Rock the Net

The Best Curated Panel Ever?

OK, we know it's been a while since we've talked about net neutrality. But we figured you could use a break. Not that it's not still relevant -- actually, the reason we've blogged about the issue so much in the past is because net neutrality -- the principle that protects the open internet -- is crucial to artists and fans. Today's musicians depend on the web to reach potential audiences without the interference of gatekeepers, toll collectors and middlemen -- which could change if net neutrality goes away. read more

Caught in the Web

For those of you who were there, you already know that Threads and Cred — last week’s final web.illish.us event at Silk City in Philly — was one kick-ass party. For those of you who weren’t there, here’s a brief run-down on what you missed (You can also watch the video archive from the live webcast at web.illish.us).

The jam-packed event saw local fans ready to hear a bracing mix of hip-hop, jazz rock and instrumental fusion. From the mysterious mood lighting to DJ Dirty South Joe’s between-set mix, it was obvious from the start that Threads and Cred was going to be a memorable (and musically diverse) occasion. read more

Night Moves; web.illish.us @ Silk City

By Holly Otterbein

Philadelphia City Paper

February 18, 2009

Yes, Comcast acting as a gatekeeper to the Internet is a scary prospect indeed. Despite failing to make much headway in the fight against net neutrality, though, providers like Comcast continue to spend millions of dollars each year in hopes of getting their way. So lest you think that net neutrality was a right we established in the early 2000s, realizePhiladelphia and the Future of Music Coalition are holding a Webcast series to make you think otherwise. “Yes, we’ve achieved net neutrality,” says Ti. “But now we have to go into preservation mode, otherwise someone will come in and take it away.”

Live! Tommorow! Final web.illish.us event!

Hard to believe three months have gone by and we’re now at the final web.illish.us event, which takes place tomorrow night (Wednesday, Feb. 18) at Silk City in Philadelphia.

Saving the best for last may be an understatement considering tomorrow’s jam-packed event. Appropriately titled “Threads & Cred,” this installment will focus on how net neutrality strengthens creative culture by facilitating innovation, real-time experimentation and collaboration. “Threads & Cred" refers to dialogue threads (as well as a pun on clothing) and the credibility you need to thrive in online (or real-world) communities. read more

Musicians Organizations Back Net Neutrality

RBR

February 15, 2009

The American Federation of Musicians and the Future of Music Coalition are actively supporting the move for network neutrality ? FMC even has a campaign called Rock the Net, and both are working in conjunction with Free Press?s Internet for Everyone campaign.

A2IM's Rich Bengloff in Huffington Post

If you’ve been following FMC’s work, you’ve no doubt heard us talk about the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) — a forward-looking non-profit organization that represents a broad coalition of independent labels. read more

web.illish.us in Philly City Paper!

We’ll post a full report about "Threads and Cred" — the final installment of web.illish.us at Silk City in Philadelphia — in just a few, but for now you can check out this preview in Philly’s City Paper. The item includes quotes about net neutrality (the underlying theme of this multi-faceted series of events) from Dejha Ti of realizePhiladelphia, our web.illish.us partners.

Check the web.illish.us site for archived video of the live webcast of this and previous episodes.

The Net Effect

Today (Dec. 22, 2008), the Media & Democracy Coalition — of which FMC is a member — released a “Statement of Public Interest Groups on Proposed Broadband Principles in Upcoming Economic Stimulus Package.” That’s a mouthful, we know. Despite its tongue-twisting title, the document offers well-thought out reasons why policymakers should focus on a coherent national broadband policy that includes accountability, local approaches, metrics for access and adoption, and a committment to open network structures. read more

Dear Mr. President-Elect

Today (December 18, 2008), more than 100 groups, unions, musicians, bloggers and media and technology leaders sent a letter to President-Elect Barack Obama calling on his administration to appoint leaders who will reform the media and protect the open Internet. FMC (and members of Pearl Jam and R.E.M.) were among them.

web.illish.us: Digitalove tonight!

web.illish.us — the multifaceted event series to support net neutrality — continues tonight with Episode II: Digitalove. web.illish.us is a partnership between realizePhiladelphia and FMC, with proceeds going to our Rock the Net campaign for net neutrality. The events take place at Silk City in Philadelphia on the third Wednesday of the month through February 18, 2009. read more