[sah2ed]

I disagree that the title's author wasn't (self-)aware of Google being one of the think tank's sponsors; I think the author was indeed aware but somehow deluded themselves into thinking that the think tank could live up to the ideals of being truly independent while taking corporate funds.

What title do you suggest could have been less inflammatory but still convey the same message?

[jcoffland]

Think tank is just a more palatable way of saying lobbyist group with integrity. Lobbyists have always pushed the interests of their donors.

[fizixer]

> I disagree that the title's author wasn't (self-)aware of Google being one of the think tank's sponsors; I think the author was indeed aware but somehow deluded themselves into thinking that the think tank could live up to the ideals of being truly independent while taking corporate funds.

Let me take it to an absurd extreme and suggest the following title:

"Google Lost and Can Go Suck My D"

Last I checked it still qualifies as "truly independent thinking".

> What title do you suggest could have been less inflammatory but still convey the same message?

Was something like "Open Markets and European Commission's Finding Regarding Google" too hard?

edit: nitpick, but "Finding Against X" sounds incorrect. Finding is about something, not for or against. Verdict could be for or against. Given the title itself, I don't exactly have high expectations about the quality of the article which I haven't read yet.

[unethical_ban]

It's a think tank, not a newswire. It has policy positions and opinions. It's completely expected for them to write articles and titles applauding or "regretting" policy moves.

Applauding and regretting and whatnot are both leagues more respectful than your outlandish example.

[fizixer]

> Applauding and regretting and whatnot are both leagues more respectful

Oh, now you're favoring "respect" over "truly independent thinking"? How odd.

[dang]

Would you please stop posting inflammatory and uncivil comments to HN? Especially on divisive topics, where they act as flamebait.

We're hoping for a higher quality of discussion here and that requires maintaining a slightly artificial level of self-discipline when annoyed, regardless of what we're annoyed by.

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

[unethical_ban]

I didn't say that, and you're (probably intentionally) misreading my post.

Your original complaint was that they insulted Google by taking a policy stance against them, and that they might as well have made a title regarding sex acts. I was telling you that is ridiculous.

[dang]

Please don't post uncivil or unsubstantive comments to HN. This one is unfortunately both, even if your underlying point is correct.

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html