In Between

Alison: London

Alison spent too much time online. But then again, why shouldn't she? She learned just as much roaming the nets as she ever could within a classroom. Opening a new tab she sifted through the endless chat rooms she frequented until she found one just as she liked it. 2 visitors so far, already engaged in a fast paced conversation. Perfect.

Sally and Jacob it would appear were their names, both in their mid twenties. That was okay, even if she was only 17, Alison's writing was good enough to fake the experience points.

Sally: But you see without net neutrality it wouldn't matter if one company still wanted to play by the rules. By flooding the market with discounted censored Web providers, the vast majority of people would fall into a controlled system.

Jacob: That's not how capitalism works, it takes supply into account, but also demand. If the demand for full net access is so high, why do we need laws protecting it?

Okay, thought Alison, might as well jump in.

Alert: new user, nickname "Alison"

Alison: You see Jacob, you would only be correct if net neutrality worked on a all or nothing skill. But the truth rests simplicity. The gray area so to speak comes from the difference in what people want and what they will accept. Will you accept slow or no access to certain data intensive sites in exchange for a bill half the price? Maybe not all users will take that deal, but chances are enough will to put Internet companies and sites, like youtube and tumblr that refuse to buy into the system, out of the system.

Sally: nice job newbie

Alison: thanks

Alert: Jacob has left the room

Sally: I guess it's just us girls

Alison: yeah.

Sally: so... besides scoring hits off of Internet idiots how does one such as yourself occupy their time?

Alison: Are their other things to do with it?

Sally: Okay, I guess you got me there

Alison: what about yourself

Sally: oh you know, coding, hacking, exploring.

Alison: haha, okay, but seriously, got a life outside the computer?

Sally: nope.

Alison: fair enough. I guess I spend half my life here anyways.

Alison heard a bellow from below sneak beneath her headphones.

"Comming mum!" She called out.

Alison: Got to go, my mum's calling me. Nice talking.

In a small bedroom at the edge of London, she logged off.

Somewhere far away, Sally didn't.