When the feature was initially introduced in August 2007, it generated wide debate because some argued that Google was trying to replace the traditional role of a journalist. For instance, the LA Times said in an editorial: “[Google’s] only interest is that the submissions are authentic, not that they’re relevant or even truthful. As a result, the comments section is likely to be larded with spin, hype and obfuscation.” More often than not, however, there ended up being no comments at all. Indeed, the Associated Press says the feature was actually eliminated in May when Google introduced some changes to Google News—but in a sign that it never really took off its elimination does not appear to have been widely noticed.