STEAM MACHINE

Google is helping internet expand into poverty-stricken Africa using O3b Networks (Other 3 Billion w/o internet, serious) Article 
Many people like Google, many hate Google.  Usually it stems from core beliefs such as the one I am about to lay on you.  I think this is a perfect example of capitalist free-market anthropology where the alpha companies use there above normal profit to do some good.  Now come the cynics who say its for Google’s self-interest though, “the more users, the more revenue for countless ad apps”.  Of course it is, but the greater development opportunities for these people who have this technology far outweigh what Google is getting from it. 

If bringing the internet to Africa was going to be a successful profitable venture then the countless private companies in Africa would have done it instead of squabbling over fragmented infrastructure problems.  Some people will say, “How are they going to use computers and internet when they don’t even have fresh water to drink!”.  To that, I point to the Cell Phone phenomenon where they have been widely accepted in rare places in Africa. 

This might be out of place but if Google came out with their “google phone” where you listen to a 10 second Ad before making a FREE call, I would be all over that.  Its called voluntary exchange where I’m getting what I want and Google’s getting what they want.  I wouldn’t feel swindled. 

I think we sho

In quick other news: THERE WAS NO BLACK HOLE TODAYS YOU DOOMSDAYERS!  SCIENCE REPRESENT!