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> Cows may not like milking machines either, but the farmer doesn’t care. Google Maps exists to further Google’s surveillance platform and search monopoly. User preference is incidental.

I can’t help but roll my eyes reading stuff like this. Cows have no choice in their lives, Google Maps users can switch to an (increasingly competitive) alternative with very little switching cost.

Of course it’s in Google’s interest to keep their product usable.

> Cows may not like milking machines

Ok, off topic, but having grown up around cows, they will line up each day waiting for their chance to get on the milking machine. They very much do like them.

Oh, you’re totally right, of course :) It’s also not true that farmers don’t care— practically all of them do. I was reaching for a quick metaphor, even though it’s not an exact fit.

Google Maps exist(ed) to get the people who wrote Google Maps promoted. The other stuff doesn't really matter. Google is not well run enough to be able to care about those things!

But a milking machine that spills half of the milk doesn't help the farmer nor the cow.