Original Post by Alan Davidson, Google director of public policy and Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy, and communications

A joint policy proposal for an open Internet

Monday, August 9, 2010 at 1:38 PM ET

The original architects of the Internet got the big things right. By making the network open, they enabled the greatest exchange of ideas in history. By making the Internet scalable, they enabled explosive innovation in the infrastructure.

It is imperative that we find ways to protect the future openness of the Internet and encourage the rapid deployment of broadband. Verizon and Google are pleased to discuss the principled compromise our companies have developed over the last year concerning the thorny issue of “network neutrality.”

In October, our two companies issued a shared statement of principles on network neutrality. A few months later we submitted a joint filing to the FCC, and in an April joint op-ed our CEOs discussed their common interest in an open Internet. Since that time, we have listened to all sides of the debate, engaged in good faith with policy makers in multiple venues, and challenged each other to craft a balanced policy framework. We have been guided by the two main goals:

1. Users should choose what content, applications, or devices they use, since openness has been central to the explosive innovation that has made the Internet a transformative medium.

2. America must continue to encourage both investment and innovation to support the underlying broadband infrastructure; it is imperative for our global competitiveness.

Today our CEOs will announce a proposal that we hope will make a constructive contribution to the dialogue. Our joint proposal takes the form of a suggested legislative framework for consideration by lawmakers, and is laid out here. Below we discuss the seven key elements:

First, both companies have long been proponents of the FCC’s current wireline broadband openness principles, which ensure that consumers have access to all legal content on the Internet, and can use what applications, services, and devices they choose. The enforceability of those principles was called into serious question by the recent Comcast court decision. Our proposal would now make those principles fully enforceable at the FCC.

Second, we agree that in addition to these existing principles there should be a new, enforceable prohibition against discriminatory practices. This means that for the first time, wireline broadband providers would not be able to discriminate against or prioritize lawful Internet content, applications or services in a way that causes harm to users or competition.

Importantly, this new nondiscrimination principle includes a presumption against prioritization of Internet traffic – including paid prioritization. So, in addition to not blocking or degrading of Internet content and applications, wireline broadband providers also could not favor particular Internet traffic over other traffic.

Third, it’s important that the consumer be fully informed about their Internet experiences. Our proposal would create enforceable transparency rules, for both wireline and wireless services. Broadband providers would be required to give consumers clear, understandable information about the services they offer and their capabilities. Broadband providers would also provide to application and content providers information about network management practices and any other information they need to ensure that they can reach consumers.

Fourth, because of the confusion about the FCC’s authority following the Comcast court decision, our proposal spells out the FCC’s role and authority in the broadband space. In addition to creating enforceable consumer protection and nondiscrimination standards that go beyond the FCC’s preexisting consumer safeguards, the proposal also provides for a new enforcement mechanism for the FCC to use. Specifically, the FCC would enforce these openness policies on a case-by-case basis, using a complaint-driven process. The FCC could move swiftly to stop a practice that violates these safeguards, and it could impose a penalty of up to $2 million on bad actors.

Fifth, we want the broadband infrastructure to be a platform for innovation. Therefore, our proposal would allow broadband providers to offer additional, differentiated online services, in addition to the Internet access and video services (such as Verizon’s FIOS TV) offered today. This means that broadband providers can work with other players to develop new services. It is too soon to predict how these new services will develop, but examples might include health care monitoring, the smart grid, advanced educational services, or new entertainment and gaming options. Our proposal also includes safeguards to ensure that such online services must be distinguishable from traditional broadband Internet access services and are not designed to circumvent the rules. The FCC would also monitor the development of these services to make sure they don’t interfere with the continued development of Internet access services.

Sixth, we both recognize that wireless broadband is different from the traditional wireline world, in part because the mobile marketplace is more competitive and changing rapidly. In recognition of the still-nascent nature of the wireless broadband marketplace, under this proposal we would not now apply most of the wireline principles to wireless, except for the transparency requirement. In addition, the Government Accountability Office would be required to report to Congress annually on developments in the wireless broadband marketplace, and whether or not current policies are working to protect consumers.

Seventh, and finally, we strongly believe that it is in the national interest for all Americans to have broadband access to the Internet. Therefore, we support reform of the Federal Universal Service Fund, so that it is focused on deploying broadband in areas where it is not now available.

We believe this policy framework properly empowers consumers and gives the FCC a role carefully tailored for the new world of broadband, while also allowing broadband providers the flexibility to manage their networks and provide new types of online services.

Ultimately, we think this proposal provides the certainty that allows both web startups to bring their novel ideas to users, and broadband providers to invest in their networks.

Crafting a compromise proposal has not been an easy process, and we have certainly had our differences along the way. But what has kept us moving forward is our mutual interest in a healthy and growing Internet that can continue to be a laboratory for innovation. As policy makers continue to formulate the rules of the road, we hope that other stakeholders will join with us in providing constructive ideas for an open Internet policy that puts consumers in charge and enhances America’s leadership in the broadband world. We stand ready to work with the Congress, the FCC and all interested parties to do just that.

Users seek reassurance. In the humblest of ways, they want to check that ours is a real company. That real people are on the other end of that website—with a real address—that can really provide the service that they want. Users want to know that our organization’s values and priorities match theirs. Subconsciously, they’re asking:

• Who are you?
• Where are you?
• What do you do?
• How are you doing it?
• When did you start?

A good About page answers these questions directly by providing contact information (including a physical address), displaying photos of real people, and explaining what the organization is currently doing. About pages help users put our heretofore anonymous organization into perspective.

Examples

Speaking of perspective, here are some examples I’ve collected of About pages in the wild:

1. In Dog We Trust

   The UK animal charity Dogs Trust answers the visitor’s questions well:

   Dogs Trust About page

   The organization’s name and logo are already powerful clues, but the page spells out what they are: dog welfare charity. It says this twice. Then the well-written mission statement covers their aims and values, and the bullet points give specific details of what they are doing. These include links for anyone who wants additional information.

   Finally, the last paragraph has a clear call–to–action: make a donation today.

2. Joel on Fog Creek

   Joel Spolsky is a software legend and his Fog Creek Software company looks like a place where top-gun programmers live the dream:

   About Fog Creek Software

   “What if the programmers were treated like rock stars? …Free lunch for everyone…huge monitors…designer chairs…

   The language here is clever. Even managers (like the Pointy Haired Boss in the Dilbert cartoons) see themselves as the good guys in this battle between technical excellence and corporate bureaucracy.

3. Kingswood Skis

   People love stories; if you really did make your first–ever hovercraft on the kitchen table out of your dad’s lawn mower then why not tell the world about it?

   Here is a great example from Kingswood Skis:

   Kingswood Skis speaks from the heart

   Although it doesn’t say “made with my bare hands,” it’s nearly there:

   “The first press was made from two pieces of rolled steel sandwiched together with car jacks.”

   Notice how the Kingswood page answers the 5 Ws. Heroic stories aren’t just for small companies. Another example comes from UK fashion giant Johnnie Boden:

   After five burglaries, one office dog, nine Christmas quizzes, twelve nights spent in the warehouse…

The missing About

Missing about page

Some companies go without—notably, apple.com. But we can all guess what “About Apple” would say. Rather than spoil it, they leave it to our imagination. Their first navigation link is to their store where we can get on and buy something.

Looking through the alphabet of ecommerce sites from Amazon to Zappos very few have an about us page. They all lead with their product categories.

The thought process for these players is:

1. What is good about our company?
2. Let’s put #1 everywhere instead of having an About Us page.

Kingswood Skis has an About page, but none of the bigger international ski brands do. They don’t sell direct to the public and they want to push their products – not themselves.

The faulty About

Corporate babble

This page has combed its hair and polished its shoes but has nothing to say. It’s a corporate version of Lorem Ipsum text. Tweak just 6 words and it could fit any organization on the planet.

Some facts would rescue this page:

• How many tech staff?
• How many data centers?
• Were they first to do anything?

You know that any page is going wrong when it has more superlatives (“best,” “exceptional,” “innovative”) than facts.

This page is an extreme version of what you find on most small business websites. Pay attention at the back: you could be doing one of these tomorrow.

About face

Ready to face there world? Here are some tips to get you going:

About checklist

• Answer the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, how).
• Remember who you are writing for. You’re befriending one customer at a time, not humanity in general.
• Fight apathy. About pages need to reassure visitors and give them a reason to get on with it.

Blenkinsop Partners always checks the recent tax returns of new clients. In 2009 we got an average tax refund of £ 1,134 for new clients.

We open late every Thursday for new clients. Call 01234 567 890 and make an appointment.

More examples

Know of an outrageous About page? Or perhaps you’ve recently updated your own? Post a link in the comments! And no bad ones, please; they really are everywhere. Tell us what makes your example unique.

Original Post by John Hyde on Uxbooth – View original

Bokeh photography works especially well in low light conditions with street or city lights in the background.

The following images are some of the best examples of Bokeh photography that I have been able to find, as with the post on Macro Photography these images make beautiful and inspiring desktop backgrounds or wallpapers.

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The following 30 images are some of the best Macro Photography shots to be found on the web, and make excellent wallpapers, screensavers and desktop backgrounds – I’m currently using the shattering pencil, which is your favourite?

Joni Niemelä

rdd

CathS

hilde van hove

Chaval Brasil

jimmy hoffman

Madjid Momeni Moghaddam

Christophe Kiciak

Frank Steinmann

Mojtaba Jahani

Magdalena Wasiczek

Marief

El Filósofo

Dimitar Lazarov

Fabien BRAVIN

CathS

Hubert Kosmowski

Fabien BRAVIN

Niels Christian Wulff

tothzsu

Erez Marom

Heidi Westum

Tammy Bergström

Tammy Bergström

Israel Fichman

IDimitar Lazarov

Piotr Haskiewicz

Trui Alink

jimmy hoffman

goks

Brief :: Contraband Media required a website on high speed hosting to promote their audio imaging brand to a global audience.

The website features an integrated mp3 player to stream music online. The visually striking design of the audio samples gallery ensures the Contraband Media website is instantly recognisable to any return user.

Specification:

• CMS – simple to use interface, easy to upload new audio samples and clients.
• Google Analytics integration – Allows tracking of website visitors.

Brief :: Bournemouth-based DJ, Vic Light, required a website to host music mixes for online streaming, along with podcasting facilities and an events calendar.

Viclight.co.uk needed high visual impact with high speed hosting to allow for rapid streaming of online music. The website is able to auto-generate itunes ready podcasts on-demand.

A built in events calendar allows DJ V-i-C to stay in contact with fans, resulting is hassle-free promotion of upcoming events and radio shows. The news blog generates a RSS feed and automatically notifies Google, Yahoo and Bing of site updates.

Specification:

• CMS – simple to use interface, easy to upload new mixes, events and news items.
• Google Analytics integration – Allows tracking of website visitors.

Brief :: Southampton Swim School required a website to increase their class bookings. The focus of the site was primarily parent and child swimming lessons. We were asked to design a logo and site that appealed both to parents, and to children.

Due to the amount of businesses operating in the local sector, the Southampton Swim School website had to stand out. The rapid page load time was key to retaining users, while the child friendly logo and graphic design appealed to parents and children alike.

With changing lesson prices and choices, the website CMS allows for simple changes to be made easily and quickly. The backbone of the website has been made future-proof with built-in support for a shopping cart and online booking should they be required at a later date.

Specification:

• Content Management System -  easily change current and upload new services and news articles. CMS provides the basis for optional expansion to online booking and e-commerce solution.
• Google Analytics and Conversion tracking integration – Allows tracking of website visitors and optimisation of Google Adword campaigns.

The website showcases the various services available through Appetite Gourmet Cuisine, and also displays a selection of sample menus.

A news and testimonials section is easily updated without assistance, allowing Appetite staff to maintain contact with past and present customers.

Specification:

• Content Management System.
• Google Analytics and Conversion tracking integration – Allows tracking of website visitors and optimisation of Google Adword campaigns.

The website showcases the full selection of available wines by D’Oliveira. Clean and concise menu structure helps with site navigation and helps maintain a low bounce rate.

An online map shows stockist locations and gives directs from any UK postcode.

Specification:

• Content Management System -  easily change current and upload new products.
• Google Analytics and Conversion tracking integration – Allows tracking of website visitors and optimisation of Google Adword campaigns.

Brief :: Airtime Sports needed an online shop to cement their position as one of the South Coast’s top kitesurfing shops.

The client requirements were for a fast loading website, which fitted the unique look of the Airtime shop in Lee-on-the-Solent.

To stimulate rapid online growth it was essential that products were listed on Google Product Search.

Specification:

• Ecommerce CMS allowing Airtime staff to easily change current and upload new products.
• Google Analytics and Conversion tracking integration – Allows tracking of website visitors and optimisation of Google Adword campaigns.
• WordPress Blog – the world’s most popular blogging platform has been built into the Airtime site, allowing staff to maintain a regular news feed.
• Ongoing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) keeps Airtime performing well in Google and other major search engine rankings.