Net Neutrality - get informed, get involved.
I have to take a moment to encourage everyone to support "Net Neutrality". On its most basic level it is keeping the Internet free from unfair trade practices.
Here is what it is about in a nutshell. You connect to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider. This can be a dial-up connection, DSL, WiFi, Cable, etc. Presently, these service providers are prohibited from blocking your access to sites (that's why things like net nanny are available, because due to this law your ISP is barred from blocking access to pornographic sites) in any way. Now, large companies are proposing that this law be changed to allow them to "direct" your interests to certain sites, essentially blocking your access to the site you were looking for.
An example would be that if you typed www.google.com, and due to an exclusive contract with yahoo your ISP redirected you to them, or vice versa. This would be something similar to trying to go to the Chevron gas station only to find that the Shell station across the street blocked all access to Chevron and diverted traffic to their station. They are making choices for you, and you cannot over-ride their decision. We wouldn't put up with it in that scenario, why would we on the Internet?
This video gives a bit more detailed explanation:
Another source for information is: available here.
Of course, John Stewart's description of the situation is both entertaining and informative, so here it is as well:
The end result of this is that it is another basic erosion of your freedoms if this is allowed to come to pass. All of the sites recommend that you contact your congressman (for US citizens) to express your views. I suggest that in the spirit of moderation you all support it. Google up some more facts about it while you still can, and make an informed decision as to how you feel about it.
Remember, if we fail to support it, you may never be able to read this or any other blog again.
Here is what it is about in a nutshell. You connect to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider. This can be a dial-up connection, DSL, WiFi, Cable, etc. Presently, these service providers are prohibited from blocking your access to sites (that's why things like net nanny are available, because due to this law your ISP is barred from blocking access to pornographic sites) in any way. Now, large companies are proposing that this law be changed to allow them to "direct" your interests to certain sites, essentially blocking your access to the site you were looking for.
An example would be that if you typed www.google.com, and due to an exclusive contract with yahoo your ISP redirected you to them, or vice versa. This would be something similar to trying to go to the Chevron gas station only to find that the Shell station across the street blocked all access to Chevron and diverted traffic to their station. They are making choices for you, and you cannot over-ride their decision. We wouldn't put up with it in that scenario, why would we on the Internet?
This video gives a bit more detailed explanation:
Another source for information is: available here.
Of course, John Stewart's description of the situation is both entertaining and informative, so here it is as well:
The end result of this is that it is another basic erosion of your freedoms if this is allowed to come to pass. All of the sites recommend that you contact your congressman (for US citizens) to express your views. I suggest that in the spirit of moderation you all support it. Google up some more facts about it while you still can, and make an informed decision as to how you feel about it.
Remember, if we fail to support it, you may never be able to read this or any other blog again.
posted by Red Flannel at 11:44 AM
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