Invasion

And again, in case you missed it: I'm the director of digital communications for Time Warner Cable.

Take a look at the popup that's showing up on websites owned by Viacom -- any of 'em, MTV.com, VH1.com, etc. The text says, in part "Attention Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks customers, starting tonight, you will lose your favorite MTV shows on TV and online because of a dispute with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks." Here's a screen shot: http://twitpic.com/ycvx It's that phrase "and online" that's really troubling. What does Viacom mean by that? If the statement's true and not just a scare tactic, then it either means: 1) They're going to take all their video content off the Web and ruin it for everybody. 2) They're somehow going to block Time Warner Cable / Bright House/ Roadrunner subscribers only from seeing their free video content, probably by blocking a range of IP addresses. Internal conversations here at Time Warner Cable indicate that Viacom's going to do the latter: block our customers from the same full Web experience that they provide everyone else for free. What will that do for the future of online video? We're not sure, but one thing's positive: it won't be good.

Hah! I've got no influence over the refund amount -- but yeah, I work for Time Warner Cable.

I honestly don't know the answer to that -- but try BHNInsider on Twitter. He's the Brighthouse rep, and should be able to help.

Not sure if you caught this earlier in the thread, but we actually are providing a refund to our customers if Viacom pulls the plug ... Jeff Simmermon Director, Digital Communications Time Warner Cable

Hi -- I'm the director of digital communications at Time Warner Cable. And we actually will be refunding our customers for the lost channels while we wait for Viacom to come to an agreement. The amount is being worked out now, but it will automatically be credited to your bill.

Why is a press release "stuff that matters?"