The subject of Net Neutrality got much well deserved attention this weekend during the Gnomedex presentations of John Edwards, Werner Vogels and Mike Arrington. Some of the discussion dealt with the difficulty of communicating the nature of the issue and it was suggested that "Net Discrimination" might be a better tag for the discussion. I think the idea was to follow the lead of the abortion debates and try to build terms that map to "Pro-Life" and "Pro-Choice". The idea seemed to catch on as various speakers and commenters at the conference began to use "Net Discrimination" in discussions. However, I think that while the intention was good, we can do better.
I would suggest that a much better way to clarify the issue would be modeled on the success of the Women's Movement's slogan: "Equal Pay for Equal Work." That phrase succinctly presents an argument so clear and simple that it has been terribly difficult for anyone to debate it. The "Net Neutrality" equivalent would be: "Equal Service for Equal Pay." i.e. While the rates charged for service might vary according to bandwidth (one assumes that those who buy more will pay less per unit...), the service received by all those who pay at any level should be identical.
Net Neutrality means "Equal Service for Equal Pay"... I think it would be very difficult to argue with that and I think it will be easily understood by those who hear it. What do you think?
bob wyman
