[RD (OP)]

for a day ...

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/why-i-want-to-bring-down-the-internet--for-a-day-6290703.html

[CliffordK]

I must admit that I find Wikipedia to be an excellent resource.
And, a day without Wikipedia will be like a day without the internet.

I do believe that people need to be aware of the potential ramifications of censorship.  Do we want to follow China?

However, I also realize how ineffective the current whack-a-mole approach is to the online redistribution of copyrighted material.  Somehow there has to be a fine line between the two.

[CliffordK]

Odd...
Wikipedia is fine.
One must just be quick with the escape key 

[imatfaal]

Odd...
Wikipedia is fine.
One must just be quick with the escape key 

well spotted

[SeanB]

Noscript.................

The USA again thinking it is the only one that counts in the blue marble. Or, rather, the money given to those who are nominally in power.

[Geezer]

Personally, I think it's a big mistake for Wiki to do this. As Sean points out, it's incredibly insular, and Wiki should keep itself out of politics.

Does Jimmy Wales fancy himself as Bono or something?

[SeanB]

Will work for WP in bringing the issue to a large audience, and as well demonstrating how ineffective the acts are. Rather like a flag maker wanting that old rule of a flag waver in front of cars so he can sell red flags.

[CliffordK]

I think they have made a point.  Whether they need to only make it to Americans, or include the British and Australians would be a matter of debate.  But, censorship might be considered a global problem. 

And, of course, if Wikipedia was taken down in the USA, it could take it down globally.  Certainly there could be issues with the aspects that are created by American authorship.

There are large "Free" information distribution organizations that compete with commercial organizations.  So, perhaps the differences must be clarified with any legislation.  Wikipedia is careful about public domain, sourced, and "fair use licensing".

However, they certainly make businesses like Encyclopedia Britannica much less profitable. 

Likewise, Craigslist is all proprietary, but they take a bite out of newspaper classified advertizing.

This can also serve as a reminder how closely tied we are to a few global institutions.  Google, of course, has competitors, but Wikipedia really is standing on its own at this time.  And, of course, there is the Microsoft Monopoly (which is why I don't use Microsoft Software).

[Donnah]

Wikipedia fascinates me.  It is cohesive knowledge and a fine example of people working together. 

In my opinion Mr. Wales is an intelligent and aware man; worth listening to.  I believe his actions are an effort to jolt us awake regarding the dangers of such censorship.

I do understand the concerns of businesses losing revenue to piracy.  Although it may sound naively utopian, we can resolve both issues by voluntarily ceasing piracy.  People do deserve to get paid for the work they put into producing music, videos, software, etc., and if you think they charge too much for the product, tell them. 

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether an offering is legitimate or pirated.  Is there some way we can know?   

[Geezer]

But where will Wales stop? Will he shut down Wikipedia again to "Save the Whales"?

[imatfaal]

But where will Wales stop? Will he shut down Wikipedia again to "Save the Whales"?

But where will Wales stop? At the Estuary of the Severn in the South and that of the Dee in the North. 

Sorry.

Personally I think SOPA is such an over-reaction and is incredibly Draconian - any legislation in which the music/film publishers (a group not known for their soft touch) can apply for a website in York or New York, Orleans or New Orleans to be cut off from virtually all streams of internet revenue in an ex parte (ie only one party is present in court) hearing is very dodgy. 

Chris and the other admins should take note of the potential dangers and - in my opinion only - lobby through Cambridge to the powers that be in the USA.  We have googleads (they will be forced to stop dealing with any website which has a court order given against it) - the books are sold through Amazon (ditto), and I don't know any of the other relationships that the admins/owners have. 

[Donnah]

It crossed my mind that they could be using the "door in the face" effect with SOPA and PIPA.  Maybe they have made the first drafts so harsh that if they back off a bit, the general public goes "whew" and lets it pass, when in fact the second or third draft were what they actually wanted in the first place.   

Either that or they want to create a need for a new insurance industry, since that arena makes billions.

Reminds me of magic, they put on a good show and you don't see what's really going on.

[Bored chemist]

Whether that was their original plan or not, it's safe to assume that they will not just give up.
Keep an eye open for the next attack on freedom brought to you from the government of the "land of the free".

[CliffordK]

Ahhhh.
So the House and Senate just decided that it is best not to even vote on a controversial piece of legislation in the middle of an election year. 

Perhaps the Lame Duck congress will take the issue on this fall.

[tony6789]

imagine a facebook blackout....ahhhh the chaos

[CliffordK]

I see SOPA&PIPA is back in the news. 

SOPA/PIPA opponents are accusing politicians of taking bribes from the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America).

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/investigate-chris-dodd-and-mpaa-bribery-after-he-publicly-admited-bribing-politicans-pass/DffX0YQv
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/government/chris-dodd-and-the-mpaa-bribery-or-politics-as-usual/11152

I'm not sure this is exactly bribery, but rather a sign of the festering problems of the American Political System with respect to lobbyists and political/campaign donations.  It certainly is not unique to SOPA & PIPA.