One of the problems with Web 2.0 (and more specifically AJAX’ed applications) is their lack of usability for people with different types of disabilities. AJAX (aka Asynchronous Javascript over XML aka snazzy things done behind the browser screen) is an example of technology that has been adopted widely with graceful accessibility trying very hard to catch up.

Ouch.

Wifi Network News is reporting that Earthlink is withdrawing from its bid to build out San Francisco’s municipal wireless initiative.

More from the San Francisco Chronicle:

Ballard said Wednesday that although the joint deal with Google and Earthlink is now history, the city would regroup and issue a second round of proposals from interested vendors. Officials hope Google, which “has been a valuable partner throughout all this,” will want to participate, he said.

While browsing through Google’s blogs, I stumbled on Google’s Public Policy blog. A blogging strategy makes sense for Google—given who they are and the scale of their ambitions. But it was the first time I’ve encountered a corporate (read: official) policy blog.