I like my books on paper, be sides 'google earth' is getting a little too real

Since when did we start caring about France's opinion?

Fine how about google just doesn't offer this service to France and Germany? Let them pay more by not allowing competition. Its their loss.

Australia has a problem with this as well, mainly due to Google's 'opt out' policy. Google apparently thinks that if a book was ever published in the US, but no longer is, then it can add that book to its 'library'. Many Australian authors may get a brief publishing run in the US, then drop out of print there. But unless these authors go to the trouble of 'opting out' of google's system, google will add their copyrighted work to the google library. Now, we have a trade agreement with the US which covers (among other things) Australian copyright provisions so this looks like a direct violation of the trade agreement. And if an Australian author actually wants to 'opt in' to google's library, he / she will have to travel to the US and arrange for a tax file # with your IRS. Total waste of time (one day each way travel, who knows how many days dealing with your IRS) and expense (those air fares are pretty reasonable, but then you have vehicle rental, hotel expenses, meals, and the filing fees with the IRS) all for a $50 USD signing fee from google? Sure, they also get 60% of any monies made by google on their behalf, but how long will it take to recover the $5k+ that the 'opt-in' option actually cost?

Google's 'do no evil' mantra is beginning more and more to look like the three monkeys...

I really don't care what France has to say. Any country that surrenders their war hero to the enemy gets a /ignore in my book.

France is fighting something?

He's undoubtedly talking about Joan of Arc. And I pretty much agree.

If it was microsoft trying this then the internet would be buzzing with bill hate, yet because its google comminting a mass injustice its ok?

I know it can be considered abuse of the authors rights etc. etc.
But sometimes I just want a book, and my library has awful hours...

So, what do you think, is copyright doing more good or bad to this world?

France...the country with one of the biggest book collections in Europe.I wouldn't expect less. Sheesh
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe [...] ale%29.JPG

Think of it in the other way... Would you like your writing published without your authorization because in this country the copyright are no more valid, while in yours, it is ?
It has nothing to do with France but more likely about preserving author's work. And it is funny how this doesn't bother you, but, yet, you're the only country to have a patent systems for almost anything... So what ? Who's right here ?

"France will send its observations to the U.S. court today or tomorrow,"

Now, I'm not a France hater, but this is just priceless.

My pc is a huge beast. I just can't seem to be able to get really comfortable while reading online. I prefer my bed and a paperback.