Tim O’Reilly’s conversation with Jeff Bezos reinforces my opinion that Amazon is not evil because of their application for and defense of certain patents. While I may not have done what they did, they are fighting off larger competitors using the tools our economic system has given them. They haven’t used strong-arm tactics against the little guy and they have a case for protecting true innovations. I’m sticking by them. Besides, I dislike Barnes & Noble for anchoring a new stripmall here in Athens with the most meager B&N; store you’ve ever seen and for my rough experience at their on-line store.