This article on NYTimes.com raised my eyebrows, as the ISPs (remember the term - Internet Service Provider) set price tiers based on Internet bandwidth consumption. My initial reaction is indignation, after all, what is the $100/month high speed cable access for? The industry started pricing for connection speed and now are they planning to add additional charges on top of that? And it can’t be good for online video – it’s adoption and growth as a unique media format.

But perhaps it helps distinguish web video from the mass media, providing a competitive differentiation. We have the largest TV and movie producers distributing content and expanding their revenue sources on the backs of the Internet revolution. There is no doubt that watching full screen video online has enhanced the interactive experience, but if someone wants to watch a 2 hour movie, maybe they ought to get back on the couch. Perhaps the medium is better served by short-form, episodic video content with more opportunities for interaction – as long as it still plays in real-time.

I could argue either way, and of course prefer full speed, unlimited usage for free, but somebody has to pay for something.