Writing Assignment #1

Due in class on Hallowe'en.
Please e-mail me a document file and/or give me the printed document in class.
Adobe PDF format is preferred, but Microsoft Word is OK. If you can't generate either of those formats, please just print it out for me.

This is the first of two two-page writing assignments. Your assignment is to argue your position on the network neutrality debate. Use the following questions as a starting point for your piece.

Should there be limits on an ISP's freedom to delay or block traffic passing through its networks, based on their origin, destination, or content (assuming the content is legal)? If yes, can you define those limits and/or the principles underlying them?
Should any such limits be legally enforced? Does the government have a legitimate interest in guiding or constraining market behavior in the Internet service industry? If so, is new legislation the right vehicle to achieve these goals?
What negative outcomes could result if government fails to act on this issue?
What negative outcomes could result if government acts unwisely on this issue?

Here are some guidelines to consider:

I am envisioning two standard pages of single-spaced text in (say) 11-pt font. You have a lot to say in two pages. Be precise. Don't waste any words.
There are no "right" answers. I just want you to say what you mean, mean what you say, and defend/substantiate a point of view crisply, concretely, and persuasively.
If you are not yet familiar with The Elements of Style, find yourself a copy and get to know it. I will be happy to lend you a copy.
Write in the active voice; use passive voice only if you want to obscure the subject. You will probably make some mistakes, but please don't make that one.
You may wish to research the topic further. There is a good deal of history that we did not discuss in class. In addition to the modern wonder of wikipedia, Duke has many resources available to you, including the Writing Studio. It is crucial that you maintain high standards of citation and avoid any whiff of plagiarism.
Write like an expert. Use their vocabulary if and when it helps you to write more concisely.
Take note of these writing commandments. Some of the later material applies to conference papers in computer systems, but the commandments apply to all writing.