Jason Boog at The Publishing Spot gave me a new name in last night’s post. I’ve never been called that before. I’m not at all sure that I can live up to it.
In any case, I’m wondering whether I should buy some new clothes for his interview that starts on Monday. His readers are going to have BIG expectations now.
What do you think?
Thanks, Jason. You’re too much!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Nothing relates to this . . .
I’ve added these links to the Net Neutrality Page today.
Tangled Web [via Daily Kos]
We follow the story of Blip.tv, an ambitious video-streaming startup. They’re fighting for a corner of the Internet marketplace in the midst of a battle over so-called ‘net neutrality’ — the idea that all Internet content and websites are given the same access to audiences and customers.
If telecommunication giants have their way, companies like Blip.tv might be forced to compete in a marketplace wherein firms with large coffers can buy access to greater bandwidth and faster Internet speeds, leaving sites who can’t afford to pay in the slow lane.
Craig Aaron of Free Press, a media watchdog group, says big telecom companies have declared open season on ‘Net neutrality.’ He’s afraid these companies will dictate how we use the Internet.
“I think one of the beauties of the Internet is that it’s been open to views across the political spectrum. And if you hand the control of the information so that some can be preferred over others, you’re going to be handing that control to the big media companies that already control our television, airwaves, radio, you name it,” Aaron says.
For their part, telecom companies argue that a fast lane on the Internet for those willing to pay will allow them to make a return on their multibillion-dollar investment in broadband infrastructure. At present, companies such as Verizon and AT&T only charge for access to the Internet, but make virtually no money from content.
Net Neutrality Is More Than Meets The Eye
What’s bewildering in the net neutrality debate is that both sides say they have the same goals – they want the Internet to maintain its usefulness, to keep maturing, and to continue to get better. At first glance, it would be easy to think that one side wants that done via government regulation and the other through the free market. But that’s really not the case. Network neutrality is a much more complex issue than “Big Business vs. Consumer Rights” or “Big Government vs. Free-market Competition”.
Realist View on Net Neutrality: Only the Lawyers Win
Ray Gifford offers a realist’s prognostication on the likely effects of network neutrality: only the lawyers win.
Not the end of the world if network neutrality laws pass, not the end of the world if they fail to pass. Only, if network neutrality becomes law, low latency high-speed service will be routed through “private networks” while ordinary traffic travels via the “public network” internet. The distinctions between the two will be somewhat arbitrary, but important to the law, and that is why lawyers win. Overall, a sensible if not too hopeful view.
Compare the calm Gifford tone to the more alarmist sounds of eBay CEO Meg Whitman (that’s her smiling face in the picture) in an email sent to members of the “eBay community”: . . .
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related
NET NEUTRALITY PAGE
Working at Home on the Internet offers something new every day — advice, links, articles, general information and tips — for anyone who uses a home computer to make a living on the Internet. SOB Joe Hauckes readers include self-employed small business owners, telecommuters, and folks who work part time and work at home.
Notes from Liz: Anyone who spends time around Successful Blog knows that Joe is a guy who’s here for all of us, and he’s here every day cheering us on. Joe’s a champion of all Internet folks who work at home. If you are one, spend some time getting to know his blog. Working at home can seem like not a job at all and unsocial sometimes. Having blogs like Joe’s in your favorites can make an at-home work situation seem a lot more like the real thing.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Has your SOB Blog Been Introduced to US?
Blog Promotion: May I Introduce You?
Let me introduce the bloggers
who have earned this official badge of achievement,
I invite them to take a badge home to display on their blogs.
They take the conversation to their readers,
contribute great ideas, challenge us, make us better, and make our businesses stronger.
I thank all of our SOBs for thinking what we say is worth passing on.
Good conversation shared can only improve the blogging community.
Should anyone question this badge’s validity, send him or her directly to me. This award comes with a full “Liz said so” guarantee. It is endorsed by Kings of the Hemispheres, Martin and Michael, and backed by my brothers, Angelo and Pasquale.
If you’re an SO-Wanna-B, you can see the whole list of SOBs and learn how to be one by visiting the SOB Hall of Fame. Click the link or visit the What IS an SOB?! page in the sidebar.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
We offer the best in thinking–articles on the business of blogging written by the Successful and Outstanding Bloggers of Successful Blog. Click on the title shots to enjoy each selection.
The Specials this Week are
Anthony explains why $300 of balloons is just as good as $1Million of Stuff, if not better.
Steve Remington explains how to ignore your readers effectively.
Brian explains the logic behind the ideavirus that drives 1000 paintings.
Ian explains babel fish.
For those of you who want to know how I answer every comment, Joe can tell you.
Related ala carte selections include
Dr. Deb Serani talks in her sleep about the benefits of power napping.
Sit back. Enjoy your read. Nachos and drinks will be right over. Stay as long as you like.
No tips required. Comments appreciated.
Have a great weekend!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
I’ve added these links to the Net Neutrality Page today.
E-BAY Comes Out in Support of Net Neutrality!
Today, as a registered Seller on E-Bay, I received an e-mail from the E-Bay President and CEO Meg Whitman making a strong case for Net neutrality. Ms Whitman has come out very strongly in support of blocking passage of any bill(s) that would allow the telephone and cable companies to create a “two-tiered” system of network access.
I think this is an excellent and well written letter that clearly explains what the Telecoms are attempting to accomplish. I will post the letter in its entirety:
Net Neutrality and Snakes on Rocketboom today
Not that we ever need an excuse to get our daily dose of Rocketboom, but in today’s episode, Amanda Congdon covers Net Neutrality in between her rants on Snakes on a Plane.
Boiling the Frog ââ¬â a Net Neutrality Metaphor by Art Brodsky
The metaphor goes like this: If you throw a frog into boiling water, it will jump out. But if you put a frog in warm water, and gradually raise the temperature, it will become acclimated, until it becomes cooked. Gross, but accurate. This is what the telephone companies and their allies who sell them equipment are doing. The metaphor was on display last week when Verizon Executive Vice President Tom Tauke testified before the Senate Commerce Committee. Verizon is not trying to do away with the current Internet, Tauke said. (Water warm).
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related
NET NEUTRALITY PAGE