is the internet going to change?

i read an interesting article in NY Times this morning.... and it's
website... this appears to be an issue of discussion right now, but the
NYTimes article points out that there are 'bad guys' on both sides...

at issue is whether website access will continue to be free. for example,
when you access a website, you have no idea who owns the internet
connection facilities over which your request passes.... you might be
viewing a website that is a competitor for the company providing the
connectivity... and some of them don't like it.... is jimE around
somewhere today? he would understand this far better than i, for sure...

interesting how life continues to change. we saw telephone pricing change
dramatically (in our favor) with internet competition, and this could send
it the other way.... i hope it all blows over, but there appears to be a
fight going on about this, so i would be hesitant to dismiss the topic...

Jean B....

Hehe. Well, if it isn't free (or about as free as it is now),
I might not be online as much, to say the least. On the other
hand, I am quite addicted, and maybe "they" are counting on
that?

david...

well, the other possibility is that you might be directed to one website
and never be allowed to know of other websites with similar products or
information - because they didn't pay enough. it's an interesting financial
model. for years i couldn't figure out where the money was for search
engines --- until web-search hit it big... :)

Jean B....

IMHO, deregulation sounded good in theory, but hasn't worked
well in reality. I think I prefer regulation of essential
services.

david...

mmj29...

It's one of those things, like the telephone, that I have no control over so
for the time being not going to stress over it. Even on things where you
have a chance to fight 'City Hall' the people seem to lose to the
politicians. Over the years trying to fight for things at meetings or at the
polls has beaten me down.

i agree. in deregulation, the big guys devour the little guys and a
monopoly is formed... we see that everywhere... but you're about to dip
your toe into some serious political waters, ma'am, so i'll refrain from
all i was gonna' say.... :)