While SOPA might have been ‘killed’ (shelved), its Senate-based sibling, PIPA, is still alive and well and due to be voted on in a week’s time (24th of January, 2012). With that in mind, know that tomorrow is significant:

Wikipedia joins web blackout in Sopa protest
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16590585

The point is that many websites and services will be going offline in protest of these bills, with Wikipedia being one of the big-ticket numbers going along with it. Twitter has declined to join in, to my dismay; the statement would indicate that they have been bullied/shamed/out of touch to the point where they’re taking an incredibly narrow view of the impact SOPA or PIPA would have on the internet and the world at large. Okay sure, I can understand not wanting to lose money from a business point of view… but I think saving the internet is a bit more important! I won’t join in trolling the bossman there (as so many have done), but really – this is supposed to be the nuclear option, the point made so abundantly clear that those who shove their heads in the sand and la la la over anything resembling politics are forced to stand up and take notice of just how such legislation would affect ALL of us.

And sure, I don’t look forward to being discomfited. As one of my dear friends pointed out, she’s feeling a bit punished that it has to come to this to make the average joe pay attention. I don’t blame her – I am sort of OCD about completing my online routine in a certain fashion, and not being able to do it will stress me out severely. But I’ll take a day of suffering if it means that the Internet gets saved.

Anyhoos, here’s one of the lists telling who will be blacking out tomorrow:

Operation Blackout [On Going]
http://operationsopa.blogspot.com/2012/01/list-of-companiesorganizations-that-are.html

I still hope we’ll see more of the big dogs hop onto this list and really put the pressure on. After all, if they’re legit concerned with their own profits and profitability, it behooves them to black out and support getting the message out and putting the pressure on. Otherwise, I hope they enjoy spending all their time being down because someone posted a picture the government doesn’t like. *rolls eyes*

So yesh, food for thought, and of course – spread the word, educate people irregardless of nationality. Oh, and if you want to join in yourselves, check out sites like http://sopastrike.com/ to find out how. I’m still debating whether or not I will, seeing how I’m just a small personal blog… but we’ll see tomorrow, won’t we? 😉

<3

[[radio edit]] Hey WordPress folks, there’s a plug-in if you want to join in – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/sopa-strike/ Ace!