Net Neutrality

[boffo]

Can someone who understands it and isn't a frothing ideologue explain net neutrality to me? What is it, and why do some people think it's good and some people think it's bad? Note that if you're going to argue that the people who disagree with you only do so because they're stupid poopy-heads, I'd prefer to hear from someone who actually

Comments

[lumpyhead]

Net neutrality prevents internet servers (like time warner) from putting a cap on or preventing access to certain sites (like you tube). In other words, all websites must be treates equally. If internet service providers have their way, you will have to pay an additional fee to have full access to the internet. Similar to cable and paying extra for showtime and HBO.

[boffo]

Thanks. That's helpful

[mudita]

That's an insightful summary. Any interest in turning it into a 600 or 700 word article for the Atlasphere along the lines of "Understanding Net Neutrality"? I think it's an area where a lot of people still have only the vaguest understanding, if any, and your explanation could be helpful.

[boffo]

I'm not knowledgeable enough on the subject to write an article. I don't think you'd want one saying "Here's what some dudes on the internet explained to me about Net Neutrality."

But maybe you should ask scottsch, as he understands this stuff a lot more than I do.

[radiumx]

This infographic (http://theopeninter.net/) was linked to me a few days back, and it sums up net neutrality quite nicely. There are some good references at the bottom.

Here's another infographic that also nicely sums up why the average consumer should be for a free internet. http://dvice.com/assets_c/2009/10/net-neutrality-thumb-550xauto-27419.jpg

Anti-NN proponents remind me of a line from a Tom Petty song. "all the boys upstairs wanna see / how much you'll pay for what you used to get for free".