Comments for Google API terms

Google API terms

2003-02-24T14:15:06Z

If you're using a Google API with your weblog system, like the MTGoogleSearch tags for Movable Type or google.macros.box for Radio Userland, you might wish to re-read this section of the Google Web APIs Terms of Service:

And you may not use the search results provided by the Google Web APIs service with an existing product or service that competes with products or services offered by Google.

It's probably worth considering whether you're in danger of violating the terms. Most likely, you're not, as you'd have to offer weblogging services of your own that used the Google API to compete with Blogger, but it's certainly something that seems like it could raise an issue for how these APIs are implemented.

Comment from Joe Grossberg on 2003-02-24

2003-02-24T16:14:00Z

I believe it's a lot easier than that to violate these terms.

Wouldn't using the Google API in a search-result aggregator (say, including stuff from AllTheWeb.com et al.) suffice?

Or incorporating the Google API into your Movable Type site (e.g. "here are some sites related to this post")?

Comment from jkottke on 2003-02-24

2003-02-24T16:46:51Z

So, I guess you're just not too happy about the whole Google/Pyra thing?

Comment from Anil on 2003-02-24

2003-02-24T17:04:11Z

I hate Bloogle with the searing hot fire of a thousand burning suns!

Nah, not really. I just realized that term was in there and it might be an issue. I suspect when I see cool new stuff (not text ads on BlogSpot, but like, blogging extensions to the Google toolbar) that I'll be happy as a pig in shit.

Comment from Joe Grossberg on 2003-02-24

2003-02-24T18:18:05Z

Google toolbar? You're using IE?

I hate you with the searing hot fire of a thousand burning suns! ;)

Comment from Andy on 2003-02-24

2003-02-25T03:25:07Z

Don't hate the playa, hate the game man ;)

Comment from evan on 2003-02-25

2003-02-25T12:14:20Z

It's an interesting clause because it is so broad. I'm probably being an alarmist, but... Could it be used to prevent a news site from providing a list of related links to an article, since Google now has a news service? Or could it be used to prevent a library from providing a list of recommended references, since Google has its own Google Answers service? We often think of Google as more "benevolent" than that, but times and management do change.

Comment from owen on 2003-02-25

2003-02-25T20:57:32Z

what is trackback? how does it work?

Comment from Boltar on 2003-02-26

2003-02-26T16:00:56Z

Whats the big deal with someone buying Pyra? Companies that create weblog software are only parting fools from their money anyway. Anyone who is so inept that they need special software to put comments into a webpage should be denied access to any form of computer in case they hurt themselves somehow. A weblog (or should that be "glorified dairy for egotists who seem to think they have something interesting to say but never actually have") could be created in Notepad by a trained chimp.

Comment from Bill on 2003-02-26

2003-02-26T17:30:06Z

Boltar: Big words from a man who doesn't give a link to his website, an email address, or a real name.

On second thought, why bother feeding the troll?

Comment from Anil on 2003-02-26

2003-02-26T17:36:05Z

He's right! And people should have to use the command line to send email! That'll teach 'em.

I envy you, Boltar, as you'll have no shortage of affronts to take indignant offense to in the next few decades as technology becomes easier and more ubiquitous. Do you still resent not having to crank your car to start it?

Comment from Stephen on 2003-02-26

2003-02-26T23:28:24Z

Hey, just stumbled into this site and love the content. Here's my two cents:

First, making a fully functioning weblog with comments from notepad is unbelievably hard. Believe me, that's how mine was created. Anyway I love tools like blogger and such because they let people who just don't care about techy stuff to still experience this joy of weblogging. Hell, most of my friends are in blogger.

I see the google/pyra move as a new age. Weblogging is now (or soon will be) something exciting and will grow faster than it ever has in the past. Some of us will hate it, and others will love it, but weblogging as a whole is healthier now than it ever has been.

Oh, and are you aware that this textarea refuses to wrap text in Mozilla? Kinda awkward but I'll live.

Comment from Boltar on 2003-02-27

2003-02-27T09:18:59Z

Bill - why not prove how little you know about the internet , but then again why arn't I surprised. You want to know why I don't give out my email or web address? Because I get enough spam email as it is and I don't need any more thanks. I'm not saying the guy who runs this thing would sell the addresses by bots grab addresses from any webpage they can. Didn't know that? Quelle surprise.

Comment from Paul on 2003-02-27

2003-02-27T14:20:09Z

Boltar, I don't see any milk and eggs around here, but maybe I missed something.
Do you think you could you train that chimp to spell?

Comment from dude on 2003-02-27

2003-02-27T15:35:24Z

Sorry to bring bad news, but Mr.Rogers died today

Comment from Joe Grossberg on 2003-02-27

2003-02-27T15:56:44Z

Boltar:

If it's so easy, then why didn't *you* build Pyra/Blogger and sell the company for millions?

Let me guess: you have better things to do with your time -- instead of getting rich at a young age and retiring to do those very things.

Comment from Anil on 2003-02-27

2003-02-27T16:28:17Z

Wow. It's like I have my own personal slashdot here. Okay, kids, everybody shut up now.

Comment from Steve on 2003-02-27

2003-02-27T18:21:16Z

Yeah, like we have to listen to you, Anil! You're not reading this site by telnetting to port 80 like us cool folks, so your opinion counts for naught.

Comment from adam on 2003-02-27

2003-02-28T00:09:35Z

I've been meaning to write about this for a while. The situation is actually much worse if you take literally Google's general Terms Of Service, which apply to all of their services (I think.)

Under the section Personal Use Only -

"You may not take the results from a Google search and reformat and display them, or mirror the Google home page or results pages on your Web site."

Which would seem to make every little "top 10 results from Google for x" box a violation.

Comment from Brennan on 2003-02-27

2003-02-28T01:07:58Z

Telnet? Luxury. Real men read the flashing lights on their Altairs.

Comment from Andrew on 2003-02-28

2003-02-28T20:47:41Z

Real men think in binary and don't use computers at all.