I've read the final version of ACTA, and I'm still sorting out its implications and objectives. One thing that's quite clear about it is its level of independence from existing international bodies, e.g. the UN and the WTO. ACTA would pretty much set up its own international committee, with the countries who signed it constituting its body.
Its aim to achieve some level of independence from various existing international frameworks is curious. I wonder why ACTA is being defined in interests not covered by those frameworks or agreements, not to mention how it was also kept out of the general public's knowledge when the agreement was being drafted and modified. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this.
We've won the battle, but the war isn't over, prepare yourselves for another protest... cause 36 (or 39 depending on where you hear it) Countries are debating on ACTA...
ACTA essentially is what SOPA and PIPA were, only it's been around for 3 years or so. disguised as a trade agreement, it's aim is to censor what sites can have up.
here's a site with a petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/petitions/stopacta/signatures
Last edited by moonlight maiden at 2:44:23 AM CST on January 21, 2012.
I'm surprised how many people there are that have just learned about this issue, like, yesterday (not referring to TheO, people here are pretty well-rounded and informed). It's been going on for a year now. Then again, it's not like most of the media and corporations in favor of SOPA were going to report in widespread fashion on something that will be detrimental to their business to the public anyways, but at the same time, it doesn't hurt people to educate themselves and look up a news site once in a while.
This is not a good news... They'll just leave us the things which they wanna see. People are looking forward mostly to the talents of each and everyone and this site also proves that everyone has a potential to do it. It's unfair if SOPA/PIPA will be approved because TheO staff and other members exerted time and hard work onto this site so why will they take something off if they'll approved? No fair!!!
Yeah I kinda realized it sounded rude ^^; but after a day of having to correct people I was getting irritated. People kept asking me why the government was trying to get rid of Wikipedia which was obviously incorrect. I'm worried about like everyone else seeing as how I have more friends online than off. (That...sounded really sad for some reason...)
but I apologize, really :) I guess I was still mad.
This SOPA/PIPA is not only for anime, manga, comic, music, etc.
They are including, publications, works, information :S
Once again they are trying to control the all information and only show us what they want us to see -_-
Even Microft is agaist it.
Lets yust hope this does not get aproved
lol this will be the first time I'll actually like something from the Bieber dude then. Let the power of raging fangirls be heard- pffft.
But yeah, there's a jail sentence stated in the Bill? oAo Just how vague and far-reaching is this thing anyway if it gets people going from "welp, how do I get my downloads and episodes then -_-" to "nooo, not my favourite Youtube cover artists, you can't put them in jail >m<" and "my fanart. You'll have to get passed me first. ψ( ^ω^ )ψ".
I would hate it though if it really is that strong to kick down all the blog sites (ie. Livejournal, Dreamwidth, Wordpress etc.), theO, MT, DA, Youtube, Reddit, Wiki and all. I mean, what's the Internet for then? it would be ironic if pr0n stayed up bcos no one's issuing copyright claim for that anyway.
Not American but still, a number of these sites are and it would be damn sad for them to go down like this. :/
then everybody left for pixiv and nico nico douga //shott
Yes! Seeing this here makes me proud to be a member of this site, standing alongside its members. Politics matters.
Concerning President Obama's stance on SOPA, he has said he's against the bill. However, the House Judiciary Committee seems to have interpreted his response as not exactly killing the bill outright in the future; they see it more as their need to get the wording right to focus its aims more clearly. With a modified and more focused SOPA bill, it might have a chance. And I don't say this for no reason: President Obama originally refused to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, until some key words and phrases were clarified or removed. On Dec. 31 2011, the NDAA for 2012 became law.
Hopefully, informed public momentum grows in the coming future before the bill is revisited again, so that the citizens can rightly press their officials to decide wisely.
I can't believe I've always taken the internet for granted this much, or that everything could be taken away.
This better not pass, because I love YouTube & this site with all my heart <3
This really freaks me out. It would take away so much from us. From the entire world. I am so against SOPA and PIPA that it's not even funny. we couldnt do research online or anything. </3
Honestly I am against it but...
1. I'm not going to pay for songs, if I wanna listen to an artist they usually just upload them on their own youtube account so I'll listen to it there.
2. I'm still not going to pay for songs even if they were not on youtube because I'm a cheepo
3. Aren't torrent sites illegal yet I'm sure I could find one right now?
btw I think President Obama said he was against it.
And I will leave you with this AMAZING LINK!
Last edited by Hiko at 9:22:29 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
You know that someone truly cares when they brick you like that. -AZ
Kitteh not amused!! >m<* (I don't know how to make an angrier face than this, sorry peeps)
I am TOTALLY against SOPA and PIPA!!
I've been keeping my claws sharpened, having them in as much peak a condition as I can, ready and rarin' to slash at anyone who supports these lame-butt bills.
I feels kinda peeved and random today. Also happy because I was listening to some K-pop that I never heard before today =^^=, something I'm sure I wouldn't have the pleasure to do if they did get rid of youtube. >.>
Kind of random, but does anyone know what Bill Gates thinks about this, just wondering... >.>
Also kinda random, what does this mean for the text expressions like this -> @.@ ...do these get copyrighted as well or what because that would give a whole new definition to the word "low."
I'm not sure about the effectiveness of the campaigns. we're dealing with a country that elected George Bush twice despite unpopular demands. George Bush - the man who believed "most of our country's imports came from other countries"
FINALLY PEOPLE ARE NOTICING!! I mean, today barely anyone knows what it is. But I've known since it was made in October. You'd think something like the internet is important. But me and my friends have mentioned a lot of the people who go on theO probably don't go on anything besides more anime sites (no offense) So I guess it's understandable...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't censor the web! Pirating is going to happen no matter what you do! And bookstores don't sell my favorite manga!
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
So the government is trying to prevent piracy with these bills, right? Well they did a similar thing with alcoholic beverages called prohibition, and what did that do? It gave power to organized crime. So the way I see it, not only will SOPA/PIPA make the internet almost too inconvenient to use, but it'll just make things worse by creating a band of "super pirates". After all, just because doing something is illegal, doesn't mean that people will stop doing it. In fact it might make them try harder.
That's the way I see it. Anyone is welcome to correct me if they think I'm wrong. I don't mind saying either that this whole thing does have me a little spooked.
I heard about this when the whole problem first came up which was over a month ago I think. But I signed something back then but I will sign Mozilla's because I have not yet.
This might be a stupid comment but I make stupid comments all the time so what is the difference. So what happen to the people? I think the people should have more of a say.
Really, SOPA's a waste of time and money that could be spent on MUCH BETTER THINGS; Not to mention it's just going to make things very inconvenient.
I heard the stuff about SOPA has been postponed again, but we're REALLY going to need a lot of protest against PIPA as well if this is gonna work.
Even if SOPA/PIPA somehow manage to pass anyway, like everyone else said, the government will be getting THOUSANDS of complaints.
I'd also like to mention that this country is supposed to give people RIGHTS, and this is just going to turn us into the Western equivalent of China.
Last edited by icefoxchan at 3:39:42 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Well, technically, critical review is protected under Fair Use, so review sites are legally allowed. Fan works, not so much, but when I wrote to DC Comics a few years ago, the letter I got back said that they generally don't go after "genuine fan efforts" (or something to that effect). Just so long as you don't try to make a profit on them, you should be fine.
I really don't think this bill's going to pass, and if it does, it just goes to show how much freedom we've lost in the US. I mean, how many people are against this bill? Congress can't just pass stuff because it feels like it.
Golden Phoenix (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I signed the petition on change.org to keep them from doing this sorta thing. I love the O! It's like my online home. I'd be really depressed if it was taken down.
I just saw this on the news this morning.
Honestly enough, I see why they want to do this (to stop pirating and what not), but this IS a little crazy. I mean, "they" could just take down any site they wanted to by saying it had some type of property on it! So right, it's sooooo not cool. Wouldn't that also mean that not only theO, but sites like deviantart and even ign could be taken down too because of people drawing fan arts and posting reviews for games?!
That would also technically mean these sweet avatars we use here could be taken off too, right? No, not my Zack! TT^TT.
Wth, this is NOT alright dude.
Last edited by beloved blood at 1:53:40 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
I honestly can't see this ever going through simply because it is so stupid and, with the exception of a room full of copyright layers somewhere, everyone is already so mad about it. So I'm not really worried.
Also, while I love that Wikipedia is actively protesting this, I discovered that they forgot to black out their mobile site. I am on Wikipedia on my Android phone right now. I just found that kind of amusing.
EDIT: I just found out that XKCD is also blacked out today. Now they will have to listen.
Last edited by Rageon at 1:36:01 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Even though I am TOTALLY against SOPA... I WANT it to happen just so I can laugh my ass off as they realize what the reality of it would do to the internet, not to mention the outrage of the community would raise some hell at Washington. They're not thinking this all the way through obviously. The outcome of this would be catastrophic, but they fail to realize it. There are so many more ways to deal with piracy, but like HawaiianBabidoll said - the providers of such material would find ways around this and create new sites.
There's like a 99% chance this won't pass. The president is even against it. I'm not worried at all.
I heartly agree with your word on this. People should be able to enjoy things before decididng whether or not buy something. It's like taking fre food samples in the grocery, and lets not forget that watching free streaming videos of movies can be good in the evnt that a) the fil in question is no longer in print, or b) it's a foreign film not yet given a commercial DVD in our areas.
Also, it would suck to not be able to watch my favorite currently running T.V. series for free online in the event I was to miss an episode or so on the air.
By the way, I saw google's protest page, but I have not signed it yet because although I want my voice heard, I don't know if the petition will include residents of Canada, which is my home country.
Last edited by stararnold at 6:15:28 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
This is all a big show of the US congerss.............pity
Long tome ago they try to the same with download music, movies, tv series, etc and what happend..............the coul not stop it jejeje, we can still find web site to watch all this.
This is all about moneny and monopolize unfortunatley :(
I've heard about these bills for some time already. Though my location is not covered by the jurisdiction of these proposed bills, I'm with you in opposing these legislation for being too restrictive in one's freedom of expression.
As Google summed it up nicely, "End Piracy, Not Liberty".
I said it before and I'll say it again. These are the dumbest laws ever.
Really, what will blocking websites do? Nothing. It will only inconvenience the people who aren't doing any harm.
The illegal content they're trying to purge? It's just going to appear on brand new sites. The people they're trying to dissuade from pirating? They're just going to hack the blockades.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 02/02/12 | Reply
@moonlight maiden:
I've read the final version of ACTA, and I'm still sorting out its implications and objectives. One thing that's quite clear about it is its level of independence from existing international bodies, e.g. the UN and the WTO. ACTA would pretty much set up its own international committee, with the countries who signed it constituting its body.
Its aim to achieve some level of independence from various existing international frameworks is curious. I wonder why ACTA is being defined in interests not covered by those frameworks or agreements, not to mention how it was also kept out of the general public's knowledge when the agreement was being drafted and modified. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this.
HelloKatty
Protos Heis (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/22/12 | Reply
I was informed of ACTA through Tumblr. ACTA makes SOPA and PIPA look like childs play.
Lets all band together and defeat ACTA.
moonlight maiden
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/21/12 | Reply
We've won the battle, but the war isn't over, prepare yourselves for another protest... cause 36 (or 39 depending on where you hear it) Countries are debating on ACTA...
ACTA essentially is what SOPA and PIPA were, only it's been around for 3 years or so. disguised as a trade agreement, it's aim is to censor what sites can have up.
here's a site with a petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/petitions/stopacta/signatures
Last edited by moonlight maiden at 2:44:23 AM CST on January 21, 2012.
Morbid Dollie
Strawberry (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/20/12 | Reply
*throws confetti*
-those with the biggest hearts hurt the most
HelloKatty
Protos Heis (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/20/12 | Reply
Rejoice! SOPA and PIPA have been dropped.
corn
I'm a veggie, dawg (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/20/12 | Reply
I'm surprised how many people there are that have just learned about this issue, like, yesterday (not referring to TheO, people here are pretty well-rounded and informed). It's been going on for a year now. Then again, it's not like most of the media and corporations in favor of SOPA were going to report in widespread fashion on something that will be detrimental to their business to the public anyways, but at the same time, it doesn't hurt people to educate themselves and look up a news site once in a while.
Oh yeah, and here's some fun-loving irony of the day:http://www.vice.com/read/lamar-smith-sopa-copyright-whoops
Lamar and the rest of the ignorant politicians better watch out.
Morbid Dollie
Strawberry (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/20/12 | Reply
GIVE US INTERNET OR GIVE US DEATH
-those with the biggest hearts hurt the most
alexea arescia
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/20/12 | Reply
This is not a good news... They'll just leave us the things which they wanna see. People are looking forward mostly to the talents of each and everyone and this site also proves that everyone has a potential to do it. It's unfair if SOPA/PIPA will be approved because TheO staff and other members exerted time and hard work onto this site so why will they take something off if they'll approved? No fair!!!
Michiyo Shimizu
Queen of theO � (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
@:
yes... but it's still unfortunate and quite scary and something to take seriously.
I am not a follower, I am a friend. I do not ask for subscribers, only friends.
DramaticCheezcake
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
@:
Yeah I kinda realized it sounded rude ^^; but after a day of having to correct people I was getting irritated. People kept asking me why the government was trying to get rid of Wikipedia which was obviously incorrect. I'm worried about like everyone else seeing as how I have more friends online than off. (That...sounded really sad for some reason...)
but I apologize, really :) I guess I was still mad.
Michiyo Shimizu
Queen of theO � (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
Megaupload has been shut down by the US government.
WE MUST STOP THIS. lol -shot- |D
I am not a follower, I am a friend. I do not ask for subscribers, only friends.
Nathy1979
Otakuite | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
This SOPA/PIPA is not only for anime, manga, comic, music, etc.
They are including, publications, works, information :S
Once again they are trying to control the all information and only show us what they want us to see -_-
Even Microft is agaist it.
Lets yust hope this does not get aproved
kamichama karin s
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
HATERS ARE GOING TO HATE,forget that!!
it is our right to do what we do!!
and even more,
FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!
:P i strongly disaprove of this law.
Aoz0ra
Otakuite+ | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
@SolemnSerpent:
lol this will be the first time I'll actually like something from the Bieber dude then. Let the power of raging fangirls be heard- pffft.
But yeah, there's a jail sentence stated in the Bill? oAo Just how vague and far-reaching is this thing anyway if it gets people going from "welp, how do I get my downloads and episodes then -_-" to "nooo, not my favourite Youtube cover artists, you can't put them in jail >m<" and "my fanart. You'll have to get passed me first. ψ( ^ω^ )ψ".
I would hate it though if it really is that strong to kick down all the blog sites (ie. Livejournal, Dreamwidth, Wordpress etc.), theO, MT, DA, Youtube, Reddit, Wiki and all. I mean, what's the Internet for then?
it would be ironic if pr0n stayed up bcos no one's issuing copyright claim for that anyway.Not American but still, a number of these sites are and it would be damn sad for them to go down like this. :/
then everybody left for pixiv and nico nico douga//shottSolemnSerpent
Cupcake Constable (Moderator) | Posted 01/19/12 | Reply
Probably my favorite website to sprout out from this internet debacle: ---> HERE
Those Photoshopped prison bars are beautiful.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Yes! Seeing this here makes me proud to be a member of this site, standing alongside its members. Politics matters.
Concerning President Obama's stance on SOPA, he has said he's against the bill. However, the House Judiciary Committee seems to have interpreted his response as not exactly killing the bill outright in the future; they see it more as their need to get the wording right to focus its aims more clearly. With a modified and more focused SOPA bill, it might have a chance. And I don't say this for no reason: President Obama originally refused to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, until some key words and phrases were clarified or removed. On Dec. 31 2011, the NDAA for 2012 became law.
Hopefully, informed public momentum grows in the coming future before the bill is revisited again, so that the citizens can rightly press their officials to decide wisely.
Darkarax
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@FaithlessFighter:
lol Pretty much.
The greatest fear is that of the unknown.
TwinkLes
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I can't believe I've always taken the internet for granted this much, or that everything could be taken away.
This better not pass, because I love YouTube & this site with all my heart <3
ilovetamaki
Grand Otaku | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@cowboysean:
It will. It should be denied for being unconsitutional.
ilovetamaki
Grand Otaku | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
This really freaks me out. It would take away so much from us. From the entire world. I am so against SOPA and PIPA that it's not even funny. we couldnt do research online or anything. </3
12kisa12
Otakuite+ | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I am finding as miny petitions as I can!
look at this website.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJIuYgIvKsc&feature=share
Last edited by 12kisa12 at 9:43:31 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Hiko
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Honestly I am against it but...
1. I'm not going to pay for songs, if I wanna listen to an artist they usually just upload them on their own youtube account so I'll listen to it there.
2. I'm still not going to pay for songs even if they were not on youtube because I'm a cheepo
3. Aren't torrent sites illegal yet I'm sure I could find one right now?
btw I think President Obama said he was against it.
And I will leave you with this AMAZING LINK!
Last edited by Hiko at 9:22:29 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
You know that someone truly cares when they brick you like that. -AZ
FaithlessFighter
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@Darkarax:
Mind control, Lebush of the Rebellion
Darkarax
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@Nekosuke:
Technically, Bush didn't win the first time. He sorta cheated. But yeah, you make a very scary and true point.
The greatest fear is that of the unknown.
Hatake Yoshimi
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Found on Tumblr: http://www.vice.com/read/lamar-smith-sopa-copyright-whoops
Looks like the SOPA sponsor is guilty of copyright violation. Reblog, tweet, and share this with everyone!
SomeGuy
Canadian Liaison (Team) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I love that my last minute "oh, by the way..." at the end of an e-mail inspired this post. Totally do not deserve that thanks.
I wonder if we should have blacked out the site for the day too . . .
Princess Yue
Grand Otaku | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Kitteh not amused!! >m<* (I don't know how to make an angrier face than this, sorry peeps)
I am TOTALLY against SOPA and PIPA!!
I've been keeping my claws sharpened, having them in as much peak a condition as I can, ready and rarin' to slash at anyone who supports these lame-butt bills.
I feels kinda peeved and random today. Also happy because I was listening to some K-pop that I never heard before today =^^=, something I'm sure I wouldn't have the pleasure to do if they did get rid of youtube. >.>
Kind of random, but does anyone know what Bill Gates thinks about this, just wondering... >.>
Also kinda random, what does this mean for the text expressions like this -> @.@ ...do these get copyrighted as well or what because that would give a whole new definition to the word "low."
Nyan! Long live theOtaku!
Princess Yue
cowboysean
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
As a Canadian, I think that SOPA & PIPA is gonna violate some freedoms like spreech and expression
Angel
Chat Guardian (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@Hulaberry32:
i so agree with u hulaberry
Hulaberry32
Primadonna (Otaku Legend) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Lame. Just lame.
If this bill does somehow miraculously pass, I'm flying to Washington to protest myself~ They might as well take my life away, while they'are at it~
Aria Sky
Senior Otaku | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I signed the petition yesterday when I found out about this. ^^
It'll be horrible if the bills are to pass!
Nekosuke
Otakuite | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I'm not sure about the effectiveness of the campaigns. we're dealing with a country that elected George Bush twice despite unpopular demands. George Bush - the man who believed "most of our country's imports came from other countries"
Kami-chan.x3
Bubblegum'd! (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
NOT COOL. SO NOT COOL.
SG Creations
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
*has signed petition and shared* >:(
Angel
Chat Guardian (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
this is so not fair
all i knw there r alot of sites and other major webs tht r protesting to this
Darkarax
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@CelestialSushi:
Well it just goes to show you that history really does repeat itself.
The greatest fear is that of the unknown.
DramaticCheezcake
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
FINALLY PEOPLE ARE NOTICING!! I mean, today barely anyone knows what it is. But I've known since it was made in October. You'd think something like the internet is important. But me and my friends have mentioned a lot of the people who go on theO probably don't go on anything besides more anime sites (no offense) So I guess it's understandable...
vampirehitsugaya
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't censor the web! Pirating is going to happen no matter what you do! And bookstores don't sell my favorite manga!
I'm a vampire!
CelestialSushi
Lombax of Earth (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@Darkarax:
I never thought about it in terms of Prohibition... that's an interesting comparison to make! And we all know what eventually happened to that.
EnvyScarlet
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@Darkarax:
Yea I know
Darkarax
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@EnvyScarlet:
Well, it's the same kind of evil anyway. All I'm saying is that it'll just make things worse.
The greatest fear is that of the unknown.
EnvyScarlet
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@Darkarax:
I did not think super pirates I thought creepy hackers
Darkarax
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
So the government is trying to prevent piracy with these bills, right? Well they did a similar thing with alcoholic beverages called prohibition, and what did that do? It gave power to organized crime. So the way I see it, not only will SOPA/PIPA make the internet almost too inconvenient to use, but it'll just make things worse by creating a band of "super pirates". After all, just because doing something is illegal, doesn't mean that people will stop doing it. In fact it might make them try harder.
That's the way I see it. Anyone is welcome to correct me if they think I'm wrong. I don't mind saying either that this whole thing does have me a little spooked.
The greatest fear is that of the unknown.
shinigami117
Otakuite++ | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I went on wiki this morning and I saw the message. I really, really hope this doesn't get passed.
EnvyScarlet
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I heard about this when the whole problem first came up which was over a month ago I think. But I signed something back then but I will sign Mozilla's because I have not yet.
This might be a stupid comment but I make stupid comments all the time so what is the difference. So what happen to the people? I think the people should have more of a say.
icefoxchan
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Really, SOPA's a waste of time and money that could be spent on MUCH BETTER THINGS; Not to mention it's just going to make things very inconvenient.
I heard the stuff about SOPA has been postponed again, but we're REALLY going to need a lot of protest against PIPA as well if this is gonna work.
Even if SOPA/PIPA somehow manage to pass anyway, like everyone else said, the government will be getting THOUSANDS of complaints.
I'd also like to mention that this country is supposed to give people RIGHTS, and this is just going to turn us into the Western equivalent of China.
Last edited by icefoxchan at 3:39:42 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Nathy1979
Otakuite | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Thanks for the info Sangome :)
CelestialSushi
Lombax of Earth (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@:
I guess that would even mean everyone's forum avatars too, if they really wanted to get picky about it ._. Just an observation.
Last edited by CelestialSushi at 3:28:46 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Nathy1979
Otakuite | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Is the US congress applying PIPA/SOPA only for anime and manga?
What about the fanatrs of DC and MARVEL comics?
Creshendeath
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
sopa is blasphemy sopa is maddness sopa is EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVVVVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLL
CelestialSushi
Lombax of Earth (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@beloved blood:
Well, technically, critical review is protected under Fair Use, so review sites are legally allowed. Fan works, not so much, but when I wrote to DC Comics a few years ago, the letter I got back said that they generally don't go after "genuine fan efforts" (or something to that effect). Just so long as you don't try to make a profit on them, you should be fine.
I really don't think this bill's going to pass, and if it does, it just goes to show how much freedom we've lost in the US. I mean, how many people are against this bill? Congress can't just pass stuff because it feels like it.
byakuyarox1
Golden Phoenix (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I signed the petition on change.org to keep them from doing this sorta thing. I love the O! It's like my online home. I'd be really depressed if it was taken down.
ChibiSasuke
13th Angel (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
If this passes, they better be prepared for mobs of angry people. After all, we should not fear the government. They should fear us.
= u =;;
beloved blood
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I just saw this on the news this morning.
Honestly enough, I see why they want to do this (to stop pirating and what not), but this IS a little crazy. I mean, "they" could just take down any site they wanted to by saying it had some type of property on it! So right, it's sooooo not cool. Wouldn't that also mean that not only theO, but sites like deviantart and even ign could be taken down too because of people drawing fan arts and posting reviews for games?!
That would also technically mean these sweet avatars we use here could be taken off too, right? No, not my Zack! TT^TT.
Wth, this is NOT alright dude.
Last edited by beloved blood at 1:53:40 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Rageon
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I honestly can't see this ever going through simply because it is so stupid and, with the exception of a room full of copyright layers somewhere, everyone is already so mad about it. So I'm not really worried.
Also, while I love that Wikipedia is actively protesting this, I discovered that they forgot to black out their mobile site. I am on Wikipedia on my Android phone right now. I just found that kind of amusing.
EDIT: I just found out that XKCD is also blacked out today. Now they will have to listen.
Last edited by Rageon at 1:36:01 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Felcie
Unicorn Lover (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I have signed a petition a while ago and I have now put my tumblr on strike too [here]... I really hope that all this will work...!!
ChibiHanyou
Ochibi~ (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
Even though I am TOTALLY against SOPA... I WANT it to happen just so I can laugh my ass off as they realize what the reality of it would do to the internet, not to mention the outrage of the community would raise some hell at Washington. They're not thinking this all the way through obviously. The outcome of this would be catastrophic, but they fail to realize it. There are so many more ways to deal with piracy, but like HawaiianBabidoll said - the providers of such material would find ways around this and create new sites.
There's like a 99% chance this won't pass. The president is even against it. I'm not worried at all.
HotRamen2Go009
Agent Ramen (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@:
I so agree with you on the more fanart, the people know about the series, and I think fanart = compliments and support as well
stararnold
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
@:
I heartly agree with your word on this. People should be able to enjoy things before decididng whether or not buy something. It's like taking fre food samples in the grocery, and lets not forget that watching free streaming videos of movies can be good in the evnt that a) the fil in question is no longer in print, or b) it's a foreign film not yet given a commercial DVD in our areas.
Also, it would suck to not be able to watch my favorite currently running T.V. series for free online in the event I was to miss an episode or so on the air.
By the way, I saw google's protest page, but I have not signed it yet because although I want my voice heard, I don't know if the petition will include residents of Canada, which is my home country.
Last edited by stararnold at 6:15:28 PM CST on January 18, 2012.
Katana
Goggalor (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
These bills are coming from the groups that fought against VCRs and mp3 players. Now they want to meddle with the internet. Seriously? Seriously.
(Edit: The groups are the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry wants to control the internet. Eeesh.)
Last edited by Katana at 11:49:55 AM CST on January 18, 2012.
"In Kat's wor we trust."
Nathy1979
Otakuite | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
This is all a big show of the US congerss.............pity
Long tome ago they try to the same with download music, movies, tv series, etc and what happend..............the coul not stop it jejeje, we can still find web site to watch all this.
This is all about moneny and monopolize unfortunatley :(
No to SOPA/PIPA.
The Mask
Detective Mask (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I've heard about these bills for some time already. Though my location is not covered by the jurisdiction of these proposed bills, I'm with you in opposing these legislation for being too restrictive in one's freedom of expression.
As Google summed it up nicely, "End Piracy, Not Liberty".
"Students, be ambitious!"
HawaiianBabidoll
Pro-Procrastinator (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/18/12 | Reply
I said it before and I'll say it again. These are the dumbest laws ever.
Really, what will blocking websites do? Nothing. It will only inconvenience the people who aren't doing any harm.
The illegal content they're trying to purge? It's just going to appear on brand new sites. The people they're trying to dissuade from pirating? They're just going to hack the blockades.