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Network neutrality is back in the news. Google and Verizon have put together some kind of “policy framework.” I don’t really have any problem with the framework. In fact, I think it captures the current status quo and later versions of these kinds of frameworks will look much worse for the average consumer.

[Aside: I recall how the DMCA looked like the devils work when it was being drafted, but in retrospect that law looks like a smart compromise compared to what certain content producers are clamoring for now. Better to pass some kind of network neutrality compromise soon because in ten years deals that pass muster with special interests will look much worse for you and I. It's sort of sad that the key to dealing with special interests is for forward thinking politicians and policy experts to get legislation out the door before special interests can even figure out what they want.]

More generally, I feel like we are all just sort of tiredly waiting for the inevitable. The established rhythms of 21st century capitalism may objectively advance the state of the art, but I think we all know how oligopolies leave behind frustrated consumers as they pursue various kinds of short sighted strategies in the absence of any real competition amid conditions of regulatory capture.

We are transitioning from a virtuous cycle where engineering innovation drives profits to depressing spiral where profits are derived from business school tricks like market segmentation and cost cutting. It was fun while it lasted.

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