Move by Verizon, Comcast, etc Not Good...

Currently pressure is being brought to bear by many of the companies that are involved in the delivery of the internet pipeline to allow these companies to pick and choose (based on financial and other motives) how quickly and to whom internet content can be delivered. Verizon, Comcast, ATT and others want to be able to charge content providers to deliver their content. This is an extremely scary door to open. If passed, over time, I have no doubt this will redefine the internet, and not for the better. All content providers whether they be one of the "big boys" like Google, Yahoo, CNN, etc or smaller sites belonging to small businesses, hobbyists, non-profits, and individuals will be placed in a position of being asked to pay not just for their internet connection and bandwidth (as they currently do), but now have to pay the providers of their site visitors. This will move the internet away from a model where anyone can begin a site and have it viewed by anyone else to one where only the rich and politically connected will be heard. Under this move which has already received a favorable vote in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and has the support of FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, those who do not have the money, and/or those whose message is not welcomed of the proponents of this legislation, may found themselves shut out of the public pulpit that is the internet.

On a purely WDOA-centric note, if something like what Verizon, Comcast, etc. is allowed to prevail; it may be the final nail in the coffin of outfits like WDOA. We would not just be responsible for the data uploaded from our webhosts servers, but also for the data downloaded by many of you. This, I can pretty much guarantee would push wdoa.com off the net. There is also a free speech angle to this, as the folks who provide the internet's pipes would now be able to shutdown those who espose beliefs that they don't want heard. I shouldn't be surprised as this country is really nothing more at this point than a plutocracy, however we need to fight the good fight. Check out savetheinternet.com and contact your Congressional Representatives and let them hear your voice against this foolishness.