2nd choice. Easily.

This is the golden age of the internet folks. It isn't going to get better than this.

I agree, in the end the internet is not going to last like this for long. Money is a factor. Its not profitable enough. I've actually read articles about this on some Russian websites from their experts, most analysts come to similarly bad predictions.

Couple days ago I read a great Russian article that since internet is so widespread, military and government institutions are at greater risk from cyber attacks (cyber terrorism), and the current system will have to be changed to protect us from this threat (hmmm, just like the threat of terrorists in the real world changed things). People in power will succeed ... because they see internet as a dark place, and if the terrorists hack into power plants, facilities, government websites, this will undermine "our way of life". Its sad, but true. Freedoms will be curbed. This is the golden age, folks, enjoy it while you can!

Its not like most people use internet for anything useful. Most people primarily use if for myspace, porn/sex, entertainment, media, music/movies downloads, sports, etc. - i.e. minimal emphasis on knowledge.

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quote:

Originally posted by Sunsnail This is the golden age of the internet folks. It isn't going to get better than this.

Until networks become ubiquitous with existence and enlightenment can be found within the extranet of your striped left sock.

quote:

Originally posted by josh4

If this wasn't already included in the outrageous prices we already pay, I'd be pissed.

But the fact that they would even think of charging extra is maddening enough...

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quote:

Originally posted by Fir3start3r If this wasn't already included in the outrageous prices we already pay, I'd be pissed. But the fact that they would even think of charging extra is maddening enough...

of course they're thinking about this. i'm sure they're already drafting the plans. i wish i could find it but i read a quote from a CEO that goes something like the idea of net neutrality is ridiculous and data fees over telecom networks are definitely coming.

The more acceptable we allow this to be and the more analysts predict it, the greener the light the more likely they are to enforce it.

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that's what the market is for. replacements would spring up overnight if anything like that happened. i wouldnt be too worried fellas.

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quote:

Originally posted by pkcRAISTLIN that's what the market is for. replacements would spring up overnight if anything like that happened. i wouldnt be too worried fellas.

no not correct. we're talking about the big telecom giants that are pushing for this. the corps that have had nation-wide systems in place since the telegraph (American Telephone & Telegraph). nobody can match their networks. Google and other big-internets (amazon, yahoo) are seriously looking into setting up their own wireless network but to create a network that could rival the ones already in place is going to take a lot of time

Imagine all the geeks that would heading straight to prison for the federal crime of interfering with a communications network (America's internet) by illegally accessing Google.
They don't know what they are getting themselves into with all color hats.

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quote:

Originally posted by pkcRAISTLIN that's what the market is for. replacements would spring up overnight if anything like that happened. i wouldnt be too worried fellas.

I agree. If anything the internet will become more free. If google started charging for it's use you'd use something else.

It'll go on as now with both ad based business models and subscription based, but I think that community/open models will grow even bigger.

I mean a free encyclopedia who'd bother to make that? Free OSs? Even free processor designs?

Yeah you will still pay for a lot, but you'll get a lot free too.

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