Google! Don’t Be Evil!!!

As a coach to small business owners the email I got today from John Tarnoff was so important I needed to share it with you.

“Those of you who know me well know that I rarely (if ever) do this. But this week’s issue goes beyond the usual political issue-baiting and speaks to the future of digital information and entertainment.

I’m talking about the reports that Google is about to cut a deal with Verizon that would change the Internet as we know it by allowing bandwidth providers (Verizon, AT&T, Time-Warner, Comcast etc.) to create tiers of service that would favor big/rich content providers over smaller/independent content providers – thus dumping them into what Moveon.org calls the “Internet slow lane.”

If you are happy with what you are seeing on TV, or at the movie theater, or even on YouTube, then I encourage you to sit back, do nothing and trash this email. If you have more questions, email me.

It is surprising that Google is taking this apparently anti-“Net Neutrality” position considering their previously stated position, and recent endorsement of the FCC’s Third Way policy. I personally believe the Verizon deal is a real and direct threat to the future of the open Internet. While it may seem like innocent pricing practices (“simply pay more to get more bandwidth”), it is really another way that providers with more cash will be able to “get above the noise” and provide faster-loading content that will squeeze out everyone else, discouraging independent creators/providers, limiting competition, and reducing consumer choice.

It is no coincidence that this development comes at a time when traditional media distribution channels are being challenged by the open and nearly universal access that the Internet provides to everyone.

If you are inspired and encouraged by the prospect of more independent storytellers finding a viable and sustainable opportunity to be heard around the world, then I encourage you to take a stand here, and to start by signing the Moveon petition below. I’ve included some links to the current press/blog reports/commentary, and some background information as well.

Here’s the Moveon link:

http://pol.moveon.org/google/?r_by=22383-315774-Xeqc8Rx&rc=mailto

Net Neutrality FAQ: http://www.savetheinternet.com/frequently-asked-questions?gclid=CMXdhLfpp6MCFRL4iAodKjU64A

NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/technology/05secret.html

HuffPo: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-silver/google-verizon-deal-the-e_b_671617.html

Politico: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/40668.html

Thanks!

Take action to keep the net..neutral!