Re: Gardening Blogs In Newspapers

**Tom Alexander t*@growingedge.com**

I find the discussion about blogs on the internet interesting.  
However, having an influential blog or web page may become mute if  
the so called 1st Amendment of the Internet -- net neutrality -- or a  
free and open internet goes down the tubes by an act of Congress, as  
early as tomorrow.

This isn't some urban myth like paying postage for emails (though AOL  
was actually going to implement a one or two cent charge for emails  
to get through to AOL customers but backed down.) The big broadband  
companies, like Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner are lobbying hard  
for this legislation. Their lobbying money has tremendous influence  
on all the congressional members.

To read more to understand what is at stake:

http://www.savetheinternet.com/=faq

http://www.tpmcafe.com/node/29086

http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/4/4/135854/0243

An animated video explains it visually:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l9jHOn0EW8U

If this happens only those who pay the broadband providers will get  
their content up front and center on people's web browsers. Those who  
don't pay will be left in the e-static dust. Content creators will  
have to pay to play or get left behind. It was only a matter of time.  
As in everything in America today, money talks.

Tom Alexander, Publisher                      PO Box 1027
New Moon Publishing, Inc.                    Corvallis, OR. 97339
Growing Edge Magazine                        541-745-7773
Since 1980, publishers of unique hydroponic & greenhouse books &  
magazines
                          http://www.growingedge.com
                              tom@growingedge.com

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