As we seem to be having a trend here of being all serious and discussing the big issues plus it's blackout day for Facebook and Wikipedia tomorrow, here is a new one. So what is everyone's view on the subject?
Sopa
It's a pity we didn't have the same response to DEBill.
I don't really understand it. I read reddit.com nearly everyday, they seem to be leading the protest. But I still don't really get it and from what I understand can't really imagine it going through (I mean the bill, not the blackout).
Don't really have an opinion. 
If it's your Birthday tomorrow, then it's going to suck, as you won't be able to get the multiple Facebook greetings that your friends throw together at the last second with no wit, emotion or forethought.
Piracy is a bit of double edged sword for me as I regularly stream the latest US TV Shows I'm interested in. I'd be more then happy to sit through official advertising to help pay for the show, but the US Networks aren't normally accessible from the UK.
On the other hand, an entire online culture has emerged that literally brags about not paying for the latest movies, DVDs, music releases or video games. I would like to see action taken against these thieves, who for some reason believe that there is no such thing as copyright.
Though this new SOPA law goes way beyonds those boundries and is full of additional regulations drawn up by hysterical Congress people.
I wonder how Louis CK's experiment went? - https://buy.louisck.net/ Not directly related to SOPA, as its effects will have a greater impact. But still an interesting argument against it.
Quote: Lee @ January 17 2012, 2:41 PM GMTI wonder how Louis CK's experiment went? - https://buy.louisck.net/ Not directly related to SOPA, as its effects will have a greater impact. But still an interesting argument against it.
He made a decent pile of wedge. It was a good idea and it paid off.
I saw his last news update stating it making over a million dollars but that was back in December. I wonder what greater impact it had and who stood up and took notice?
Quote: Lee @ January 17 2012, 2:54 PM GMTI saw his last news update stating it making over a million dollars but that was back in December. I wonder what greater impact it had and who stood up and took notice?
I expect it will have some influence on the distribution model of live comedy (in America at least) just has "the Louie deal" is the thing so many comedians are demanding of their agents right now (ie complete creative control over a project they write, star in and direct).
I think SOPA is extremely over the top. A lot of innocent people will be affected by it. It's like using petrol and a match to get rid of a stain on your jeans.
Quote: Renegade Carpark @ January 17 2012, 2:35 PM GMTIf it's your Birthday tomorrow, then it's going to suck, as you won't be able to get the multiple Facebook greetings that your friends throw together at the last second with no wit, emotion or forethought.
Jeezus wept RC! Do you have no joy at all? Do you start the day with a piss in your cornflakes?!
BTW I see your feelings about facebook didn't stop you liking my bacon plane idea.
I'm not particularly well-informed about this, but my instinct is that it is a good thing. Much as there is lots to dislike about both uses and content of the internet, there must be better ways to, for want of a better word, police it. Having American Law dictate what is and isn't acceptable for something that is the closest thing to a democratic, grass-roots tool that the entire global community uses makes me extremely uncomfortable and concerned.
Quote: AJGO @ January 17 2012, 3:53 PM GMTI'm not particularly well-informed about this, but my instinct is that it is a good thing. ... Having American Law dictate what is and isn't acceptable ... makes me extremely uncomfortable and concerned.
Um, did you miss out a couple of words somewhere?!
Oh, sorry! Meant that the blackouts and drawing a widescale audience's attention to the issue is a good thing.
It's certainly going to be interesting. Kinda like when a teacher doesn't show up for class. There will be an air of excitement and the unknown.
I'm not so sure...
The internet has become a wretched hive of scum and villainy; for thieves, plagarisers and libel.
Sorry but legislation was always going to be enacted.
Perhaps each country should be responsible for sites that use their domain name and .com should be policed by an interpol type organisation. For one country to be able to exert this much power on what is essentially a free state is most unpalatable. I have zero confidence that if this law is passed it will be used wisely and for the benefit of society as a whole.