Mark Feburary 17th

So how important is open internet? Although not directly related, open access to the internet has proved itself essential through several global events recently. Some people believe blogs should refrain from politics, but access to blogs has become policy and political. Mainly no one is representing the average user in US trade agreements and commissions (telecoms and major industries are invited).

But here's your chance to add your voice; the FCC has requested comments on Feb 17th from the public, one day after a hearing to repeal FCC's authority to regulate the internet including net neutrality.

"Make no mistake: this will be a decisive vote. This is the only time that Congress will vote "yes or no" on Net Neutrality, so it's crucial that they vote the right way. Help us send a clear message to Congress: a vote for the repeal act is a vote against Internet users."

The US is currently in a race to the bottom with broadband and wireless speeds. Who cares how fast any service is with ridiculous caps that allow (maybe) one Netflix movie per week. Can it get worse? Companies want the government to pay for upgrades rather than loose profit margins, i.e. "The wall street lesson".

I pay $60/mth for premiere internet that doesn't stream video (but it should). I have a choice of one carrier in the 5th largest city in the US. I have no choice but to pay whatever they ask. I get phone calls from Cox asking what I'm using for TV - but when I ask about rates that include TV, I need to be transferred to marketing. So what department was calling? That's when my internet speed slowed down so that video can't be streamed. Lovely. My new Macbook Pro didn't help either.

No matter what you think or if you think you can make a difference, you just might. The place to start is HERE.

I'm sure a few other interested sites will have something to say as well; ARS Technica, EFF, Wired, TechDirt, etc. I admit I'm being reactionary by not looking up references first. Another organization I've been watching more is Anonymous.

If you're cruising music or movie blogs, you are political. Art is freedom of expression and should be heard. This is our culture and it belongs to everyone. Copyrights were an exception for new works. They were not intended for generations to get rich on forever. The parties interested in protecting copyrights are trade organizations, not law enforcement, and don't represent the public or creative artists. The bands would make more money if people sent $1 directly to them for every download. Art can not be created in a vaccum. That's like reinventing the wheel over again (and could be why newer music is so limited and shitty). But you've heard all that from me before.

And to be a pest, I'll post the Wikileaks archive (read more about Manning).

The Bright Spot: Net Neutrality

"If we wait too long to preserve a free and open Internet, it will be too late," Genachowski said citing a number of recent examples where network providers have acted as gatekeepers:

"We have witnessed certain broadband providers unilaterally block access to VoIP applications (phone calls delivered over data networks) and implement technical measures that degrade the performance of peer-to-peer software distributing lawful content. We have even seen at least one service provider deny users access to political content.

"The rise of serious challenges to the free and open Internet puts us at a crossroads," Genachowski said. "We could see the Internet's doors shut to entrepreneurs, the spirit of innovation stifled, a full and free flow of information compromised. Or we could take steps to preserve Internet openness, helping ensure a future of opportunity, innovation, and a vibrant marketplace of ideas."

Read more at Huffington Post: FCC Chief Boldly Commits to Net Neutrality