YouTube video, but outside of that, I've found everything I need somewhere else,
or was already established with something else.
Yes, there is a life after Google.
TR, on the other hand, I can't seem to bring myself to break away from????
Discussion on:
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I no longer use any of these or other Google offerings. Maybe a rare link to a
YouTube video, but outside of that, I've found everything I need somewhere else,
or was already established with something else.
Yes, there is a life after Google.
TR, on the other hand, I can't seem to bring myself to break away from????
YouTube video, but outside of that, I've found everything I need somewhere else,
or was already established with something else.
Yes, there is a life after Google.
TR, on the other hand, I can't seem to bring myself to break away from????
Not sure why you're getting voted down. I cut the Google cord months ago and life is good. The hardest part is keeping Google away. They're as persistent as Facebook. Like you, I have found YouTube to be the only Google offering that doesn't have a viable alternative. Like Facebook, everyone uses it because everyone uses it.
Heck, I'm used to it...funny that so many vote people down yet lack the
intestinal fortitude to say why!
In my opinion, that says more to their character than anything else...
sad state of affairs the IT world is in when if a person doesn't want to
use the same whatever as the rest of the "cool kids" their opinion is
looked down upon.
I noticed you're receiving a large number of down votes as well.
What's the matter people? Are you so dumb that you can't figure out
an alternative to using Google, so anyone that might must be way off?
Is that it?
intestinal fortitude to say why!
In my opinion, that says more to their character than anything else...
sad state of affairs the IT world is in when if a person doesn't want to
use the same whatever as the rest of the "cool kids" their opinion is
looked down upon.
I noticed you're receiving a large number of down votes as well.
What's the matter people? Are you so dumb that you can't figure out
an alternative to using Google, so anyone that might must be way off?
Is that it?
I am sucked in to Google in it's entirety, I don't do RSS feeds, never figured out what they were or how they work.
Never made a google+ page for my website
I only log in to facebook when I am setting my Android phone up again after installing a new Rom.
After WinMo 6 launched, I dropped windows phone and never looked back, I ditched Windows on my Desktop for linux and picked up linux on my phone as well. if there was an alternative to Android that was Linux based and actually supported, I would use it instead, if it worked like Linux with repositories and mostly open sourced.
I do use Google Docs regularly, You Tube an average of 0.75 times per week, usually only to get a song for my 5 month old daughter where I know the words, but not the tune, or vice versa.
Never used Ad Words, I don't even have Ads on my website, I do use WordPress for my website.
as for google search, I use it BECAUSE it remembers things I searched for before, and on other computers. Also, last time I checked Apple has a contract with Google to use GSearch on iOS.
I've been using google maps for so long, I don't even remember any competitors, except bing, and I have not used MS search or maps since they changed their name to Bing. I can't even remember ever using a map online except google. Although I prefer a TomTom to any of the online searches, even on my Android phone.
I can't believe that Blackberry was even listed as an option in this article, BB was pretty much overwith 5 years ago and they have been fighting (and failing) to get back up since. RIM should have stuck with Enterprise market and just offered BB devices as an option outside of work for those used to using them for work, instead they tried to enter a market that was completely different with what they offered and lost a lot of cash doing so. Even I was tempted when the Storm first launched, but knowing what BB was and what it was for, I passed.
Palm, I wish had stuck around, I've used Palm smart phones since 2001, the hardware on the Pre was garbage, but I loved the OS. I did not know about the TouchPad fire sale until it was over, or I would have gotten one for me, my wife, my mom, my dad, my mother in law, my father in law and my sister in law! It was a great device with a good OS, especially if you know others using it.
Not going to touch Apple... they've been banned in my home since I found out how much the original iMacs cost (on launch)... I've built my own computers since 1994 and can get a functional machine (from scratch) for under $400, plus anything that carries over the last one. My computers normally last 4-6 years before needing major replacements, why would I spend that much money on a Mac?
Never made a google+ page for my website
I only log in to facebook when I am setting my Android phone up again after installing a new Rom.
After WinMo 6 launched, I dropped windows phone and never looked back, I ditched Windows on my Desktop for linux and picked up linux on my phone as well. if there was an alternative to Android that was Linux based and actually supported, I would use it instead, if it worked like Linux with repositories and mostly open sourced.
I do use Google Docs regularly, You Tube an average of 0.75 times per week, usually only to get a song for my 5 month old daughter where I know the words, but not the tune, or vice versa.
Never used Ad Words, I don't even have Ads on my website, I do use WordPress for my website.
as for google search, I use it BECAUSE it remembers things I searched for before, and on other computers. Also, last time I checked Apple has a contract with Google to use GSearch on iOS.
I've been using google maps for so long, I don't even remember any competitors, except bing, and I have not used MS search or maps since they changed their name to Bing. I can't even remember ever using a map online except google. Although I prefer a TomTom to any of the online searches, even on my Android phone.
I can't believe that Blackberry was even listed as an option in this article, BB was pretty much overwith 5 years ago and they have been fighting (and failing) to get back up since. RIM should have stuck with Enterprise market and just offered BB devices as an option outside of work for those used to using them for work, instead they tried to enter a market that was completely different with what they offered and lost a lot of cash doing so. Even I was tempted when the Storm first launched, but knowing what BB was and what it was for, I passed.
Palm, I wish had stuck around, I've used Palm smart phones since 2001, the hardware on the Pre was garbage, but I loved the OS. I did not know about the TouchPad fire sale until it was over, or I would have gotten one for me, my wife, my mom, my dad, my mother in law, my father in law and my sister in law! It was a great device with a good OS, especially if you know others using it.
Not going to touch Apple... they've been banned in my home since I found out how much the original iMacs cost (on launch)... I've built my own computers since 1994 and can get a functional machine (from scratch) for under $400, plus anything that carries over the last one. My computers normally last 4-6 years before needing major replacements, why would I spend that much money on a Mac?
Aaaksherly, for Europe, Michelin Maps are pretty good, maybe better than Google Maps. Michelin Maps used to be the best, but it became hard to be definite when Google Maps came along... especially as Google Maps have better global coverage.
Seems like a lot of work to not use Google at all. A lot of avoidance and steering around things rather than jus going witht he flow. Seems a bit vindicitve.
Lemmings. Google's business model and far-reaching (street-by-street) data-sponge seems 'a bit vindictive' to me.
"Avoidance and steering around things" = resistance to hyper-aggressive mining of your thoughts, hopes, wants, aspirations.
"Jus(sic) going with the flow" = lazy, defeated, bandwagon-riders with lots of company(!) convinced that a slacker majority couldn't possibly get together and pursue a detrimental course of action.
Your comment reads like 'the PusherMan's sales pitch: "Everyone else is doing it; why not just 'go with the flow, friend?!"
Your apparant need for sheep-like conformity over your own self-interest is sickening, and calling those who still value their e-autonomy 'vindictive' (for doing something about it----'A lot of avoidance and steering around things')---is pure Brave New World. Confounding Google's pervasive data-mining is 'vindictive'??? Really?! Is locking your front door 'vindictive' (for not allowing anyone to come in and snoop around whenever they wish)?
Your willingness to be used (and to cast aspersions on those who DON'T) is scary....
"Avoidance and steering around things" = resistance to hyper-aggressive mining of your thoughts, hopes, wants, aspirations.
"Jus(sic) going with the flow" = lazy, defeated, bandwagon-riders with lots of company(!) convinced that a slacker majority couldn't possibly get together and pursue a detrimental course of action.
Your comment reads like 'the PusherMan's sales pitch: "Everyone else is doing it; why not just 'go with the flow, friend?!"
Your apparant need for sheep-like conformity over your own self-interest is sickening, and calling those who still value their e-autonomy 'vindictive' (for doing something about it----'A lot of avoidance and steering around things')---is pure Brave New World. Confounding Google's pervasive data-mining is 'vindictive'??? Really?! Is locking your front door 'vindictive' (for not allowing anyone to come in and snoop around whenever they wish)?
Your willingness to be used (and to cast aspersions on those who DON'T) is scary....
MS products too.
"Find me a product suite or an app suite that is widely used and works well in all respects of my doings"
Thats the answere you get when recomenting Linux.
When a company penetrates the marked that deep and wide as Google and MS does - its a problem.
"Find me a product suite or an app suite that is widely used and works well in all respects of my doings"
Thats the answere you get when recomenting Linux.
When a company penetrates the marked that deep and wide as Google and MS does - its a problem.
... that you hate google and that you are an Apple fan (for the phone). Now I was wondering about: You say I do not need their search engine but on the other side you promote it by saying I need AdWords. Now isn't that a contradiction ?
For people that live in major and even minor urban areas, maps.google.com/transit is irreplaceable. Microsoft Maps claims to do transit, but it only does trains it doesn't handle buses and transfers at all...
I learned all this the hard way when my smartphone dumbly switch from Google Maps to Bing Maps and would not let me switch back!
I learned all this the hard way when my smartphone dumbly switch from Google Maps to Bing Maps and would not let me switch back!
Google maps is a great navigation tool and street view as well.
If you use Google Navigation to get to a destination on Android. As soon as you get to destination it switches from map to street view and turn as you turn. It is really helpful feature.
And transit and rout planning are excellent.
If you use Google Navigation to get to a destination on Android. As soon as you get to destination it switches from map to street view and turn as you turn. It is really helpful feature.
And transit and rout planning are excellent.
Using Google maps is a fail around here. You can end up miles away from where you want to be. Funny thing is, it used to be right.
I notice most posts have typos - some are due being careless, some to them being missed, some to keyboard bounce and, in my case, some because my left middle finger is faster than my right middle finger - probably because the left one gets more exercise driving around the metro area where I reside.
I killed my "E" key playing Borderlands. That is the primary source of most of my typos. A problem I need to fix before I am deemed illiterate.
It's a nice tool, provided:
1. You know the address you're starting from;
2. You know the address you're trying to get to; and
3. Most importantly, you know the exact time you want to arrive at your destination/leave from your start location.
Now, sure, that works great for regular commuters who know where they work, where they live, & when they'll be leaving based on their work schedule. Or, if you're out somewhere and didn't think ahead to bring or download a bus/train/El/subway schedule along, then yeah, it can be helpful. But for someone planning a vacation, the only times they can be sure of are when they leave their home for the trip, & when they leave the hotel to go back home. Unless they have a scripted, regimented itenerary for their vacation -- or unless their vacation includes an activity that absolutely has to happen at a particular time (i.e. a concert) -- they're not going to know until the last minute when they'll be leaving for some particular place. And that's assuming that you even have scripted out the order of which attractions you'll be visiting.
As for the handiness of the info, I just checked what information it provides for my location...and while the info is nice, not only does it not provide any additional information beyond what the local transit authority's website provides, but it actually provides less information. I can download a single PDF file from their site for the particular bus route, & I not only have the map of the route & the time for particular trip (to work/from work), but I have a list of all of the times on the route (including the time it will arrive at all stops, not just the stop I would usually use), as well as the price of the tickets & where all of the stops are at between the start & finish... & I can save that file & use it time after time without having to use up the data plan to access Google Maps. Not to mention that when we took a vacation trip to DC last year, we were able to get the transit information from the actual providers' websites before we even had our reservations confirmed...thanks to the "pay one price for truly unlimited data" Internet service we have for our desktop. And since DC's Metro stations are not only all over the place, but have plenty of maps, brochers, & other information available for free in the stations to allow you to figure out when & where the different routes went to each location, we didn't have to worry about pulling out our phones & trying to look it up.
1. You know the address you're starting from;
2. You know the address you're trying to get to; and
3. Most importantly, you know the exact time you want to arrive at your destination/leave from your start location.
Now, sure, that works great for regular commuters who know where they work, where they live, & when they'll be leaving based on their work schedule. Or, if you're out somewhere and didn't think ahead to bring or download a bus/train/El/subway schedule along, then yeah, it can be helpful. But for someone planning a vacation, the only times they can be sure of are when they leave their home for the trip, & when they leave the hotel to go back home. Unless they have a scripted, regimented itenerary for their vacation -- or unless their vacation includes an activity that absolutely has to happen at a particular time (i.e. a concert) -- they're not going to know until the last minute when they'll be leaving for some particular place. And that's assuming that you even have scripted out the order of which attractions you'll be visiting.
As for the handiness of the info, I just checked what information it provides for my location...and while the info is nice, not only does it not provide any additional information beyond what the local transit authority's website provides, but it actually provides less information. I can download a single PDF file from their site for the particular bus route, & I not only have the map of the route & the time for particular trip (to work/from work), but I have a list of all of the times on the route (including the time it will arrive at all stops, not just the stop I would usually use), as well as the price of the tickets & where all of the stops are at between the start & finish... & I can save that file & use it time after time without having to use up the data plan to access Google Maps. Not to mention that when we took a vacation trip to DC last year, we were able to get the transit information from the actual providers' websites before we even had our reservations confirmed...thanks to the "pay one price for truly unlimited data" Internet service we have for our desktop. And since DC's Metro stations are not only all over the place, but have plenty of maps, brochers, & other information available for free in the stations to allow you to figure out when & where the different routes went to each location, we didn't have to worry about pulling out our phones & trying to look it up.
Why was it not disclosed that Levit & James is a Microsoft partner?
Such a lack of transparency is at best irresponsible.
Such a lack of transparency is at best irresponsible.
Some things suddenly look clearer. Talk about major conflict of interest. Now I'm wondering if Google refused to bribe... err, "make a donation" to Mr. James'.
The article is a bit suspect but the full line says "Levit & James, Inc. is a Microsoft Partner with a Gold ISV Competency". I've worked for and been a Microsoft partner before, didn't mean I was in bed with them.
Due diligence in this case required more work than the OP was in the mood for...or capable of. You choose.
Click the "Disclosure" button below the line you copied into your subject - I know, it's a different kind of mouse work.
I don't get it. I have never trusted Microsoft. I feel they will say whatever it takes.
I don''t really feel that about Google. And why switch? Google was the best first. They have been the best much longer. Until there is something more than a questionably qualified "as good as", until there is a "changes the face of searching", I'm sticking with tried and true and amazingly productive.
I don''t really feel that about Google. And why switch? Google was the best first. They have been the best much longer. Until there is something more than a questionably qualified "as good as", until there is a "changes the face of searching", I'm sticking with tried and true and amazingly productive.
If you have a look at his personal Blog, to which you are directed for a comprehensive disclosure, the first line describes his relationship to MS. His disclosure statement is thorough and beyond reproach. MS is losing the game in spite of his support. let's be frank, if your business relied on solving problems with MS software, wouldn't you do everything you could to keep the gravy train on the tracks? Gotta be easier than learning something new.
Having a link in his bio that I have to go three steps to read is not true transparency in disclosure. It should be in his bio listed below the article.
That being said, its clear immediately that the guy has a bias since he's writing about things that are laughably substitutes for Google products.
That being said, its clear immediately that the guy has a bias since he's writing about things that are laughably substitutes for Google products.
Should everyone that posts an article post everything they have ever done? I expect that you will want me to disclose everything I've ever done for trying to snap you back to reality.
Check Techrepublic and you will find a bunch of Google love articles. It's nice to see the other side of the coin every now and then to keep a good perspective.
Check Techrepublic and you will find a bunch of Google love articles. It's nice to see the other side of the coin every now and then to keep a good perspective.
As an author, if I am writing an article about puppies there is no need for me to disclose the fact I work for a company that is a Gold Certified Microsoft partner. It's not in any way relevant to the subject matter at hand, despite the unreasoning hatred "The Lazy M" inspires in some people. However if I write an article where I mention how people can migrate off Google documents by specifically mentioning alternatives my company makes money supporting and extending, that's clearly relevant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking
Then yes it should. In this case, the author is proposing to move away from Google but not proposing any reasoning whatsoever; yet naming competitors as recommendations that he is involved with. That's conflict of interest.
At the very bottom of the article itself (i.e. no additional clicking needed to read it):
"About Justin James
Justin James is an employee of Levit & James, Inc. in a multidisciplinary role that combines programming, network management, and system administration. He has been blogging at TechRepublic since 2005."
Right below that, you have the "Full Disclosure" link, which with one click lets you see that his employer is a partner with Microsoft.
"About Justin James
Justin James is an employee of Levit & James, Inc. in a multidisciplinary role that combines programming, network management, and system administration. He has been blogging at TechRepublic since 2005."
Right below that, you have the "Full Disclosure" link, which with one click lets you see that his employer is a partner with Microsoft.
With anyone working for a consulting firm, there's a very good chance they're a Microsoft partner. It's not much of a stretch, being a dominant technology vendor and all.
The bigger bias here, I think, is that Justin happens to lean toward Microsoft products because it's (or appear to be) his preferred platform. Lots of articles on Silverlight, .NET, etc. So you know the guy travels those circles. That's fine -- that's his preference and he's entitled to it. Know the author and his tendencies before putting stock in his opinion. Caveat emptor, or whatever.
For me, I've agreed to let Google harvest some data in exchange for market-leading, free services. They may have a lot of demographic insight into my habits and interests, but until I see helicopters over my house, or a trenchcoated figure in my lawn donning binoculars, I won't take it personally. I'm a needle in their haystack. That's my opposing preference.
The bigger bias here, I think, is that Justin happens to lean toward Microsoft products because it's (or appear to be) his preferred platform. Lots of articles on Silverlight, .NET, etc. So you know the guy travels those circles. That's fine -- that's his preference and he's entitled to it. Know the author and his tendencies before putting stock in his opinion. Caveat emptor, or whatever.
For me, I've agreed to let Google harvest some data in exchange for market-leading, free services. They may have a lot of demographic insight into my habits and interests, but until I see helicopters over my house, or a trenchcoated figure in my lawn donning binoculars, I won't take it personally. I'm a needle in their haystack. That's my opposing preference.
it'll be a little late to 'take it personally', and you already know that. Just keep quiet, work, consume what's offered, and die according to our actuary, and we'll never come scoop you away.
But we could.
Signed,
Google (your friend).
But we could.
Signed,
Google (your friend).
What has Google done to you? I don't understand why you're frothing at the mouth about this.
They use the info they gather to tailor advertising, and gather statistics. Both of these things are valuable to marketers. That's fine. Amazon and Google actually tailor advertisements to the point that I don't mind seeing them so much. In contrast, I can't stand commercials. I refuse to sit through someone barking about feminine hygiene, late-night chat lines, luxury cars, mac & cheese, and free credit reports. I use a DVR at home, and I channel surf in the car. I don't even have a radio in my house. However, when I see a list of "you may also like..." CDs, or advertisements for hobbiest-friendly PCB fabrication houses, I'm willing to take a glance.
Afterall, someone is paying for the free apps... Maps, Gmail, search, YouTube... all of it costs a ton of money. And I use all of those, regularly, so I'm willing to deal. I have no proof at this point that anyone is identifying me, personally, and has an interest in me, personally. Maybe I am an "individual" in a databank somewhere, but only for purposes of associating unique demographics. Not with interest in my identity so much. Why would anyone care? Are there Google engineers hoping to become just like me? I don't think so. I'm not quite that interesting. They're probably paid better, too.
Furthermore, I don't get dead trees in my mailbox, I don't get spam in my inbox. Just ads, online. I got more intrusive targeted marketing by going to college and buying a house than I ever did signing up for a Google account.
So when they cross the line, and I feel them breathing down my neck.. or I feel they are taking more than they are giving.. then I will say "woah." I don't feel this makes me (or anyone else) a sheep, a lemming, or a sucker. It's a trade -- information for services. A willing and informed trade.
They use the info they gather to tailor advertising, and gather statistics. Both of these things are valuable to marketers. That's fine. Amazon and Google actually tailor advertisements to the point that I don't mind seeing them so much. In contrast, I can't stand commercials. I refuse to sit through someone barking about feminine hygiene, late-night chat lines, luxury cars, mac & cheese, and free credit reports. I use a DVR at home, and I channel surf in the car. I don't even have a radio in my house. However, when I see a list of "you may also like..." CDs, or advertisements for hobbiest-friendly PCB fabrication houses, I'm willing to take a glance.
Afterall, someone is paying for the free apps... Maps, Gmail, search, YouTube... all of it costs a ton of money. And I use all of those, regularly, so I'm willing to deal. I have no proof at this point that anyone is identifying me, personally, and has an interest in me, personally. Maybe I am an "individual" in a databank somewhere, but only for purposes of associating unique demographics. Not with interest in my identity so much. Why would anyone care? Are there Google engineers hoping to become just like me? I don't think so. I'm not quite that interesting. They're probably paid better, too.
Furthermore, I don't get dead trees in my mailbox, I don't get spam in my inbox. Just ads, online. I got more intrusive targeted marketing by going to college and buying a house than I ever did signing up for a Google account.
So when they cross the line, and I feel them breathing down my neck.. or I feel they are taking more than they are giving.. then I will say "woah." I don't feel this makes me (or anyone else) a sheep, a lemming, or a sucker. It's a trade -- information for services. A willing and informed trade.
"Dying is easy; comedy is hard." See, a good joke needs a kernel of truth, and most here understand a little hyperbole from the likes of me....
And many here wouldn't consider your post to be at all fallacious. My apologies if I misunderstood your intent. It appeared to me entirely like a deadpan conspiracy theory with a touch of sarcasm thrown in.
...that comedy is based on the relief (primordeal self-preservation) felt when some misfortune 'happens to the other guy', instead of oneself. The more developed the sense of humor, the more likely one is to be able to even laugh at one's own misfortune. The ability to laugh was what the young man in the story (raised apart from human society) lacked; humanity made no sense without the extra-rational element of humor/comedy. Fallacy *inherent* to comedy?! Necessary? Nope; all humor/comedy needs is a victim. That's why it's 'comedy' when someone (else) slips on a banana-peel--and 'tragedy' when you do. Where's the 'fallacy' in a pratfall? A 'blond joke'? Right--'fallacy' might (in, say, a 'comedy of manners') help SET UP the humorous situation, but it isn't *funny* until someone acts on their fallacious assumption and in some way 'shows their *ss'---and that's who's being laughed at. We didn't laugh at the fallacy; we laughed at the situation's victim. For example, I'm chuckling now--at YOU--for posting the fallacy that "comedy is BASED ON fallacy." 
title edit: Tx, SmartAceW0LF (directly below this); I must've processed my post through my damaged lobe--it happens....Now I'm going to go re-read Glory Road for penance.
title edit: Tx, SmartAceW0LF (directly below this); I must've processed my post through my damaged lobe--it happens....Now I'm going to go re-read Glory Road for penance.
This discussion has been taken to The Water Cooler / View thread
Wasn't it Heinlen that wrote Stranger in a Strange Land? Not that it has a thing to do with the meat of your post.
Not that it has a thing to do with the meat of your post.
True penance for this egregious error can only be served by reading the complete Wheel of Time series...in reverse sequence!
Justin, you're a Google hater! Maybe you should revive your old Hot Mail and AOL accounts while you're at it.
...and in the same breath you mention a BlackBerry device as a viable alternative phone????
C'mon dude!
...and in the same breath you mention a BlackBerry device as a viable alternative phone????
C'mon dude!
"it is pretty painless to switch to one of the [Android] alternatives." Really? Painless in the "spending money on a new phone shouldn't hurt" sense or painless in the "installing an new OS on a new and largely untried platform is easy" sense?
I'm not a Google fanatic, although I do use their services. I found the article rather absurd if I'm honest. Google Search, Android, Gmail, & Maps are still at the forefront of their fields. I'm not saying that there aren't excellent alternatives, but to dismiss them as "irrelevant" is simply absurd and shows a shallow understanding of the technology world. Furthermore, to say that you "can live without them" is no different than saying you can live without your email provider (whatever flavor it is) or your mobile phone or whatever mapping platform you prefer. I'm an iPhone user and yes, technically, I could live without my iPhone... and I could use Bing instead of Google Search and/or Maps... But I could live without those too... it's neither here nor there... All in all, a poor and biased opinion in this article... Oh, and please don't get me going on your Google+ comment...
Rather than generic comments as - "other services can do the same work" or "You can easily switch to any of Google???s competitors without sacrificing quality"
Can someone provide the list of "other alternatives" and also a comparative study of the same as to where they stand in today's world.
Can someone provide the list of "other alternatives" and also a comparative study of the same as to where they stand in today's world.
Android is on phones, tablets, and even laptops. Having it as the OS does not automatically equate to Google being able to use your data. The largest offering with Android is phones, that are made by separate vendors. They each can customize it as they want. Google only gets data via very specific applications, not through the OS itself.
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