‘YouTubers’ Unite for Web-Video Contest

By John Eggerton -- Multichannel News, 7/26/2010 12:01:00 AM

Washinfgton -- The Open Internet Coalition has extended the deadline for submissions to “America’s Got ’Net,” its online network-neutrality video contest, from July 31 to Aug. 15.

At press time, only 11 submissions had been received, but coalition spokesperson Katie Barr said the group was expecting to receive more as word of the contest spread.

Online video versions of TVs’ coach potatoes (You- Tubers?) have been asked to submit YouTube videos (http://www.youtube.com/AmericasGotNet2010) explaining why they love the Internet. The coalition seeks to make the point that the Internet is at risk from big cable and phone companies who want to control access.

“Be [as] creative as you want or just plop yourself in front of a webcam and rant,” the coalition said on its website (http://www.openinternetcoalition.com/americasgotnet/). “Go nuts ... but not too nuts. Let’s keep it to under two minutes, shall we? Our super-special panel of celebrity judges doesn’t have the attention span for anything longer than that.”

CRAWFORD, NEWMARK TO JUDGE
That panel includes network-neutrality supporters Susan Crawford, a law professor and former White House technology adviser (presumably with a longer attention span in those posts); and Craigslist.org founder Craig Newmark.

Winners will be chosen in three categories: small business, “everyday users” and nonprofit/charitable submission. Big business’ love of the Web will have to remain unspoken.

Winners will get “a Washington trip to meet with their congressional delegations” and “high-profile meet and greets with Washington VIPs,” though Barr said no one at the FCC has been contacted about a grip and grin.

‘GOODIE PACKAGE’ ON OFFER
For those seeking prizes, rather than political prodding, there is also a “package of goodies” including an Amazon Kindle DX, a Google Nexus One phone and a Slingbox PRO-HD.