It's that time of the year again. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is seeking nominations for its prestigious Pioneer Awards for 2006. Last year, the award went to Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder Mitch Kapor - a decision vigorously defended by another Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder, John Perry Barlow.
Who'll win this year?
Well, two stand-out candidates must consider themselves at least hopeful. The EFF has three co-founders, and only one has so far received a Founder's Pioneer Award. This is an anomalous situation, but happily, there's a chance you can help correct this injustice, because nominations are open to the public.
So for 2006 we urge you to nominate the two EFF co-founders who've yet to be recognized by the EFF: John Perry Barlow and John Gilmore.
The EFF simply needs 1) the name of your nominee - which should be "Gilmore" or "Barlow"; 2) your phone number, email address or website; and 3) a reason for nominating the individual, which should read "He co-founded the EFF, stoopid"
We've made it really easy. Just click here.
And according to the EFF's own newsletter, dated 27 January, you have until the 1 February 2006 to nominate your favorite co-founder.
Er, no - wait!
That's just another EFF cock-up. You actually have until next Wednesday, March 1, to make your nomination - according to this page.
Get to it - and see justice is done.
You can read Barlow's moving tribute to 2006 Founder's Award recipient Kapor here - it's the one where Kapor falls out of a Wyoming sky to share prana. ®
Bootnote: Seriously, we do hope this goes to someone no one's ever heard of before. But "digital rights" awards are like a game of musical chairs where no chairs are ever removed, and when the music stops, everyone picks up an award. All shall have prizes...