I tend to avoid posting stuff in my blog that isn’t all about me me me, but this is important. And it is about me in a small way. The thing that’s letting you read my post right now – the internet – is in need of protection. If we do not secure an open internet through net neutrality, hearing tiny little voices like mine on the vast expanse of the web could become such a hassle it would be impractical to even bother.

On February 26, the FCC is voting on proposal that would protect net neutrality and an open internet. I urge you to make your voice heard; do your part to keep the net a level playing field.

What is Net Neutrality?

“Net Neutrality is the Internet’s guiding principle: It preserves our right to communicate freely online. This is the definition of an open Internet.

Net Neutrality means an Internet that enables and protects free speech. It means that Internet service providers should provide us with open networks — and should not block or discriminate against any applications or content that ride over those networks. Just as your phone company shouldn’t decide who you can call and what you say on that call, your ISP shouldn’t be concerned with the content you view or post online.

Without Net Neutrality, cable and phone companies could carve the Internet into fast and slow lanes. An ISP could slow down its competitors’ content or block political opinions it disagreed with. ISPs could charge extra fees to the few content companies that could afford to pay for preferential treatment — relegating everyone else to a slower tier of service. This would destroy the open Internet.”

— lifted verbatim from Save The Internet, dramatic bolding of the analogy done by me me me. Click the link for more information about net neutrality and a more thorough explanation of what is at stake on February 26.

Why Should You Care?

Because you use the internet.

Because keeping the internet open and neutral is the right thing to do and you’re the kind of person who stands up for what’s right – especially when all it takes is 2 seconds to send a letter to your representatives in Congress.

Because you like having a net connection fast enough to stream Netflix or Hulu (or porn – whatever; I don’t judge).

Because you think it’s good that small, mom and pop companies like Louie’s Juke Joint, Brisance, and Fort Gaskin-Burr Products are as easily accessible as Comcast, AT&T and IBM, who all oppose net neutrality and, coincidentally, could stand to benefit from a structure that allows net gatekeepers to sell fast access to the highest bidders.

Because you want cool blogs and personal websites like Whitful Thinking, White Rabbit Productions, Erica Rimlinger, and (ahem) Fugitives from the Law to remain easy to access and enjoy.

Because you trust me and I really, really think it’s important.

Act Now, Please

Raise your voice. Keep the internet open.

https://www.battleforthenet.com/