Page 1 of 1

A question of ethics

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:34 pm
by Longland
I've written a php program that provides really useful information for users that they can't easily get anywhere else.

Now I find myself in a moral dilemma.

The script begins its process by scraping Google's search results. It makes just one automated call on Google, but even that seems to be against their rules.

I would have loved to use the Google API but they don't seem to provide the keys anymore, so scraping is the only way I can think of to ge the data that my script needs to work on.

My dilemma is this: is it right to sell a script (or even give it away) to people if I know that it breaks Google's ToS - and could get their IP blocked.

Sure, I can tell them that this is a possibility up front, and I would, but what long-term effects would Google's IP blocking have on a person's domain?

I have to say that in writing and testing my script, I've run it thousands of times over the last few months with no problems from Google at all - but with the big G you just never know!

Any thoughts on the subject would be gratefully received.

Re: A question of ethics

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:45 pm
by John Cartwright
No it is not ethical to sell a script that violates a company's TOS. By doing so, you are likely putting yourself at risk legally.

Re: A question of ethics

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:58 pm
by Christopher
If you are selling a product that makes use of another companies product the solution is licensing and paying money. You are making money after all. Become a Google Enterprise developer.

Re: A question of ethics

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:08 pm
by RobertGonzalez
I agree with the others. What you are doing is not the right approach. Find a way to tap into the data source legally then sell like the dickens.

Re: A question of ethics

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:12 pm
by Longland
All the answers are fair enough and confirm my own thinking on the matter. It is a pity, but I don't think I can sell this script as it stands. I just wish I'd thought through the implications before I started coding!

It's a real shame because although the script is initialized by the Google results, the unique data that it produces doesn't come from Google at all - and is not available anywhere else as far as I know. And it is really useful to certain segments of the market.

I guess I'll have to go back to the drawing board with this one. :cry:

Re: A question of ethics

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:16 pm
by Longland
The only two 'legal' routes seem to be to get a Google AJAX Search API key (which I already have) or to become a Google Enterprise Developer.

The former option doesn't seem to be valid because the terms of service for the API is that it can only be used for programs that are able to freely used. That rules out selling the script.

The second option costs rather too much for me to consider at the moment. $5000 is beyond my reach for this script.

Never mind.