I'm personally a Google fan, knowing full well that they're not the messiah (as many seem to believe). I think it's the most useful tool on the internet, but I have the full knowledge not to use it for anything too "delicate". Everything has a downside, most companies have an evilside, but most of the most valuable resources I have available to me have some shady component. At least googles "shady" side is legal.

Take Google, Microsoft, your government, and your local Pawn-Shop as what they are. A useful tool that has a dark-side you don't want to hear about.

I would rather know everything about this "dark side" so I can combat it.

Hear it or not, I don't think it's reason to stop using Google, just be more careful. You wouldn't buy a watch from a guy on the street without thinking about the implications, you shouldn't send personal information on the internet without being just as careful.

Certainly not saying buying a watch on the street is as safe, or recomended, just that you should be careful any time you don't know every step in a transaction. DO NOT buy "Rolax" outside of the mall, but do treat any webpage that knows personal information about you like they're hustling you.

Which is why I would prefer to know all about the "dark side"

Sigh... Analogies on forums always come back to bite you on the !@#.

I'm all for knowing what's going on, I stated in my post that the only reason I'm okay with google is that I'm aware of the risks. I should have been more clear about the differences between something you don't WANT to hear about and something that you SHOULDN'T hear about. Some people don't care and shouldn't bother looking into the privacy policy on their search for "pictures of puppies", some do care and should be aware of the ramifications of their searches/emails.

The information is out there, I'm not trying to say anybody who's interested should look the other way.

I just found this - better than a smiley, more fun than a laugh track