Make a Net Neutrality Video, Win a Prize

It’s not every week that you can possibly win a prize by fighting for real Net Neutrality, but this is one of them.

You have until August 15 to create and submit a video to the “America’s Got Net” video competition by explaining why an open Internet is important and should be protected. The competition is hosted by the Open Internet Coalition, and some of the Internet’s biggest names will be judging the videos. The list of celebrity judges includes: Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist; Susan Crawford, former Special Assistant for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy for the Obama Administration; Jolie O’Dell of Mashable; and Personal Democracy Forum founders Andrew Rasiej and Micah Sifry.

Real Net Neutrality means that Internet service providers may not discriminate between different kinds of content and applications online. It guarantees a level playing field for all Web sites and Internet technologies. Net Neutrality is the reason the Internet has driven economic innovation, democratic participation and free speech online. It protects the consumer's right to use any equipment, content, application or service without interference from the network provider. With Net Neutrality, the network's only job is to move data -- not to choose which data to privilege with higher quality service. Without vital Net Neutrality protections, companies like Verizon and Comcast, which have a commercial incentive to limit the free-flowing Web, can decide whether you will have a voice online.

These companies should not have the power to determine anyone’s fate on the Internet, and it’s why you should lend your voice – and your face – to fighting for Net Neutrality.

"The open Internet is everyone's printing press, a big deal in the evolution of democracy, and I really want to help promote democratic values,” said Craig Newmark, founder of Internet sensation, Craigslist. “Everyone should take a look at this competition; it's about using the Internet to save the Internet."
The videos will be judged in the following categories: best small business, best non-profit/charitable and best individual user.

Winners are eligible for prizes starting with a VIP trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with key policymakers, a package of goodies that includes an Amazon Kindle DX, Google Nexus One Phone, one year of Skype Unlimited World Calling, Slingbox PRO-HD, Sony bloggie; and small business and non-profit winners will win free advertising and event opportunities as well as the chance to be featured in an Open Internet Coalition ad campaign.

Check out the contest details.

So folks, break out your cameras and start talking about real Net Neutrality – I know you’ve got a lot to say!