[MrUnknown]

I don't think people are taking them as a religion (at least I hope not). It is more along the lines that it seems the people at Google are still mostly trying to make the Internet and technology a better place rather than only worrying about profits.

Of course, they do care about profits, but it isn't their only agenda. This is why Google owning the patents isn't a major deal. There is no history of using the patents to get rid of competitors or to make a quick buck. They pull them out of the closet to defend themselves from other patent lawsuits. I am certain that if Google started going after various companies over mundane patents, the view of them will change very quickly and you wouldn't see very many people defending them.

[MikeCapone]

" It is more along the lines that it seems the people at Google are still mostly trying to make the Internet and technology a better place rather than only worrying about profits."

I'd rephrase that slightly: Google's has interests that are aligned with an open, diverse, and free Internet. They'll make the most money if the Internet thrives. Companies like Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft would make more money if they had a controlled walled garden under their control.

That's why Google is different, IMO.

[technoslut]

Google, Apple & MS have all done good and bad. I'm still wondering why Google sided with Verizon against net neutrality. It certainly didn't seem like they were looking out for the best interests of the consumer.

These companies are still businesses and, when faced with the choice of what is better for them or for the greater good, I expect them to choose themselves.

[moultano]

>I'm still wondering why Google sided with Verizon against net neutrality.

They didn't. They got Verizon to agree to a compromise position on net neutrality.

[technoslut]

I didn't take it as much of a compromise on Verizon's part and very few, if any, did at the time. Looking at the effects of this legislation today, the only winner has been the carriers.

[mantrik00]

In fact what Google and Vrizon put forward was only a proposal far from being a binding agreement. Their joint proposal was intended to bring more clarity in the area of net neutrality as opposed to void in the absence of any law in that respect.