Post by stella marie brexton-sans on Nov 20, 2011 7:03:05 GMT -5
Even if you don't live within the borders of the United States, you're still going to want to read this.
Recently, there is a bill sitting in Washington that, if passed, will allow for internet censorship. What exactly does this mean? Quite simply, that any website using something copyrighted such as song lyrics, pictures, etc. etc. will be shut down. Right now, this means only for America if it gets passed into legislation. However, this could easily spread to other countries and will effect just about anyone and everyone with a computer and internet access, American or not.
This means that you can say goodbye to Tumblr, Youtube, and quite simply, Caution. The Government is trying to stop piracy through this bill. As much as that is wonderful and dandy, they are simultaneously ripping away your basic freedoms ensured to you by the first amendment of the Constitution.
The staff here at Caution is heavily against this, as well as completely baffled. The majority of us found out about this less that twelve hours ago, and we're going to do everything we can to voice our opinions in an effort to stop this injustice before it starts, but we need your help to do this. Right now, you're probably wondering what this has to do with roleplaying. It's quite simple, really.
The bill, if passed into legislation, will block any website using lyrics, pictures, quotes, etc. etc. that are copyrighted and used without permission from the owner of said lyrics, pictures, and quotes. The majority of roleplay sites use song lyrics as inspiration for the site name, thread titles, shipper pages, and it goes without saying that everyone is using pictures without going to the photographer of said pictures first. If this bill passes, any roleplay site in violation of the terms will be blocked from view by anyone with internet access in the states.
How can you help?
It's quite simple, really. Contact your state representatives, your senators. Spread the word to your friends and family members. Post about it on Facebook, on Tumblr, on your blog - anything that you think might be even remotely effective, do it. Each of you has a voice, and even if you aren't an American Citizen, it still counts. If this can happen in America, it can happen anywhere, and we want to put an end to this before it starts.
HERE is a more in-depth article about the bill, in addition to a video explaining it.
You can contact your state senators by clicking HERE.
You can contact your local representative by clicking HERE. This requires a street address in addition to a zip code.
You can sign the official petition HERE.
[found on caution 2.0 obviously]
Recently, there is a bill sitting in Washington that, if passed, will allow for internet censorship. What exactly does this mean? Quite simply, that any website using something copyrighted such as song lyrics, pictures, etc. etc. will be shut down. Right now, this means only for America if it gets passed into legislation. However, this could easily spread to other countries and will effect just about anyone and everyone with a computer and internet access, American or not.
This means that you can say goodbye to Tumblr, Youtube, and quite simply, Caution. The Government is trying to stop piracy through this bill. As much as that is wonderful and dandy, they are simultaneously ripping away your basic freedoms ensured to you by the first amendment of the Constitution.
The staff here at Caution is heavily against this, as well as completely baffled. The majority of us found out about this less that twelve hours ago, and we're going to do everything we can to voice our opinions in an effort to stop this injustice before it starts, but we need your help to do this. Right now, you're probably wondering what this has to do with roleplaying. It's quite simple, really.
The bill, if passed into legislation, will block any website using lyrics, pictures, quotes, etc. etc. that are copyrighted and used without permission from the owner of said lyrics, pictures, and quotes. The majority of roleplay sites use song lyrics as inspiration for the site name, thread titles, shipper pages, and it goes without saying that everyone is using pictures without going to the photographer of said pictures first. If this bill passes, any roleplay site in violation of the terms will be blocked from view by anyone with internet access in the states.
How can you help?
It's quite simple, really. Contact your state representatives, your senators. Spread the word to your friends and family members. Post about it on Facebook, on Tumblr, on your blog - anything that you think might be even remotely effective, do it. Each of you has a voice, and even if you aren't an American Citizen, it still counts. If this can happen in America, it can happen anywhere, and we want to put an end to this before it starts.
HERE is a more in-depth article about the bill, in addition to a video explaining it.
You can contact your state senators by clicking HERE.
You can contact your local representative by clicking HERE. This requires a street address in addition to a zip code.
You can sign the official petition HERE.
[found on caution 2.0 obviously]
