Business column will be used to push and prod

Vindu Goel, the new San Jose Mercury News business columnist, writes Wednesday that he will use the column to push and prod.

Goel wrote, “Think of me as Silicon Valley’s self-appointed noodge.

“With this column and my related blog, I hope to be a catalyst for a community conversation on how to improve our lives as employers, inventors, workers and consumers.

“Sometimes I will push companies to do the right thing, such as treating customers like they’re actually important and shareholders as the owners of the company. Sometimes I will help consumers figure out how to save money or guard their privacy. Sometimes I will tell government to get more involved in our lives – or to stop meddling.

“I won’t be afraid to bring out the cattle prod for those who deserve it. But I won’t overlook the valley’s heroes, either.”

Read more here.