Google Deletes Last 7 Years Of User's Digital Life, Shrugs
I think there's an important lesson here that you can take home right now: If your primary email is an @gmail.com address, you have your head firmly in the lion's mouth.<p>You can backup your data. You can have fallback tools and services. You <i>cannot</i> backup your identity. And if that identity is controlled by Google, you are tying your online existence for the duration to the foibles of a publically traded company with a shitty track record of customer support.<p>Tell me with a straight face that you know Google won't mess you around like this - not just now, but for the next decade. Hell, tell me you know your account won't be algorithmically disabled tomorrow. If your last name isn't Gundotra, I don't think you can. Why, then, are you taking that risk when the cost is so small?<p>.com domains retail for about $10/year, Google Apps Free Edition is here: <a href="http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html</a> - you can keep the services you like while retaining control of your email address.<p>Disclaimer: I have an @gmail.com address that I'm suddenly realising is a sword over my head.