I’ve read some interesting articles about the homogeneous-ation of products caused by the rise in power of Wal-mart with consumers and how the effect it has on society is negative. Something about how a typical Wal-mart carries a minimal number of titles in books, cd’s and movies as compared to a bookstore or record store or movie store. As Wal-mart gains popularity, the society is exposed to fewer ideas and influences and becomes stagnant.
This somehow applies to what’s happening with the default web censorship that we’re seeing, but I’m not sure I’m a clear enough writer or thinker to draw the connection here.
But there’s not a doubt in my mind that Google and Yahoo making their announcement regarding this on the same day is no coincidence, and there’s no doubt in my mind that this is a response to government pressure.