Network Nazis

Recently, my work network has been going through some changes.  In efforts to free up some much needed bandwidth, they have blocked popular video sharing web sites such as YouTube and Google Video.  I absolutely agree with blocking these sites, since you would have a tough time rationalizing using those sites at work.  However, in their efforts to free up bandwidth, the network folks have seemingly locked down every other site known to man.  Or maybe its just the web sites I like.  Actually, its a bit hit and miss on what sites are blocked.  They rarely provide an explanation for the block, just a blank white screen.  While there are sites that are blocked for obvious reasons, there are even more questionable sites that are not blocked.  I think its the inconsistency that troubles me most.  Just today I attempted to create an RSS feed on a web site that does not have an RSS feed.  They referenced two web sites that provide such a service.  One was blocked while the other was not.  Go figure. 

I am all for blocking web sites in an effort to free up bandwidth, but gratuitous, arbitrary blocking seems wrong.  I believe that one should be judged by their work output, not what they do during their downtime.  If an employee meets their deadlines and gets positive reviews from management, then what does it matter if said employee reads a humor web site during down time.  If they want to prevent non-work related Internet activity, then why not take the next step?  Why not prevent conversations around the water cooler?  Why not block phone calls? 

I expect some backlash from this oppression.