Google drops "don't be evil" motto

Google is reported to be searching for a new corporate motto to replace its famous "don't be evil" because it has become an easy target for its critics.

David Krane, a senior spokesperson for Google, told SVW: "I never liked it. I always felt that it would come back to bite us in some way, that we would end up building concentration camps, or something even worse. The universe seems to love irony, why leave ourselves wide open?"

Eric Schmidt, Google CEO has told reporters that the phrase is meant for internal debates and is often misunderstood externally, "we don't have an evil meter."

Marrisa Mayer, a senior Google executive, last year told the Sydney Morning Herald that "It really wasn't like an elected, ordained motto."

Personally, I'm supportive of Google's move and agree with Mr Krane that there is no need to tempt the fates. I have long advocated that Google should replace "Don't be evil" with "Brush your teeth between meals and try to get 8 hours of sleep."

If the ironic design of the universe conspires to way lay Google's ambitions, as it often does with the best laid plans of mice and men, then there is not much harm done, just some drowsiness and an extra visit to the dentist. Messing up on "don't be evil" carries far more serious consequences.

Do you have a suggestion for Google?