[LynnieS]

Google ends 4 years of censorship for China (- in a matter of speaking)

SAN FRANCISCO – Google Inc. stopped censoring the Internet for China by shifting its search engine off the mainland Monday but said it will maintain other operations in the country. The maneuver attempts to balance Google's disdain for China's Internet rules with the company's desire to profit from an explosively growing market.

I honestly found myself thinking badly of Google when reading this article.

If Google had pulled out of China completely, while raising an eyebrow over its idea of future growth areas, I would have applauded its stance on ethical behaviors.

If Google had retracted its original statement, while raising an eyebrow over its lack of a... backbone, I would have applauded its stance on business and branding.

This shift to Hong Kong from Beijing gives the appearance that Google is, well, just mouthing the words and not making a firm commitment in either direction, IMHO.