[ILUG] [OT] The IrelandOffline Blackout

[Aengus]

"Ronan Waide" <waider at waider.ie> wrote:

> I think the way forward on this, as stated previously, is
> lobbying representatives. IO can help this by providing
> contact information for representatives on a per consitituency
> basis[1], providing sample letters for people to print off,
> sign and post[2], providing local coordination for letter-
> writing campaigns, arranging meetings - as they have already
> done - between the relevant parts of the government and
> concerned parties, and promoting - as you say you are doing -
> awareness in the business community of what they're missing out
> on. The blackout is at best a temporary media-grabbing event
> with no foreseeable long-term

Media grabbing is the whole point of the blackout - despite the best
efforts and good intentions of the people behind the campaign most Irish
internet users are unaware of the campaign. If (big if) Irish dialup users
visit Irish websites, then if even 10% or 20% Irish web sites highlight
the campaign next weekend, word of the campaign will spread. IOffL already
have the background information in place for people who want to know more
after hearing about blackout, including information about contacting your
representative (though if it's not a pot-hole or a medical card, they're
not going to do much about it).

It's ironic, though, that the opposition has tabled a vote of
no-confidence in the politician with the most direct responsibility for
the whole mess, but her mis-handling of the Irish telecommunications
market isn't one of the things they're criticizing her for. That's a
missed opportunity.

Aengus