Conrad Decker

Looks like it’s working!

I was making my daily rounds through Facebook this morning and caught a friend’s post asking “What’s with the Internet Blackout? Grrrr”. I took a few minutes to inform her of what’s going on, when it hit me. It’s working! 

People, and entire websites, are “going black” today to raise awareness about the SOPA and PIPA bills that the Government is trying to pass. Raising awareness it is! If you happen to come across someone asking a similar question, please take a minute to explain what’s going on. “The more you know”, right? Here are a couple links worth sharing if you’re so inclined…

* https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/sopa-pipa/
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more

And here was my response to her question…in case you’re curious as well…

Good morning Kelly :) Annoying right?! A little background info for you…The Government is working hard to try and pass bills that would cause the same type of “blackout” that you’re seeing now. They’re aimed at stoping online piracy, but would have much larger and more damaging effects to the free and open Internet. 

If these bills pass, a lot of the social media sites you use daily (see Facebook and Youtube) would be responsible for policing content and search engines like Google would be required to remove websites from their search results. Individuals like myself who make their living creating businesses and spurring innovation using The Internet could potentially be affected as well. Many websites are “going black” to protest these bills and hopefully raise awareness about the issue (in this case, I’m glad it caught your attention). 

If you’re interested in learning more…take a look at these sites:
* https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/sopa-pipa/
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more

I’m never one to push on issues like these, but if you’re so inclined…definitely take a look and contact your representatives…or even easier, sign this Petition. It would only take a minute. https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

//End Public Service Announcement :)