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Consumers take on big business and the State

An interesting piece in The Independent explains how the general public in the UK - read for that consumers - has used the internet to literally revolt against big business and the State.

"For decades British customers tolerated poor service with a resigned attitude and never dared to complain. No more. From high street banks to football stadia, people are exhibiting a steadfast refusal to put up with high prices or shoddy standards.

Instead, in their millions and harnessing the power of the internet, they are switching supplier, staying away, signing petitions, engaging in local democracy. In short, they are fighting back."

Are we going to see the same happen in Australia? Hopefully - and soon! Read the full piece here.

What has allowed for this new approach by consumers has been the ability to harness the power of the internet, as The Independent also reports:

"It is what in theory ought to happen - but it is good to know that it is indeed happening. In theory the development of the internet is hugely democratic. It gives all of us the access to knowledge that a decade ago would have required a research department in a multinational. But it takes a while for people to figure out how to use the new technologies and for the services distributed through those technologies to be developed. Email, broadband, Google, eBay, Youtube, Skype and other ventures are changing the balance of power between the individual on the one hand and the state and big companies on the other."

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