makemetop - 8:32 pm on Apr 5, 2002 (gmt 0)

>I see the litigious nature of our society in a suspect light though..

Having lived in the US for more than 10 years, I agree with this sentiment totally. I was put out of business once by being sued by a huge multi-national on a case which probably had no merit (but I would say that) - but where I could not afford a proper defence. However this is not a 'David and Goliath' situation. Two pretty large players in the SE realm are set to 'duke
it out'. Rather than condemn it as a publicity stunt (which it may well be) - I see it as two completely different (and previously opposite) advocates of what constitutes a search engine heading up for an interesting battle - a traditional (Google) SE crossing into a completely commercial (Overture) SE's territory.

This could be an interesting and revealing contest. It could also have big ramifications on the recently announced LookSmart switch to PPC ;)

>The Internet is supposed to be free...

It still is for most sites who are not selling something. For those that are commercial sites - well, the little guy can still win by employing a good SEO - most of the big guys haven't got 'round to it yet :)