We blog, Weblog, Why blog?
Ok, this is my initial post, and I have a confession to make that is as important as it is rare for a DC telecom policy professional: I'm not the smartest guy in DC, and I'm not the most connected DC "insider" (if I can even be called an "insider" at all). And, in those rare situations where I happen to really know a lot about a subject--or have an "insider's" view, I won't be writing about it on this blog, because someone is paying good money for that information, or analysis, and it wouldn't be fair to just give it away.
So why should you read? If you're an advocate, I can help make you better. Every once in a while, I'll give out some "tricks of the trade" (although, most of them can be reduced to not being stupid, rude or lazy). If you're a policymaker, I can help you see some perspectives that you might not hear from the lobbyists who come by your offices. And, if you're just someone with an avid interest in telecom policy, you should really get another hobby. Just kidding, sort of, but you'll get a different point of view on this blog than you'll probably get from other sources.
So, I've established that I'm not the smartest or most "connected" guy in DC, but I've also told you that I'm not stupid, rude, or lazy (at least I try not to be). I also have a point of view, and techniques of analysis, that is kind of unique. My perspective is pragmatic. In the policy arena, I've represented, or advised, both CLECs and ILECs. I understand telecom from a business point of view; I've worked closely with the operating people from all my clients. Likewise, I've worked closely with venture investors in new enterprises. Finally, at both COMPTEL and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, I had the chance to talk to a lot of enterprise and carrier customers.
So, I feel like my "sweet spot" is in applying my knowledge of the business, competition law, and economics - along with a little "street" political science - to provide a voice that is too often lost in the sloganeering that characterizes most Washington policy debates. Finally, if I do have a "dog in the fight" (an interest in the outcome), I'll make a point of telling you and you can make up your own mind as to whether I've presented the issue fairly.
Please comment, if you want. You can be as nasty as you want to be,
and I'll be as patient as I can be. Hopefully, together we can learn
from each other. Having a blog doesn't give me a monopoly on the right
answers, so I really need your feedback. Thanks for reading this far.
-- Jonathan
Leave a comment