you were signed up for grade school your parents/guardians supplied all your information to the school. Really think that is safe?

The place you were born in? the hospital? the city where you're public records are? all someone needs to do is go and request it.

You go to the doctor. you can give them vital information or opt out of doing so.

you get a license for ANYTHING that requires a license. they need vital information.

check out this site:

SPOKEO.com

You might be surprised what info is out there for yourself. googling yourself only does so much

They're called technology and evolution for the right reasons....

/RANT

[tomato]

Originally Posted by A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby

.....

there is no protection other than financial data such as credit card transactions or bank transactions.

other than financial data?!!

Oh, but you're wrong. Just because they are behind a firewall doesn't mean people don't have access to them. Maybe not you and I but they do get hacked.

People's health records are constantly getting hacked, with their SS# and DOB, as well. :(

So it does happen.

[tomato]

DO you really think you have control of any of your information?
.

/RANT

No. and I imagine I'm not gonna close my account(s) either. I understand that my information is fair game, sort of, since I'm using their services, and especially gmail, for so long, so they know just about all there is to know about me, but I'd like to be asked first.

To tell me that I can't opt out, it is what it is and if you don't like it, close your account (s) , just rubs me the wrong way.


Am I the only one feeling that way?

[Shroomster]

Originally Posted by tomato

No. and I imagine I'm not gonna close my account(s) either. I understand that my information is fair game, sort of, since I'm using their services, and especially gmail, for so long, so they know just about all there is to know about me, but I'd like to be asked first.

To tell me that I can't opt out, it is what it is and if you don't like it, close your account (s) , just rubs me the wrong way.


Am I the only one feeling that way?

I totally agree, but it's damned if you do damned if you don't.

[SilverBack]

I only "use" Google to log-in to YouTube because I suppose got no other choice it seems, and even then I'm still monitoring it like flies on dry dogshit, like everything else in my life. So far so good.

Hope the rest of you got your bases covered too. Take care.

[fnkngrv]

I am really thinking now that when I fire up my domain I will adjust my email to it and see how that goes. Really other than search (which I don't sign in for anyway) I only use google for navigation and account sync for the market.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

Originally Posted by Shroomster

is everyone really so scared? You have one life to live. Are you going to spend it worrying that someone is going to take your 'digital fingerprint' life or are you going to just continue living the way you have been. Really so what if some company compiles your information on where you are or what you are doing. Are you a celebrity? are you worried someone is stalking you?

I use credit cards.
I pay bills online.
I give out my email.
I give out my home address.

DO you really think you have control of any of your information?
when you were signed up for grade school your parents/guardians supplied all your information to the school. Really think that is safe?

The place you were born in? the hospital? the city where you're public records are? all someone needs to do is go and request it.

You go to the doctor. you can give them vital information or opt out of doing so.

you get a license for ANYTHING that requires a license. they need vital information.

check out this site:

SPOKEO.com

You might be surprised what info is out there for yourself. googling yourself only does so much

They're called technology and evolution for the right reasons....

/RANT

spokeo cannot find me and never will be able to

[JumpmanYaris]

Originally Posted by A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby

spokeo cannot find me and never will be able to

Why are you so naive sir

[33OH]

I for one will be switching from Gmail/Google. Already sent them an email telling them I am concerned and will switch if nothing changes to the privacy policy they're trying to impose. I've been using Gmail for many years so it will be a painful migration, but I value my privacy and the fact that I can't "turn it off" is threatening to me.