Dear AOL:

There is an interesting controversy brewing over AOL's plan to charge for email. This article has a tiny bit of background but you can find a few more sources about it through some simple news searches. In fact, a coalition of various groups on both sides of the aisle have is attempting to oppose AOL's plan.

There is something to be said for the owners and developers of certain technology protecting their investment. However, theses large organizations may slowly but steadily rein in the less desirable elements leaving the "internet" a much less interesting and useful entity. When the television first appeared, many thought it would become the great equalizer because of its interactive capabilities. People could see each other and interact with them through the television. That may have been the idea and could have been the reality many years ago. Since then TV has become a portal through which large organizations advertise. While there are many programs that are interesting and no doubt beneficial on many different levels, those benefits are almost exclusively peripheral to its purpose. That purpose is to fragment the viewership into the smallest demographic in order to optimize the advertising. That point may be debatable but to test my theory, turn on the local news at 4:00 pm on a Saturday. You will notice most commercials feature retirement living, 911 bracelets to call the ambulance, and Chia Pets.

If nothing else, the coalition against AOL is participating in an unusual form of consumer revolt. It will be interesting to observe events unfolding and its result. Enjoy!