Secretly working with the CIA? Quietly and actively doing DNA research? What kind of clandestine operation is this? Why, it's everybody's favorite search engine, Google.
If you have not seen the video, Google's Master Plan yet, it is a short clip that is long on implications. Its creators even have a web site, masterplanthemovie.com with the heading on the site, "Master Plan. About the power of Google."
This video and the site are well done and worth a peek if you happen to be one of those sentries who are concerned about uncontrolled, omnipotent power. If you, however, are quite content with all your free stuff from the search giant, and do not want to be bothered by another voice crying, "Wolf!" well, go ahead, move along; there's nothing to see here. But don't forget the meaning behind the western proverb that says, "Nothing is free."
The content on the site and video is obviously the brainchild of of some fellow watchers who are doing the math, an endeavor that many have blissfully ignored lest it get in the way of all the 'free,' convenient gadgets...
For you see, the following conversation was heard Once Upon a Time:
"What harm can come from Google simply scanning my emails? Why is it a problem if Google puts spyware, er, tracking cookies on my hard drive?"
You are correct, now, Gulliver, for what can a harmless little strand of tiny little rope possibly do to you? You are free, and strong, and surely can easily break free from its simple hold. Why, you should just sit back and enjoy the gifts we have given you.
"So what if Google can read my docs and spreadsheets? Who cares if Google monitors and records my search history?"
Exactly, Mr. Gulliver. There is no threat here at all. Why, we're enjoying this as much as you are. Never mind all the ropes we are carrying, we just want to be prepared for anything. It is all just part of the process to make us feel secure. We are cooperating with you, you are cooperating with us, we are working together to help each other out. Now raise your arm a little so we can tie a tiny little knot. There. That wasn't bad at all, was it?
"And my Google phone, with its gps ability, why, that is extremely helpful, is it not? They just found a missing lady in Washington using her cell phone's position to find her. Is not the future glorious?"
Why, yes, Gulliver, the future indeed is glorious, and surely it has arrived. And you are most deserving of all of its benefits. Why, if you will just extend your other arm out, to over there near that rock, and keep it still, we will put some more free stuff in your hand. It is really cool stuff that can work with all of the other things we have given you. But you must hold it still.
"And Google Earth, my goodness. I can see my house from there! Heh-heh, I can also see my neighbor's. They sure do have a messy back yard. And their back gate seems to be broken."
Oh, Gulliver, that is pretty sly of you to peek over the hedge without even having to step away from your computer! Say, would you like a pillow for your head?
"And so Google is going to customize my search results based on what my interests are, what I have searched for before, what web sites I visit and what my emails and docs are all about?"
Why, yes, all of it will be designed just for you. It will be individualized to fit your very tastes, wrapped, as it were, as a gift personally to you, the great Gulliver!
"That is fantastic. I cannot wait to use all of these things. They will be so helpful. Say, what are you wrapping around my legs and my feet?"
Oh, nothing serious, Mr. Gulliver. You do trust us, do you not? Why, we have given you so many nice things, is that not an indication of our kind intentions and good will? Oh, have you seen the new Presentations ability in Google Docs? It is fantastic! And you can run it remotely!
"Really? You mean like Power Point? And others can collaborate with me and help me set it up? Wow, that will make things so much easier!"
We are only thinking about you, Mr. Gulliver, and we are doing this all for you.
"Wow, that is really nice of you. I feel, well, I feel indebted for all you have done for me to help make my life easier. By the way, who is that man in the tan trench coat coming over here? Is that Fantomaster?"
No, it is not Fantomaster, for Fantomaster's trench coat is invisible. Whenever he comes over, nobody sees him. This guy coming over here now, he is nobody. Jut a consultant. You can call him Mr. Langely, he is from Virginia.
"What is he carrying? And why are all of your helpers rolling up my sleeve?"
Mr. Langely is bringing a needle here so that we can take a very tiny sample of your blood. You might have a genetic disease that has not manifested itself yet, and we want the very best for you, so if we find something known to be harmful, we will let you know immediately, and your doctor too.
"That is so thoughtful and kind of you! How forward-thinking! Can you take a sample from my daughter and my son as well? Here, I want to show you their pictures, they are in my wallet, but... I... can't... seem to move at all to be able to reach it!"
Do not worry, Mr. Gulliver, there is no need for you to be able to move. We have thought of everything. As for your children, we already know who they are. And as for your wallet, our people know exactly how to get that out of your pocket and we are bringing things that you like to buy right here in front of you to see. In fact, we can buy them for you if you would like.
"You mean I can just lay here and you will handle everything?"
Yes, Mr. Gulliver. Close your eyes and take a little nap. We have everything under control.
