Let's talk about Net Neutrality

What is Net Neutrality:

Simply put, net neutrality is a network design paradigm that argues for broadband network providers to be completely detached from what information is sent over their networks.  In essence, it argues that no bit of information should be prioritized over another. (Pulled from Berkeley.edu)

So, what would happen if we DIDN'T have New Neutrality? Let's look at it this way:


After years of hard work, pain, sweat, and tears, you finally finish your novel. You decide to go the self-publishing route (or traditional route. The end result is the same), and you couldn't be happier. You spend months getting your novel in pristine condition, dreaming of seeing it on Amazon, Goodread, Smashwords, etc., and talking about on QueryTracker, AgentQueryConnect, Bookbub, etc.

But suddenly, your internet service provider's (ISP) Standard Operating Procedure changes. They get greedy. They send Amazon, Goodreads, Smashwords, AQC, QueryTracker, Bookbub, etc.a letter stating that unless they pay a reoccurring monthly fee, they'll throttle (slow down) their websites' speeds.

Some sites can afford to pay, others can't. Those that can't can either charge for their services to raise the money, or their company will die.

Now, without Net Neutrality, it takes a full thirty seconds to load EVERY page of AQC and QT because they haven't paid. They'll lose traffic because who has that much time to wait.

Sounds a lot like blackmail, doesn't it? 

Sites that can afford to pay may get throttled anyway because their competition's CEO may be friends/make a deal with an ISP CEO.

Your favorite sites charge more money or slow to agonizing speeds. If they don't charge, they'll plaster ads all over every available surface.

And the worst part of all, WE are still paying $100-150 for that every month.

That is what will happen if Net Neutrality is lost.

And guess what?

The FCC has APPROVED plans to consider paid priority internet. THEY ARE CONSIDERING THE END OF NET NEUTRALITY.

So, what can you do about it? Visit the site below. This guy lays it out clearly.

http://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/25pltx/online_petition_to_remove_tom_wheeler_as_chairman/chjimuq

If the public doesn't act, the internet will cease to be what it is. Only the strong and wealthy sites will survive. We can't have that. Help protect Net Neutrality!