--- author: Eric Wagoner date: '2000-03-07T05:12:11' draft: false title: Tim O'Reilly's conversation with Jeff --- [Tim O'Reilly's conversation with Jeff Bezos](http://www.oreilly.com/ask_tim/bezos_0300.html) 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](/archive/1999_11_07_archive.html#10429) at their on-line store.