Regarding the Google book scanning, I don't believe in Opt out. I don't believe I should have to Opt out of telephone solicitations, email spam or junk faxes. Opt out is an easy way for companies to abuse your rights and tell you it was your fault. Google should get the copy right holders permission before indexing their book. That would be the right thing the none evil thing.
The AAP has every right to sue, Its a legal issue and Google's lawyers should have seen it coming when the project started. We'll see what the courts have to say.
Microsoft should just stay out of it. But Tom Rubin's general counsel for Microsoft had rather harsh comments for Google. Here is my favorite.
Mr Rubin :
“Google is saying to you and other copyright owners: ‘Trust us, you’re protected. We’ll keep the digital copies secure. We’ll only show snippets. We won’t harm you, we’ll promote you’.
“But . . . anyone who visits YouTube . . . will immediately recognize that it follows a similar cavalier approach to copyright.” (Microsoft attacks Google on copyright By John Gapper in New York)
Soapbox?
Now its Microsoft's claim that they will work with copy right holders to help remove items from Soapbox but currently there is no different between YouTube and Soapbox in this regard. They allow all content without any review and wait for the copyright holder to send a cease and desist letter.
I don't know about you but I don't need companies to decide what is best for me or my copy rights. I don't need corporations telling me what is right or wrong. I would prefer not to be treated as a two year old. No mater what they say, they have an agenda and by and large item number one in that agenda is taking money out of our pocket and putting it in theirs.