What would you do?

[JohntheBiker]

Steve,

Part of the appeal of XMarks is that the site generally shares and demonstrates values that are important to me. Change that and this becomes a place that is less civil, less ethical and less credible. Don't mess with your reputation.

Interestingly, I had a pre-existing relationship with two of your advertisers before joining the site. I continue to deal with them because they provide quality, value, client service and I happen to like them. The fact that they advertise on this site says a lot about you and them.

I don't make purchase decisions based on price but rather on value and part of that value proposition includes the ethics and business practices of the seller. That's why I would never purchase anything from America's largest retailer, regardless of price.

As others have indicated, the realm of patents is far less clear. However, I don't believe in appropriating other people's intellectual property and I would really be concerned that a vendor who demonstrates those kinds of values isn't going to be any more ethical in dealing with me.

Thanks for asking the questions.