OK... Reading Geek Night isn't about politics, but I'm guessing most of us have a big stake in the future of the internet in the UK.

The Digital Economy Bill is passing through parliament now (Some of you would have caught David Millers talk at Reading Geek last year). There are two things (well there are lots, but two will do for now) you need to know about the bill...

1. It contains some pretty scary powers - including that your ISP will be obliged by law to cut you off, based on the view of a rights-holder that your connection has been used to download copyrighted material. No proof required.
2. Its likely to get rushed through in the last weeks before the election. The bill will not be properly scrutinised and debated by MPs.

If you care about this country having a proper 'Digital Economy' (and lets face it most of our jobs depend on it) -or  if you ever use public Wifi (who's going to provide public Wifi when they could get accused of facilitating copyright theft) - or if you think the burden on ISP's will force prices up - or if you think that its wrong for the government to prop up the failing business models of a few old dinosaurs at the expense of new digital business models then please spend 10 minutes today writing to your MP.

Its very quick and easy to do - heres a link - you'll be done in no time.

Its important you use your own words... but as an example heres the one I wrote to Rob Wilson.

Dear Robert Wilson,

I am asking you to oppose the Digital Economy Bill passing through
parliament without sufficient scrutiny.

The bill contains measures to disconnect people from the internet for
alleged and un-proven copyright infringement. In the last few months I
have used the internet for... running my business (which is 100%
online); filing my Tax return; paying PAYE & NI; publicising community
events;  writing to a member of the House of Lords, writing to you,
communicating with my childrens nursery / school.... and so on. My
point is that the internet has become a vital part of my life as a
citizen, business person and parent. To allow legislation to pass that
could remove peoples rights to access the internet, with no need to
actually prove they were guilty of anything is a massive retrograde
step.

Given that many of us in your constituency are increasing conducting
our businesses online, I trust that you will do your best to ensure
that the bill receives proper consideration, is properly debated and
does not pass through 'on the nod' .

Yours sincerely,
Jim Anning

Thanks. </rant>