Excellent! We all need to give the finger to censorship. I hope they do not pay tax to the Australian government on copies they sell online (to Australians).

I am talking about products being passed off for something that they are not. Whether they are adulteratd or "genuine" counterfeits is a moot point. The statement... "But, an even MORE annoying part of all this is the use of fear mongering over "counterfeit goods" as some huge problem that has to be solved, when the evidence increasingly suggests otherwise." ... to ME is what the article is about and this is what I am challenging. This website focuses a lot on entertainment (music) (and now luxury products (handbags))...I am suggesting that the issue is deeper than this...the legislation which protect these companies is the same legislation that protects pharma companies AND consumers of these products.

If people choose homeopathic medicines, pray to the Elbonian god of fertility, or simply forego treatment, that is a choice a free adult makes. Relying on drugs that you believe to be genuine, but aren't, is a completely different story. RE: Africa - I live in Africa, so this is not a hypothetical debate. If a poverty-stricken African living in a Malaria area, dies of Malaria because the medication they were given by the clinic or pharmacist is counterfeit no-one will ever know. If an infant dies of malnutrition no-one will suspect counterfeit infant formula. As for HIV, who will become suspicious if a sufferer dies a little sooner because the "anti-retrovirals" they were using containing no active ingredients. As for proof, this is difficult:) The first known case of death as a result of counterfeit medicines in Canada, for example, (Google it) was only recorded in 2006. This victim died unexpectedly, triggering tox tests...these raised red flags...analysis of the drugs in her possession raised further red flags...a forensic examination of her computer revealed that she had purchased counterfeit drugs over the internet. I suspect, that even for a first world country this was quite a detailed investigation. Where I live not even a murder investigation will be done this deeply! So the proof gets buried. Maybe if enough people die we will get the proof we need.

This is not just about handbags. Counterfeit drugs kill people. Counterfeit electrical products, like circuit breakers, etc are potentially deadly. Although it is probably not that difficult to identify a poorly made pair of sneakers or a handbag, it may be very difficult for the average person to recognize a counterfeit power-supply, glucose testing strip, insulin pen needle, tires, or baby formula. Sometimes we don't even have a choice in the matter ...counterfeit aircraft parts, or elevator parts, or even counterfeit reinforcing steel are all available. Suggesting that counterfeit products are not really a bad thing is like suggesting a doctor with a fake medical degree is not really a bad thing. Come-on...get real!

…must be the operating system…

You (and Leo) are making the assumption that the people behind these financial instruments are in fact geniuses. It does not take a rocket scientist to lose money...any idiot can do that...and they did!

...or an option for a totally ad-free paid (Twitter PRO?) account.

...and another $750...turning into a good day for some unknown essay writer!

...that will cost $750!

Here a an awesome idea for Google…design awesome phone AND open source the design so that any manufacturer can make it.