Business Week on the politicization of Google

Business Week, my old employer, has a nice article on Google's forays into the Beltway. It gives the background on Google's new lobbyist, Alan Davidson, and his specialties -- arguing for less restrictive intellectual property laws and stronger privacy protection. That is exactly what Google should do.

Microsoft made a mistake by not paying attention to Washington soon enough, to its own detriment. Google is not repeating that mistake.

Most of the reaction seems to be along the lines of "It's about time." But somebody named "Detroit Jake" posting a comment on the BW article, says the company is trying to "re-write established copyright laws and weaken established trademark infringement acts." But he doesn't say if he thinks that's a bad thing.

It is the right thing, it is inevitable, and the world will be a better place for it. As a writer whose only product is intellectual property, I think the laws are too restrictive. The internet is a disruptive technology that expands markets and distribution channels for intellectual property. But the Dodo bird companies will do everything they can to prevent the change, are gunning for Google, and could have a strong negative short-term impact on us all without changing the final outcome one iota.

To book publishers: Remember that a book is not just the sum total of the information inside. It is a nicely packaged way to distribute a detailed story on a subject of interest. You can carry a book around, take it to the beach, read in bed, sit back in a rocking chair and enjoy a good story. Electronic information is better for research, for finding specific information, for finding books you might be interested in, and for spreading the word about things you like or dislike. It is good for sparking an electronic conversation. It is not good for a leisurely read.

Information is light shining in a world of shadows. Why do you think all dictatorships heavily censor and control the press? More information available to more people is good for the world. The internet will force publishers to change their business models, because that's what disruptive technologies have done throughout history.

Get over it.