[MLB-WIRELESS] Government Internet Filter - What do you think?

[mw at freenet.net.au]

G'day,

> [AFAICT you replied off-list, so I'm doing the same]

Oh, did I?  I meant it to go back to the list, I assume that's ok by you!
:-}

> > Conroy just how important this is to the average aussie.
> 
> I think the fancy word for it is "mandate" :)

I suppose that since they announced the policy prior to the election, then
they will try to pretend that they have a mandate to do it, but everyone
will know that it is just that: a pretense.  The facts plainly show
otherwise.

> Based on my reading, keeping in mind that most tech journalists aren't
> very good at journalism, this was $85M in one year to develop the
> software (wtf), and an additional $22M for advertising ("for raising
> awareness")

Outrageous, but hardly unusual :-(

> I don't think I should have to subsidize a filter, even for someone who
> actually wants it.  They should have to pay for it.  I'm okay with the
> idea of people paying for things they want.

Mmm - although I agree with the general sentiment, I also recognise that we
often have to subsidise stuff that we personally think is wasteful if we
expect to see stuff subsidised that others may think is wasteful.  Like it
would be noce to put govt funds toward setting up some public access wifi
for example ;-)

Cheers!

Mike.