Friday, November 24, 2017

Why Bloggers & Authors should care about Net Neutrality vote

Yes, I'm going there. I'm never political. Its about the books. But yet, this impacts a community I love so, I can't stay quiet while a vote looms perilously close.

You see - Net Neutrality ending impacts us all. Each one of us. And we should not allow the big dogs in the fight to only be heard but each one of our voices should lift others in telling Congress and the FCC that eliminating Net Neutrality hurts everyone. 

What is it? Why should I care? 

If you use the internet to shop, communicate, run a small business, etc. you need to care. Because if open internet goes, that means your followers may have difficulty finding you. 


I'm going to use two examples. Not far fetched but a definite reality. 

Example One:

I currently use Blogger as the platform to support my website. I have for many years in its many configurations.  But Verizon has a vested interested in Yahoo. That means it can charge a premium surcharge to have 'fast lane' or access to any Google platform. Think on it. If you want to read my funny commentary here or on BuzzFeed and have Verzion as your provider, they could potentially charge you to continue. 

Example Two: 

There is a favorite rumor of mine. Mark Z is going to start charging you for using Facebook. Well, what if it wasn't Facebook, what if this came from your Internet Service Provider? Think of the daily interactions you have on Facebook. How can you not imagine these ISP's wanting to have a piece of that action to give you access or ask you to pay for 'fast lane' service to interact at the moment? If I was big business I'd look at all that commenting and say, "Yes, we can make money from that." 

Still think this doesn't impact you? Take a look at this graphic and think on what I am trying to express on how it may impact you.


Now, I've not touched on your Netflix habit, your child's XBox Gaming, or your partner's personal trading. All these daily activities can take a slow down if the FCC is allowed to end Net Neutrality and you don't have the budget to pay extra for an experience you have now.


The argument to leave this to Google, Microsoft and Netflix is weak. Although they are powerful corporations, it doesn't entitle them to more votes. And we, as a book community that relies heavily on social media and the internet to generate income, need to unite and let our elected officials know all traffic should be treated equally. 

If you are one who thinks "Nah, they won't do that." Think again. They have all tried...

Friend and fellow gamer posted: 

"Net neutrality: All traffic is treated equally. ISPs have already been caught before...
2005 - Comcast was denying access to p2p services without notifying customers.
2007-2009 - AT&T was having Skype and other VOIPs blocked because they didn't like there was competition for their cellphones.
2011 - MetroPCS tried to block all streaming except youtube. (edit: they actually sued the FCC over this)
2011-2013, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon were blocking access to Google Wallet because it competed with their bullshit. edit: this one happened literally months after the trio were busted collaborating with Google to block apps from the android marketplace
2012, Verizon was demanding google block tethering apps on android because it let owners avoid their $20 tethering fee. This was despite guaranteeing they wouldn't do that as part of a winning bid on an airwaves auction. (edit: they were fined $1.25million over this)
2012, AT&T - tried to block access to FaceTime unless customers paid more money.
2013, Verizon literally stated that the only thing stopping them from favoring some content providers over other providers were the net neutrality rules in place.
The foundation of Reason's argument is that Net Neutrality is unnecessary because we've never had issues without it. I
 think this timeline shows just how crucial it really is to a free and open internet."  


What can I you do? 

Write your representatives and say, "Net Neutrality ending will hurt my business or the business of friends." 
Here is a link to democracy.io to let your voice be heard.

Not sure how to write it? Here's a great article on how to comment on Net Neutrality from Mashable.

If half of the likers of my Facebook page each wrote their representatives and said, "Net Neutrality needs to stay because there is no strong argument that eliminating it will benefit small business," that will be 250 more voices heard. 

Net Neutrality is good for all to keep the internet an even playing field. Don't leave your voice to others. Let your voice be heard.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

ON A BOOK BINGE WITH KORNER: QUEER AS FOLK EPISODE

Note: This was originally posted to BuzzFeed on November 15, 2017. It was removed from the platform. But we believe it should still live on forever.


Welcome back to our next episode with the Korner! Missed the last episode? Never fear and just click here to get caught up. We are back in the stacks of Kindle Unlimited’s HUGE library to find you authors who can fill your nights with amazing reads. It’s time to Kindle Unlimited and get some basket shopping done.  


You are NEVER stuck with just one book when you come to the Korner 


Don’t listen to Brian – Aiden if you are a fan from the UK. There is never ONE book to have at the ready.  It’s time for long holiday weekends where you want to escape all the craziness with a fabulous read. Do not fear as we have hustled up some fantastic reads in the LGBTQ genre.

Amy Jo Cousins    




Never feel like you don’t have a chance for zipper club when it comes to your college experience. Amy Jo Cousins delivers the best in LGBTQ New Adult stories without feeling you are rushed for a desperation number.

If you couldn’t get enough of Emmett US/Anthony UK flashing all his fancy moves in Babylon, then Reese from Off Campus will fill your dance card.

Shelby and Florence from TheBelle vs the BDOC will happily team up for game night if you’d pick Lindsay & Melanie US/Esther & Saira UK for your partners.

Sometimes support for who you are comes in all forms, such as Daphne US/Carla UK as a best friend just like Steph from The Girl Next Door


Daryl Banner


Not all love stories need to as serious as a yestergay. Whether you love characters who are able to laugh or need a little angst, Daryl Banner can’t bear to disappoint his readers. And don’t overlook his hetty tales.

Dependable and the glue of the group, Michael US/Craig UK deserves a HEA, then pick up Trevor from Hard for My Boss.

Looking for unhappy and slightly grumpy? Ryan from Bromosexual is a great stand in for Ted US/Jason UK.

Scoop up Dessie from Read My Lips if you love a great obsession like Justin US/Nathan UK had for Brian/Aiden. 

Kindle Alexander    



When it comes to LGBTQ stories with heart, Kindle Alexander has the genre beat. A few of their characters may feel like they are stuck in the iron closet, but the men they fall for will have them out like a nine-dollar bill.

Thane Walker of Reservations thinks he has it all under control, just like Brian US/Aiden UK, but see how his ‘Justin/Nathan’ gets him to change.

If you found yourself rooting for Doctor David US/Peter UK to win Michael/Craig’s heart, then Dr. Baby of Closet Confession is the prescribed read for you.

Drew Boyd (US) scored huge in the end zone with Emmett. If you are looking for that athletic hottie, then check out Colt Michaels from Double Full


Love is Love is Love and we've found some diversity to fill your KU checkout    



Kindle Unlimited is perfect for a NSA relationship with your favorite reads. No worries about having to cottage up just any book. We’ve got your kink handled with these discreet stories without needing to come out of the KU stacks. And feeling ridiculously romantic.

Looking for MORE out of your KU Subscription? 


Are you looking for a place where can you find KU authors and readers alike, all hoping to find amazing stories to read and series to binge?

If the answer is a resounding YES, then here is the perfect slice of KU paradise you've been looking for:

Facebook Reader Group - Korner | a Romance Reader Group
Facebook Page - KU BookReviews

Credit KU Banner: Mila Grayson URL: https://goo.gl/WR3M5e
Credit Queer As Folk Images/Gifs via Showtime Productions @ giphy.com. 
All Cover Images are to the credit and copyright for the featured author