I don't like to brag, but back in the early 1990s, I invented DSL, or Digital Sewer Line. You know DSL as something different today, but that's only because I licensed the rights to the name for a tidy sum, thank-you very much.
Now along comes Google - completely unbeknownst to me - with its beta announcement this morning of TiSP, or Toilet Internet Service Provider. From the press release:
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 1, 2007 - Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced the launch of Google TiSP (BETA), a free in-home wireless broadband service that delivers online connectivity via users' plumbing systems. The Toilet Internet Service Provider (TiSP) project is a self-installed, ad-supported online service that will be offered entirely free to any consumer with a WiFi-capable PC and a toilet connected to a local municipal sewage system.
And people accuse Microsoft of being rip-off artists. ... As Mr. T would say, I pity the fool who messes with my intellectual property.
The IETF will back my claim, by the way, and you can read about that kind of background information here and in a story Network World did two years ago about the standards organization's work on such matters.And, of course, I am hardly alone in being so victimized. This site has a great compilation of such flimflam through the ages.
(Update: The audacity continues ... there's even a Google Group on this TiSP business.)
(Update 2: USA Today is running the Associated Press version of the story, which makes no mention of my "prior art.")
(Update 3: At least this account uses in the headline my all-time favorite word for toilet.)
(Update 4, Monday, 5 a.m.: I see that Google has removed the offending link on its homepage, perhaps signaling an awareness of my claim. Still calling the lawyers this morning, though.)
(Update 5: At least the headline writers were having fun: “Potty joke” … “Flush with Fools’ fun” … “Google plumbs ‘Net services” … “Google resorts to toilet humor” … “Google ‘crappy’ at last” … you get the idea.)
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The Leader in Network Knowledge
Hello, Mr./Mrs. DSL
I do not work for or have anything to do with the Google Corporation, but before anyone blows their head off, I wanted to recall to your attention that it is April First. In light of this, I do hope you know what "April Fools" is as well.
You see, it is an April Fools joke, and you sir/madam seem to have been caught right in the middle.
For proof, go to the FAQ and click on the link for a list of supported corporations, Here you will notice that Google has not just fooled us once, but many other times in the past as well.
I am sure you can't be all that furious;your intellectual property is just fine :)
happy april fools
happy april fools
I feel for you....but...
I do feel for you, but I honestly think that the timing of this service offering is ideal for both Google and internet users world-wide (well, at least those with plumbing).
Don't try to "clog" progress in wireless fiber-optics with your grandiose claims...I mean look at me, I'm not complaining that myspace stole my "reallycoolsocialnetworktypething.com" idea.
I think it's another outrage
I think it's another outrage for rural Internet users. We're all on septic systems out here, paying a premium for our broadband access, and you townies get all the breaks! Free broadband for sewer system users, what a rip!
Revieweb :) happy april fools day
LMAO,,
I agree,, rural(s) got screwed again.
Why don't you
...Move to the city? It's much better there.
stop crying. this is what
stop crying.
this is what Google does best.
Dude, first of all, APRIL's
Dude, first of all, APRIL's FOOL!!!
Second, chill out, cause if this WAS an actuall attempt to get wireless through the shit hole, and you DID invent your DSL, you should not vent before, but AFTER you have tried to contact GOOGLE about your situation, and they ignored you or something. Damn!!! Chill guy!!!
Wow, someone needs to learn
Wow, someone needs to learn how to take a joke.
If your post is a joke, nobody is laughing, really.
People these days, jeez!
pointing out the obvious
I think the author already knew it was april fools day, considering the links in the article point to other april fools jokes.
Hmm, I guess there's a great emotional thrill that people get in pointing out obvious things to others, as if this sole act reveals their superior intellect.