The first advocacy group for the rights of adult Web users has formed, Internetlobby.org. The organizers announced the group Monday.
They say their sole purpose "is to monitor and fight for the legislative, regulatory, and political interests, needs, and concerns of tens of millions of adult Internet users in the United States," according to PRNewswire.
They'll track and speak on a wide range of matters affecting Web users including e-commerce, credit card fraud, privacy rights, children's access to Web porn, spam, and taces. They will also research and publicize ratings on Congressional votes related to those matters.
"(We'll) serve as the political eyes, ears and voice of adult Web surfers and online consumers throughout the country," says the group's president, Edward Segal, a former Congressional staffer who also worked on the presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. "The tens of millions of people who depend on the Internet for communication, information, business, goods or services now have their own watchdog organization. We will keep our members informed on how they will be impacted by Internet-related proposals, which ones we think they need to worry about, and recommend when and how to make their opposition or support known to politicians and other decision makers for maximum impact."
Those who join before Jan. 1 will pay $9.95 in annual dues; after Jan. 1, dues become $19.95 per year. You can pay by credit card on Internetlobby.org's Web site, www.internetlobby.org.
The group's Web site includes pages marked Behind the Scenes (about the group's founders), Who We Are (an overview of activities), Speak Up (how to express support or opposition to Net-related proposals), News Room (press releases), and Internet Watchdog, among others. The latter will keep track of Internet-related political and economic developments, in general and contiguous to adult issues.
Members will get e-mail updates on key issues and policies under Washington's microscope and at state and local levels, as well as sponsoring public opinion polls.
