Comments on: Google Damages Property Values? http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:17:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: PA Couple Sues Google For Violation Of Privacy. | Technology Watch http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2189045 PA Couple Sues Google For Violation Of Privacy. | Technology Watch Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:17:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2189045 [...] the company from doing the same thing in the future, Moskal said.” Duncan Riley wrote at TechCrunch (4/4), “According to a lawsuit filed in Allegheny County’s Court of Common Pleas this [...] [...] the company from doing the same thing in the future, Moskal said.” Duncan Riley wrote at TechCrunch (4/4), “According to a lawsuit filed in Allegheny County’s Court of Common Pleas this [...]

]]> By: Интернетные штучки » Google Maps Street View причинил страдания американской семье http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2183912 Интернетные штучки » Google Maps Street View причинил страдания американской семье Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:48:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2183912 [...] Google Damages Property Values? [ TechCrunch ] забобрить добавить в del.icio.us сохранить в memori [...] [...] Google Damages Property Values? [ TechCrunch ] забобрить добавить в del.icio.us сохранить в memori [...]

]]> By: Ken K. http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2156619 Ken K. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:16:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2156619 I find it funny some people are demonstrating why the Boring's are sueing. People keep calling the place a dump, presumably based off the photos. (Probably about as likely just because it's easier to make fun of things than think about the point.) Say they put their house up for sale... it doesn't matter whether they tailor their yard, fix up whatever... make it all look fantastic and such. People can look it up on google streetview and see 'the dump' photos. Anyone who actually goes out there might see a much better (or possibly much worse) place... but whose gonna bother after seeing pictures of 'the dump'? If they requested google to take the photos down, and and if google didn't, I can see grounds for the suit. I'm guessing they edited the original story to take out the 'price of a parking space' part, they should just remove the whole section on what they paid. As others have pointed out it's immaterial, trivializing, and demonstrates that the author is a bit out of touch. Aside- am I the only one who finds the concept of people taking pictures of my house to post online a tad creepy? I mean it sounds cool to be able to check anything out... but it just feels icky... like that odd neighbor down the street just suddenly up and deciding to take pictures of your house... that'd be cool with you? I find it funny some people are demonstrating why the Boring’s are sueing.
People keep calling the place a dump, presumably based off the photos. (Probably about as likely just because it’s easier to make fun of things than think about the point.)

Say they put their house up for sale… it doesn’t matter whether they tailor their yard, fix up whatever… make it all look fantastic and such. People can look it up on google streetview and see ‘the dump’ photos. Anyone who actually goes out there might see a much better (or possibly much worse) place… but whose gonna bother after seeing pictures of ‘the dump’?

If they requested google to take the photos down, and and if google didn’t, I can see grounds for the suit.

I’m guessing they edited the original story to take out the ‘price of a parking space’ part, they should just remove the whole section on what they paid. As others have pointed out it’s immaterial, trivializing, and demonstrates that the author is a bit out of touch.

Aside- am I the only one who finds the concept of people taking pictures of my house to post online a tad creepy? I mean it sounds cool to be able to check anything out… but it just feels icky… like that odd neighbor down the street just suddenly up and deciding to take pictures of your house… that’d be cool with you?

]]> By: Jimmy James http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2139010 Jimmy James Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:04:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2139010 I guarantee they are hiding weapons or some other contraband in those detached structures. Also, it's a picture of your house. Get over it. I guarantee they are hiding weapons or some other contraband in those detached structures. Also, it’s a picture of your house. Get over it.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138885 Kevin Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:30:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138885 It's pretty clearly private property, so I don't know how relevant a sign (or lack thereof) really is. I don't have a private property sign inside my home, yet I have a reasonable expectation that strangers will not invite themselves in to take pictures of my living room. Posting the home price in such an opinionated manner speaks to the ignorance of the poster (those discussing price variance by area have the right idea). The fact that the home price is the subject of so much attention reveals a misunderstanding of the actual issue and actual story. I do not live in the US myself, but I am aware the lawsuits are quite common, and are often the only recourse a person may have. The sum in question is surely a nuisance amount to Google, and considering other, more ridiculous, lawsuit history I'm sure we've all seen, if anything I'm surprised the amount is so low. If we assume it includes legal costs, the couple may not actualy see a cent themselves should they succeed. Sometimes the principle of a lawsuit is more important than the speciifics, and I think that is the case here. In my mind, Google is clearly invading people's privacy, has been for some time, and shows no intention of stopping. This is hardly the first complaint against Google streetview. A decision for or against the couple will set a local legal prescedent that will surely be considered in other jurisdictions as well. Again, to scoff at this case due to what you may consider small sums of money misses the point entirely. This story isn't about how much someone paid for their home or how much they are suing for. I salute the "little guys" for standing up against the corporate giant, and for bearing the ridicule of those sheep who seem so eager for their own slaughter. When the giants right to do whatever the hell they like is signed into law, we will all regret how we ridiculed the little guy, and laughed as the corporation quietly slipped their hands into our back pocket and took away our rights. It’s pretty clearly private property, so I don’t know how relevant a sign (or lack thereof) really is. I don’t have a private property sign inside my home, yet I have a reasonable expectation that strangers will not invite themselves in to take pictures of my living room.

Posting the home price in such an opinionated manner speaks to the ignorance of the poster (those discussing price variance by area have the right idea). The fact that the home price is the subject of so much attention reveals a misunderstanding of the actual issue and actual story.

I do not live in the US myself, but I am aware the lawsuits are quite common, and are often the only recourse a person may have. The sum in question is surely a nuisance amount to Google, and considering other, more ridiculous, lawsuit history I’m sure we’ve all seen, if anything I’m surprised the amount is so low. If we assume it includes legal costs, the couple may not actualy see a cent themselves should they succeed.

Sometimes the principle of a lawsuit is more important than the speciifics, and I think that is the case here. In my mind, Google is clearly invading people’s privacy, has been for some time, and shows no intention of stopping. This is hardly the first complaint against Google streetview. A decision for or against the couple will set a local legal prescedent that will surely be considered in other jurisdictions as well. Again, to scoff at this case due to what you may consider small sums of money misses the point entirely.

This story isn’t about how much someone paid for their home or how much they are suing for. I salute the “little guys” for standing up against the corporate giant, and for bearing the ridicule of those sheep who seem so eager for their own slaughter. When the giants right to do whatever the hell they like is signed into law, we will all regret how we ridiculed the little guy, and laughed as the corporation quietly slipped their hands into our back pocket and took away our rights.

]]> By: Alan http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138656 Alan Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:22:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138656 "Private" means... well, PRIVATE. If there are 'No Trespassing' signs on the road then the Goog is guilty of violating these folks' rights. If not, well, they should put up a sign or two. Still, I can't see how they're suffering. Maybe it's the embarrassment from that nasty-looking lawn? As to $165,000 for a house... wow, that's a ton of money. I only gave $23,600 for a brand new home back in November of 1998. Two brdm, 1 bath, 6 wheels. Hey, it's comfy for a bachelor! :-) AB “Private” means… well, PRIVATE. If there are ‘No Trespassing’ signs on the road then the Goog is guilty of violating these folks’ rights. If not, well, they should put up a sign or two. Still, I can’t see how they’re suffering. Maybe it’s the embarrassment from that nasty-looking lawn?

As to $165,000 for a house… wow, that’s a ton of money. I only gave $23,600 for a brand new home back in November of 1998. Two brdm, 1 bath, 6 wheels. Hey, it’s comfy for a bachelor! :-)

AB

]]> By: Average Joe http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138604 Average Joe Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:05:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138604 I believe anything that I can see while on public land (or on land tht I have permission to be on) without having to move anything out of the way can be recorded for my personal use. If it does not contain any actual images of people, then I should be able to publish the recordings. If there are people in the recordings, then I should have to have their permission if they were on their own private property. As for standing outside the Google offices all day with a camera, go for it, jut don't photograph the people. As for the price of houses, I live in a small urban region in Western PA and am well paid for the area (about 150% of the average per capita), but I still wouldn't be able to afford $165,000 for a house (mine cost me under $60k in 1998). Personnaly, I don't think anyone should pay more than about 3 times their annual gross for a house. I believe anything that I can see while on public land (or on land tht I have permission to be on) without having to move anything out of the way can be recorded for my personal use. If it does not contain any actual images of people, then I should be able to publish the recordings. If there are people in the recordings, then I should have to have their permission if they were on their own private property. As for standing outside the Google offices all day with a camera, go for it, jut don’t photograph the people.

As for the price of houses, I live in a small urban region in Western PA and am well paid for the area (about 150% of the average per capita), but I still wouldn’t be able to afford $165,000 for a house (mine cost me under $60k in 1998). Personnaly, I don’t think anyone should pay more than about 3 times their annual gross for a house.

]]> By: Mac from UK http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138003 Mac from UK Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:36:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2138003 Yet again we here in the UK see non-sensical law suits being made in the name of justice that end up being copied over here years later. I think courts have enough on their plates dealing with proper claims, I also think that the amount of $25,000 is too small, it should be much higher and given to the Borings neighbours for their mental anguish and pain for having to look at state of the property each time they drive by. Grow up America the rest of the world is laughing? Yet again we here in the UK see non-sensical law suits being made in the name of justice that end up being copied over here years later. I think courts have enough on their plates dealing with proper claims, I also think that the amount of $25,000 is too small, it should be much higher and given to the Borings neighbours for their mental anguish and pain for having to look at state of the property each time they drive by.

Grow up America the rest of the world is laughing?

]]> By: Originally from Back East http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2137063 Originally from Back East Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:47:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2137063 Having grown up in Northwestern PA (before I wisely got the heck outta there), I can assure you that $165K for a house is actually pretty good. Is probably a fairly nice place. 100K is about average there. Having grown up in Northwestern PA (before I wisely got the heck outta there), I can assure you that $165K for a house is actually pretty good. Is probably a fairly nice place. 100K is about average there.

]]> By: RP http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2136463 RP Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:57:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2136463 I would like to see Eric Shmidt, Larry Page, Sergey Brin's homes street photos. Can I stand in front of Google offices and take pictures all day long and post on the web? I think we are pushing some limits here. A home will always happen to be in public view...but you cannot have drive-bys taking pictures and posting on the internet. I would like to see Eric Shmidt, Larry Page, Sergey Brin’s homes street photos. Can I stand in front of Google offices and take pictures all day long and post on the web?

I think we are pushing some limits here. A home will always happen to be in public view…but you cannot have drive-bys taking pictures and posting on the internet.

]]> By: Vacation Rentals http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2136247 Vacation Rentals Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:29:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2136247 I'd like to see a picture leading up to the driveway. How is Goolge getting these pictures anyways? Is someone just cruising around in a car with a high speed camera? I’d like to see a picture leading up to the driveway. How is Goolge getting these pictures anyways? Is someone just cruising around in a car with a high speed camera?

]]> By: Mike http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134973 Mike Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:31:42 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134973 As you can easily see from the pictures themselves, there is no "Private Road" sign visible anywhere. If it's a public road, or a road that allows public access, then Google and anybody else can take pictures of whatever they want. I think as a courtesy, Google still removes pictures; they seem to have removed the pictures of the Borings's house. As you can easily see from the pictures themselves, there is no “Private Road” sign visible anywhere. If it’s a public road, or a road that allows public access, then Google and anybody else can take pictures of whatever they want.

I think as a courtesy, Google still removes pictures; they seem to have removed the pictures of the Borings’s house.

]]> By: j http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134503 j Sun, 06 Apr 2008 05:13:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134503 sam 83. I dont think Im mistaken when I say that law states that one is allowed to take photos of anything and anyone in public land. But if you go into someones land, you have to request permission. Borings will lose, they shouldnt be asking for 25mil but 25 billion. I dont mean to say I want to dent Google (who could keep on losing lawsuits like this without blinking) but with the amount of power they are gathering, they are starting to need to respect the kinds of laws that we fight so hard to get governments to respect. From the posts above I realize that most of us have forgotten that principle; funny, is it alright for a company to trample over our right of privacy ? sam 83.
I dont think Im mistaken when I say that law states that one is allowed to take photos of anything and anyone in public land. But if you go into someones land, you have to request permission.
Borings will lose, they shouldnt be asking for 25mil but 25 billion. I dont mean to say I want to dent Google (who could keep on losing lawsuits like this without blinking) but with the amount of power they are gathering, they are starting to need to respect the kinds of laws that we fight so hard to get governments to respect. From the posts above I realize that most of us have forgotten that principle; funny, is it alright for a company to trample over our right of privacy ?

]]> By: mary http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134300 mary Sun, 06 Apr 2008 02:06:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134300 Hats off to the Borings...Who cares what they paid for the house. Thats whats wrong in corporate USA. So they would be warranted had they owned a 2.5 million dollar "bungalow"? All houses are made of the same materials. Some materials are of better quality, but a house is a house is a house. Some people are also of better quality and I respect anyone who has the balls to take on the burden of fighting for any right they deserve..be it privacy or whatever. I am fully aware that when I sit at my dining room table ..someone somewhere probably can read the ingredient label and print it for public knowledge if they can make a buck from it, but my 4.99 bottle of Paul Mason is'nt going to draw much attention but it is wrong non the less and good job for calling Google out. Oh and by the way...so what if the property office publishes pics of the house..thats their interest. If the Borings want someone to know how to get to there house they'll call 911 if it's an emergency or if it's an invited guest they will provide the directions. If it's an uninvited guest I say stay the hell off the property. You go Aaron and Christie! Hats off to the Borings…Who cares what they paid for the house. Thats whats wrong in corporate USA. So they would be warranted had they owned a 2.5 million dollar “bungalow”? All houses are made of the same materials. Some materials are of better quality, but a house is a house is a house. Some people are also of better quality and I respect anyone who has the balls to take on the burden of fighting for any right they deserve..be it privacy or whatever. I am fully aware that when I sit at my dining room table ..someone somewhere probably can read the ingredient label and print it for public knowledge if they can make a buck from it, but my 4.99 bottle of Paul Mason is’nt going to draw much attention but it is wrong non the less and good job for calling Google out. Oh and by the way…so what if the property office publishes pics of the house..thats their interest. If the Borings want someone to know how to get to there house they’ll call 911 if it’s an emergency or if it’s an invited guest they will provide the directions. If it’s an uninvited guest I say stay the hell off the property. You go Aaron and Christie!

]]> By: Sam http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134220 Sam Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:10:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134220 If it is private property, you can still go on it unless it also says "No Trespassing." Otherwise, it would be a crime to go anywhere but the streets. If it is private property, you can still go on it unless it also says “No Trespassing.” Otherwise, it would be a crime to go anywhere but the streets.

]]> By: GOOGLE DISCREET VIEW « MADVERTISING http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134156 GOOGLE DISCREET VIEW « MADVERTISING Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:19:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2134156 [...] And contentious! The feature has raised privacy concerns. This scene from a Chicago  street shows [...] [...] And contentious! The feature has raised privacy concerns. This scene from a Chicago  street shows [...]

]]> By: Kevin http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133972 Kevin Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:25:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133972 I think that the point that was missed is that Google offers a mechanism right on the streetview to request that a picture be removed. It takes under a minute to request that the pictures be taken out of Google's system. No lawsuit needed. This whole thing is ridiculous. I think that the point that was missed is that Google offers a mechanism right on the streetview to request that a picture be removed. It takes under a minute to request that the pictures be taken out of Google’s system. No lawsuit needed. This whole thing is ridiculous.

]]> By: aandarian http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133695 aandarian Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:06:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133695 I think this is a really good example of what kind of issues we'll be looking in the future with street view, birdseye view. I think this is a really good example of what kind of issues we’ll be looking in the future with street view, birdseye view.

]]> By: Granville http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133643 Granville Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:36:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133643 I guess Microsoft's really in for it then. The latest areal views on live maps "birdseye view" of my neck of the woods are about as good as as Street level view, and cover all my property, not just what you can see from the driveway... I guess Microsoft’s really in for it then. The latest areal views on live maps “birdseye view” of my neck of the woods are about as good as as Street level view, and cover all my property, not just what you can see from the driveway…

]]> By: Matt http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133618 Matt Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:23:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133618 The fact that Google hasn't removed the photos of the rest of the homes on that street tells me that their lawyers have looked into this and have determined that the Borings have no case. The fact that Google hasn’t removed the photos of the rest of the homes on that street tells me that their lawyers have looked into this and have determined that the Borings have no case.

]]> By: Erick http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133367 Erick Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:33:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133367 @Duncan - Your west coast elitism sucks My house cost me 135,000 and its 1200 sq ft and .75 acres in Ohio. My house wont fall into the ocean either so mine's literally worth more than yours. @Duncan -

Your west coast elitism sucks My house cost me 135,000 and its 1200 sq ft and .75 acres in Ohio. My house wont fall into the ocean either so mine’s literally worth more than yours.

]]> By: Paul http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133244 Paul Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:44:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133244 From what I understand photos are allowed of private property if taken from public property. Build a fence next time. From what I understand photos are allowed of private property if taken from public property. Build a fence next time.

]]> By: Adam http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133173 Adam Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:25:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133173 Duncan: "depressed rust belts of middle America" Damn you're a jackass. Have you ever been anywhere else in the US except for the coasts? Decent houses can be had for $165,000 now. Comparing the prices to Australia, UK, and SF is quite silly. There is room to build in the Midwest, so we don't have to shell out millions for regular houses. Anyway, while I don't think Street View affected their property value, Google had to right to trespass on. I'm glad they took the images down. Duncan: “depressed rust belts of middle America”

Damn you’re a jackass. Have you ever been anywhere else in the US except for the coasts? Decent houses can be had for $165,000 now. Comparing the prices to Australia, UK, and SF is quite silly. There is room to build in the Midwest, so we don’t have to shell out millions for regular houses.

Anyway, while I don’t think Street View affected their property value, Google had to right to trespass on. I’m glad they took the images down.

]]> By: Xavier http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133148 Xavier Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:18:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133148 The picture isn't showing up anymore. Says it's unavailable. The picture isn’t showing up anymore. Says it’s unavailable.

]]> By: Sunil http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133094 Sunil Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:00:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/04/google-damages-property-values/#comment-2133094 This news on Techcrunch. This news on Techcrunch.

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