There's so many changes coming and "already arrived" in the world of communications. Some good, some not so "consumer friendly." Its scary. And, the only real way to show that our nation is not a bunch of "okay, we'll put up with it" kind of people is to send (snail/electronic) complaints to the companies imposing the policies you don't like, and to your legislators, or to the FCC (if they regulate the issue at hand. ) Do it repeatedly if you must, but get their collective attention, and get them off their collective duffs!
Even in broadcasting, things are changing too rapidly in policy making. The door has recently been opened that could restrict the refusal of minority's advertising in radio and TV, even if in another language. New disclosures are required in all broadcasts sales as of last week. Yet staffs at local stations may not know what truly IS being broadcast if such advertising is mandated to be accepted, and owners could lose english-speaking business as other advertisers and listeners get angry over a policy that is not the fault of station owners.
Another example? All broadcasters, by September of this year....(and other electronic communications) are being forced to buy new equipment at a rather high price tag due to a government mandate to participate in a new update of the Emergency Alert System, and at their (our) own cost.......yet the government bought TV converter boxes for everyone from welfare to the rich! I didn't even qualify for that, because I live at a commercial address! Where's the fairness in this concept?
The 'net neutrality issue, and whether you're buying "content" or buying "bits and bytes" is a huge issue nowadays. Comcast/NBC certainly opened the door wider.... I'm fortunate to be on a non-capped commercial account by virtue of my home being at my business, however......for others, this will be a problem as it grows. The average consumer is now a huge target for what we, as a collective people have allowed....The "bigger is better" idea in American business. And to quote the last post, "If my provider tried this crap I will not only be pissed-off, I will switch providers" is perfect proof that competition is a GOOD thing in business in our country. Options are needed, in communications and most of our daily economic choices. Best thing we can do is support the options that we have and not blindly just "take" what is handed to us in standards of service that we purchase. That's even the basis of the subscribers to this board that still maintain a satellite dish on W-5 for the HITS system vs. ALL other options. There is support for alternatives out there, IF people know about them.
Sorry, my soapbox hasn't been out much lately, but I see these issues almost every day now in my industry, and in examples on this board!
I won't be offended if my post gets "moderated" I'll completely understand. But, I FEEL better!