Texrat

The WiMax Deal Is a Disaster: How Google Got Snookered

Point #3 is incorrect. WiMAX enabled devices, like Nokia's WiMAX version of the N810 internet tablet, are either out now or will be very shortly-- not "a long way away". So scratch the "chicken and egg" scenario.

And you may have valid reasons for pessimism, but none of the obstacles you mention are insurmountable. If past innovators let your sort of complaints get to them, we wouldn't be having this internet exchange right now.

The Music Industry’s New Extortion Scheme

I think such a fee is only fair and reasonable. A fee like this might have mitigated or even prevented the DRM/pirating nightmare that's been plaguing society for years. It doesn't have to be exorbitant, either, to be useful. It doesn't even have to be the nightmare (ie, "extortion") it's alleged it will become.

Bottom line, there's no perfect system, and artists deserve to be paid. Period. But I agree that the labels are a huge part of the problem. Implement the fee, have the funds managed by BMI/ASCAP/et al, and leave the labels out of it if possible.

Is a Music 'Tax' Paid to ISPs the Answer?

I think such a fee is only fair and reasonable. You point out yourself the precedent. A fee like this might have mitigated or even prevented the DRM/pirating nightmare that's been plaguing society for years. It doesn't have to be exorbitant, either, to be useful... so your hyperbole can be stricken. ; )