[jmathai]

I understand that it's inconvenient when services shut down but I see 3 options.

1) Wait until it seems there's enough comittment from Google before using it. 2) Start using it right away knowing that it might not be around forever. 3) Don't use it because you don't trust Google to maintain it.

Given these 3 options, does Google launching a service really have that much impact on consumer's lives? I'm a huge Gmail user and have been for over a decade. If they shut it down it will suck but I'll find another way to email people.

I get the philosophical arguments but curious why some people have the level of concern or angst when Google announces a product.

(for the sake of this comment let's forget about competition and monopolies)