Washinfgton -- The Open Internet Coalition has extended
the deadline for submissions to “America’s Got
’Net,” its online network-neutrality video contest, from
July 31 to Aug. 15.
At press time, only 11 submissions had been received,
but coalition spokesperson Katie Barr said the
group was expecting to receive more as word of the
contest spread.
Online video versions of TVs’ coach potatoes (You-
Tubers?) have been asked to submit YouTube videos
(http://www.youtube.com/AmericasGotNet2010) explaining
why they love the Internet. The coalition
seeks to make the point that the Internet is at risk
from big cable and phone companies who want to
control access.
“Be [as] creative as you want or just plop yourself in
front of a webcam and rant,” the coalition said on its
website (http://www.openinternetcoalition.com/americasgotnet/).
“Go nuts ... but not too nuts. Let’s keep it to
under two minutes, shall we? Our super-special panel
of celebrity judges doesn’t have the attention span for
anything longer than that.”
CRAWFORD, NEWMARK TO JUDGE
That panel includes network-neutrality supporters
Susan Crawford, a law professor and former White
House technology adviser (presumably with a longer
attention span in those posts); and Craigslist.org
founder Craig Newmark.
Winners will be chosen in three categories: small
business, “everyday users” and nonprofit/charitable
submission. Big business’ love of the Web will have to
remain unspoken.
Winners will get “a Washington trip to meet with
their congressional delegations” and “high-profile
meet and greets with Washington VIPs,” though Barr
said no one at the FCC has been contacted about a grip
and grin.
‘GOODIE PACKAGE’ ON OFFER
For those seeking prizes, rather than political prodding,
there is also a “package of goodies” including
an Amazon Kindle DX, a Google Nexus One phone
and a Slingbox PRO-HD.
