Edit - Meta Stack Exchange

You are not logged in. Your edit will be placed in a queue until it is peer reviewed.

We welcome edits that make the post easier to understand and more valuable for readers. Because community members review edits, please try to make the post substantially better than how you found it, for example, by fixing grammar or adding additional resources and hyperlinks.

3

this is a poor analogy. the whole argument is specifically centered around content, not something that is undifferentiable like electricity itself. we are talking specifically about content. your illustration is deceptive.
– Alex Gordon
Commented Jul 12, 2017 at 17:11
38

The analogy is perfect. With neutrality, data is undifferentiated. Without, you are charged for each web service you consume.
– jscs
Commented Jul 12, 2017 at 19:05
but the "control" issue is specifically about CONTENT. it is directed towards specific resources. it is not a bandwidth issue.
– Alex Gordon
Commented Jul 12, 2017 at 22:28
2

It most certainly is about bandwidth. ISP's throttling content was one of the core issues that brought all of this to light (comcast and other's treatment of torrents). While content censorship is also an issue, that is not what is currently at stake. This imagery is spot on.
– Travis J
Commented Jul 12, 2017 at 22:58
3

Don't want the hassle of a Fubar package? Simply switch providers! Leave your slow, local energy behind with the Premium FUBAR Subscription. Say goodbye to lights out, and hello to Fubar!
– floor cat
Commented Jul 13, 2017 at 3:05
What would have happened without being classified a utility is at this point pure conjecture. How do you know that unshackled, the power companies would not have innovated and already had superlative solar-panel roofs, energy storage devices and super-efficient HVAC systems? Competition - the fight for survival always wins. The FCC on the other hand is a monopoly. Are you going to similarly argue for phone makers to be regulated as a utility?
– Καrτhικ
Commented Jul 13, 2017 at 12:12
@Καrτhικ I think the point is that, if a big, complex infrastructure is required, it's next to impossible for start-ups to do it. Therefore it can often only be done by one company. There's a choice: monopoly or utility. For water, electricity etc. utility was chosen. For internet, monopoly <del>was chosen</del> <ins>grew <del>organically</del> <ins>however it grew</ins></ins>.
– wizzwizz4
Commented Jan 6, 2018 at 19:22

Add a comment |

Correct minor typos or mistakes
Clarify meaning without changing it
Add related resources or links
Always respect the author’s intent
Don’t use edits to reply to the author

create code fences with backticks ` or tildes ~
```
like so
```
add language identifier to highlight code
```python
def function(foo):
print(foo)
```
put returns between paragraphs
for linebreak add 2 spaces at end
_italic_ or **bold**
indent code by 4 spaces
backtick escapes `like _so_`
quote by placing > at start of line
to make links (use https whenever possible)
<https://example.com>
[example](https://example.com)
<a href="https://example.com">example</a>

formatting help »
answering help »