Wikipedia blackout on January 18

Sorry, Bob. I wasn't clear. I don't disagree with you. I think the laws are probably overbroad and violate the First Amendment.

I was speaking about people's general posts about piracy and the ethics of it.

 

Nowadays, pirating music is a bit silly. Too many free, legal options such as Spotify, MOG, and Rdio.

I just don't understand why this is such a big enough issue that the government needs to step in. SOPA won't stop those committed to piracy. I haven't seen The Pirate Bay disappear and it's been out in the open for several years.

I also believe copyright infringement goes far beyond media. It's a problem in the sewing industry with patterns being copied, but I haven't heard of a Sewing Protection Act being pushed by lawmakers.

 

lawontherow.com/2011/02/14/congress-proposes-copyright-protection-for-fashion-design/

 

PWNED!

 

I remember there was a crackdown several years ago over those who made tissue covers with sports logos.

BTW, has anyone received a copyright infringement notice from their ISP?

 

Yes. Just a generic form letter warning me they'd received a complaint, but enough to spook me into going cold turkey.

 

Wikipedia editors question blackout

http://www.npr.org/2012/01/18/145382877/wikipedia-editors-question-sites-24-hour-blackout

 

This is what an Internet blackout looks like: http://gizmodo.com/5877122/this-is-what-an-internet-protest-looks-like/gallery/1

(Hurry. The link I attached may be censored soon enough.)

 

I thought the blackout would be, um, blacker. That John Denver's full of shit, man.

 

That's what Twitter is for.

 

Grooveshark isn't exactly blacking out today, but it is presenting a gateway with a plea to write your Congressman.

 

Does writing your Congressman actually get anything done?