Update on FCC and Closed Captioning

Edited to add: I just saw an easier way to comment on Jamie Berke’s Outspoken blog. http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

FCC Consumer Facts - How to Comment

The FCC just e-mailed me a pdf file explaining how to make comments on a topic. To view it, click above on FCC Comsumer Facts - How to Comment.

This is very helpful, because making comments is different than filing a complaint. So regarding the closed captioning situation, it is more appropriate for us to file comments, not complaints.

In my opinion, the easiest way to file comments is via e-mail. The instructions and sample can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/email.html

If you don’t want to view the pdf file, see below for the instructions and sample on how to file a comment via e-mail.

Instructions:

Obtain a copy of the ASCII Electronic Transmittal Form (FORM-ET) HERE, or request a copy by sending an email with the following words in the subject line or body of the message: get form <your email address>. Example: get form jsmith@domain.com Email the above message to ecfs@fcc.gov.

Complete FORM-ET using Notepad or another ASCII text editor. Because Email filings are automatically processed, they must include specific ECFS Document Index Terms, and must be computer readable. To this end, FORM-ET includes SGML tags (similar to HTML tags). Fill in each line of the form by entering your specific information after each <TAG>. Do not remove or modify any of the tags. Type the body of your comment after the <TEXT> tag.

Save your completed FORM-ET as an ASCII text formatted file.

Copy the ASCII text into the body of a new email message.

Email the form to ecfs@fcc.gov. Please do not submit an attachment or reply to ECFS messages.

Sample:

ECFS - Email Filing
<PROCEEDING> 00-221
<DATE> 6/12/01
<NAME> John P. Doe
<ADDRESS1> 123 Kennedy Drive
<ADDRESS2>
<CITY> Newark
<STATE> NJ
<ZIP> 07103
<LAW-FIRM>
<ATTORNEY>
<FILE-NUMBER>
<DOCUMENT-TYPE> RC
<PHONE-NUMBER> 973-555-7893
<DESCRIPTION>
<CONTACT-EMAIL> jdoe@commercial.com
<TEXT> Dear FCC,
I don’t want to pay more for my phone. Please remove the surcharge and let competition rule. Thanks.
John