Ten Internet Heroes Of 2006

With all the drama on the Internet this year, it was difficult to narrow down the villains list. But the heroes list was harder to make - mostly because there's nothing more subjective than a hero. Subjective or not (and it's not not), there are a few clear standouts, as far as we're concerned. Top Ten Internet Heroes 2006 1. Electronic Frontier Foundation For the EFF, it doesn't matter whose rights are possibly violated by someone with more money and power, they've got a friend in the digital age. Non-profit EFF has a legal staff waiting and eager to take on The Man in whatever form he takes. EFF legal teams have fought against Congress, the DOJ, AOL, AT&T, Verizon, the RIAA, you name it, all in the name of digital rights. And cheers to them for that. 3. James Kim The late CNet editor inspired all of us by taking care of his stranded family to the last. Miles and miles later, he was found dead before he could see his family home. But his effort, and the love for his family will not soon be forgotten, and his reward is in heaven. God bless you James, you did your best. 5. Apple CEO Steve Jobs Steve Jobs makes the list for no other reason than the gumption he showed this year by standing up to the record labels and denying their overpriced suggestions for song download prices. Jobs could have worked in a little extra for himself and for Apple's bottom line by raising the per-download price to $2 or $3 per song, but kept the price firm at $.99. The recording industry isn't even hiding their greed as production and distribution costs go down considerably, making it unjustifiable to raise the per-song price. Jobs' main argument was that raising the price would encourage more piracy, but we know, deep in his heart, he just couldn't gouge the people's love of music. That's what we'll say, anyway, because it sounds really good. 6. David Utter Murdok writer David Utter makes the list for his sharp-as-a-pinpoint analyses, for bringing me back to earth when need be, and for supplying the writers' room with cinnamon rolls when we really, really need them. See, a lot can be accomplished with pastries. Thanks Dave. 8. Del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit | Furl Bookmark Murdok: