February 02, 2006

Microsoft setting new rules about silencing bloggers

Business - StatesmanJournal.com

The software company, the operator of a popular blogging technology called MSN Spaces, said Tuesday that it will try to make blogs available to users elsewhere even if Microsoft decides that it is legally obliged to block them in a particular country.

Excellent! Way to set the example M$! err, I mean MS! :D

The quote I like the most:

"We think that blogging and similar tools are powerful vehicles for economic development and for creativity and free expression. They are tools that do good," Smith said. "We believe that it's better to make these tools available than not, but that isn't the end of the discussion, either."

Hey MS :: Considered joining the FeedMesh? No pun intended, just can't think of a better way to say this, but the above statement meshes quite well with what the FeedMesh is all about. Freeflow of info, no one entity controls knowledge that new content exists, talent/resources can be focused on building better value-add technologies instead of trying to edge out competitor X by inking exclusive deals, and most importantly:

The potential of another "Rupert Murdoch" in our future is reduced to pretty much nil. :D

You have to admit; this fact alone has gotta sound pretty nice, *especially* to those MSNBC folks who's skin must crawl at the sound of his name! ;D

Either way, good on ya for leading the way and being the example on this one! Its good to hear you take this stance, and is something I believe will be a source of some significant moves by others in this space. :)