[cityhomesteader]

> This is what happens when those in control don't understand, know or care about the things they regulate.

It's very naive to think that highly intelligent people don't know or care about what they regulate. I think it is the exact opposite. They care and understand deeply.

> Pay to send companies actual traffic? Pay to be allowed to use the basic building-block of the world wide web on the world wide web?

Amazing isn't it.

> Just how is it possible to be so out of touch with how things work, and still be allowed to pass regulation?

Think about who this benefits. You are just viewing it from one side. Who stands to benefit from all this?

[AnimalMuppet]

> It's very naive to think that highly intelligent people don't know or care about what they regulate.

These may be highly intelligent people, but what they are highly skilled at is the art of obtaining and keeping political office. That does not necessarily say anything about their knowledge of the industries they regulate, or their ability to write regulations that are free from disastrous side effects.

> Think about who this benefits. You are just viewing it from one side. Who stands to benefit from all this?

Maybe you could actually say something, instead of just hinting?

[cityhomesteader]

> These may be highly intelligent people, but what they are highly skilled at is the art of obtaining and keeping political office.

Agreed. That's my point.

> That does not necessarily say anything about their knowledge of the industries they regulate, or their ability to write regulations that are free from disastrous side effects.

They had teams of people helping them understand. Do you think these experts who work for the politicians and/or the industry don't know what the side effects are? Just because the effects would be "disastrous" for you and me doesn't mean it will be disastrous for the politicians or the people who they work for.

> Maybe you could actually say something, instead of just hinting?

I thought it was obvious. And I was trying to get you to actually think.

Do you think these guys just decided one day to make changes to the rules of the internet for fun? Why do you think they are making these changes? If you can figure it out, then let me know.