Fasting From Meat on Fridays During Easter?

Over lunch today a friend and I were having a discussion as to whether or not it is necessary / appropriate to fast from meat (or preform some other form of penance) on Fridays during the Easter season. I think we reached a consensus that the Fridays in the octave of Easter and the octave following Pentecost are exempt, but how about the other Fridays? And furthermore, this discussion led us to ponder whether it's appropriate to be fasting during the Easter season (not necessarily on a Friday, but fasting as one may do throughout the year for particular intentions, spiritual growth, etc. . .).

What are your thoughts?