Research Reflection

1. Where did you find your source?
   Google.com
2. In your search for sources, did you encounter many possible sources or just a few? Based on how many sources you found, do you think your research question is on the right track? Is it too broad? Too narrow? How might you refine it?
   I encountered a plethora of sources using Google. The topic is just right on track for fruition.
3. What did you learn from your sources? Did you learn anything that surprised you or particularly interested you?
   I learned the political weight behind the issue. Both Google and a few non-profit organizations are involved in ensuring Net Neutrality. I learned something that did surprise me, I was not expecting this much involvement from non-profits.
4. How has your understanding and/or opinion about your topic changed or expanded?
   I learned something about the opposition that resounded well within my mind. I understand how some of these big telecoms would like to push for non Net Neutrality so they do not have to pay for the infrastructure upgrades. Interesting look into the issue.
5. What new questions do you have about your topic?
   What is being currently done to ensure Net Neutrality?
6. How do you think you can incorporate these particular sources into your argument essay?
   I will be able to incorporate the definition of Net Neutrality, as well as the different, and political views regarding the issue.
7. Where do you plan to go from here? What types of other sources do you want to look for and where?
   I actually feel very learned about this subject. Maybe look for a few scientific journals for more weight.

Annotated Bibliography

McCurry, Mike. “McCurry: Upgrading the ‘creaky’ Internet.” CNN.com. Cable News Network, 20 October 2006. Web.  16 July 2010.

The article written by McCurry raises an interesting question and thesis: Is Net Neutrality a way for big business to get away from having to pay for infrastructure changes? He raises good evidence to believe this to be true. However considering the long term effect of no Net Neutrality, having to pay more taxes to upgrade infrastructure is a small price. I would like to see the evidence he proposes, and considering he is part of the industry trying to prevent Net Neutrality, I am not surprised that he would construe the evidence in such a light.

“Frequently Asked Questions.” Save the Internet.com. Free Press and The Free Press Action Fund, n.d. Web. 16 July 2010.

Interesting overview of Net Neutrality in regards to a pro point of view. Their main argument is that currently Internet users have all the power to decide content, apps, and what websites succeed and which do not. Without regulation the power would be shifted from the populous to the big companies. Ultimately stifling progress within the internet which is created by those who contribute.

“How Does Net Neutrality Affect You?” Articlesbase.com. Articlesbase.com, 10 January 2009. Web.  16 July 2010.

The article touches on what Net Neutrality is, and how it can affect those who use the internet. It brings an interesting perspective into ISP providers and how they fit into the whole grand scheme of things when it comes to Net Neutrality. The article also likens a lack of Net Neutrality with the censorship clauses of China.  Very interesting use of evidence.

“Net Neutrality.” Commoncause.org. Common Cause,  n.d.. Web. 16 July 2010.

The object of this article is to the point and clear. Politically speaking Net Neutrality is an issue that can affect both Republican and Democrats. It explains how up to this point the reason why the internet has been growing at the rate it has is because of Net Neutrality. This article creates a clear cause and effect scenario between lack of Net Neutrality and a decline in Democracy within our society.

Whitt, Rick. “What is this really about: keeping the Internet open for consumers? “ Googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com. Google, Inc. 26 April 2010. Web. 16 July 2010.

The article provides an inside look into a very transparent company: Google. Google has often gotten involved in politics to change laws and regulations for what most people believe to be good and ethical reasons. Here they are effectively, and publicly demonstrating their ability to change politics. They point out the FCC’s legal ability to impose Net Neutrality. They also hint at the fact that the FCC should probably regulate Net Neutrality as soon as possible.

Audience Analysis

1. Who is the audience (be as specific as possible)?
   Without a doubt my audience are internet users.
2. How will you capture their attention?
   By making the argument extremely relevant to them.
3. What are their current beliefs about the topic?
   I believe there is a real need for Net Neutrality in our society.
4. What are their relevant values?
   The equality of the internet and the way that a lack thereof might effect their online experience.
5. How will you convince them?
   With hard facts and cause & effect correlation.

Argument Paper Outline

Purpose

To inform

Specific Purpose

To inform the audience of the necessity to protect Net Neutrality throughout the Internet to keep equality.

Thesis

In order to preserve the equality of the internet, we must protect Net Neutrality.

Intro

Sub Point #1: What is Net Neutrality?

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet users should be able to access any web content they want, post their own content, and use any applications they choose, without restrictions or limitations imposed by their Internet service providers. (commoncause.org)

Sub Point #2: How does it affect you?

It has been raised that ISPs could be blocking content advertising their competitors and it is also a worry as to what other websites may be restricted due to the ISPs filtering. (articlesbase.com)

Net Neutrality ensures that you get the same experience throughout the Internet no matter what website you are attending

Main Point #1

Sub Point #1: Why is Net Neutrality important?

The consequences of a world without Net Neutrality would be devastating. Innovation would be stifled, competition limited, and access to information restricted. Consumer choice and the free market would be sacrificed to the interests of a few corporations.

On the Internet, consumers are in ultimate control — deciding between content, applications and services available anywhere, no matter who owns the network. There’s no middleman. But without Net Neutrality, the Internet will look more like cable TV. Network owners will decide which channels, content and applications are available; consumers will have to choose from their menu. (savetheinternet.com)

Sub Point #2: What else might it affect?

Not only is a matter of equality, it is a matter of free market, and democracy.

Main Point #2

Sub Point #1: Why might keeping the current system work?

The debate over Internet content regulations ultimately comes down to one issue: Who’ll pay for the billion-dollar upgrades required for tomorrow’s Internet? (cnn.com/2006/US/06/09/mccurry.internet/index.html)

Sub Point #2: Are these rights all ready in place?

There are other reasons to reject Internet regulations. For example, as the pro-regulation crowd refuses to acknowledge, current federal laws provide consumers and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with significant protection from online discrimination. These include laws governing anti-trust, competition and commercial interference. (cnn.com/2006/US/06/09/mccurry.internet/index.html)

Conclusion

Sub Point #1: The need is real!

The issue of Net Neutrality has real merit and is a very real issue

The FCC needs to enforce Net Neutrality to ensure that our rights as US citizens are upheld.

Sub Point #2: What can you do?

Join online support groups

Write your congressman

Write to the FCC demanding change!

Thesis Statement Peer Review

1. What patterns can you see in the thoughts of your peers about your thesis statement?
   They like how to the point the thesis is. They understand the flow of one thought to the other. Linking the importance of protecting Net Neutrality with equality within the Internet.
2. What opportunities do you see in the peer responses to your thesis statement?
   Maybe change the wording here and there, but overall I really like my thesis statement.
3. Based on the peer responses, what is lacking in your thesis statement (what additional information is needed)? How will you address that issue?
   No additional information is needed. The thesis is solid, to the point, and informative on its own.
4. Are there any problems with your thesis statement? What are they and how will you address them?
   The peer reviews point to the lack of knowledge regarding Net Neutrality. I will counter this by adding more info on Net Neutrality on my introduction paragraph.

Thesis Statement

In order to preserve the equality of the Internet, we must protect Net Neutrality

Survey Analysis

1. How do you feel the survey/interview went?
   The interview did not go well in a statistical point of view. However it was invaluable to point out the ignorance of people in regards to my topic.
   • What problems did you encounter?
     Lack thereof knowledge regarding my topic. Unfortunately the results of the survey were not very insightful because of this.
   • Do you feel you got the information you needed? If not, what didn’t you get?
     I got one very important piece of data. The general populous is not very aware of this topic. I do not feel I got the necessary data I would of liked to of acquired, one important missing piece I would of liked to of gotten from the survey is the position people might take.
   • Did you meet your goals? If not, why not?
     I did not meet all of my goals. Getting two out of six questions answered is not very insightful.
2. Where did you conduct your survey/interview?
   I along with some of the other classmates took advantage of class time.
   • How effective was the location?
     The location was effective in getting the people required to answer the questions
   • If you were to conduct this survey/interview again, would you change locations? Where would you change to? Why?
     I would not change locations. I would however reformulate my survey, maybe including a small paragraph describing what net neutrality is.
3. How engaged were your subjects?
   The class was very engaged in the surveys. They took care to answer questions in a truthful manner.
   • What could you have done to keep them more engaged?
     Nothing really.
4. How effective were your questions?
   • Did you have to reiterate or explain any of your questions? Which ones? Why do you think there were problems with these questions?
     I did not have to reiterate any of my questions. Due to the audience’s lack of knowledge regarding my topic the first four questions lacked good answers.
5. How informative were the results?
   Not very in regards to how people feel about net neutrality, but very informative in regards to general exposure to this issue
   • How did the results differ from your expectations?
     I expected more people to know what Net Neutrality was
   • How do you plan to use the results?
     I will use it to strengthen the definition of net neutrality on my paper, and use the fact that most participants agreed in the concept of an equal internet for all.