Stop SOPA and PIPA
Media websites across the Internet are joining together in a virtual strike in an effort to increase public awareness towards SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act). The ranks of Google and Wikipedia are taking up arms to dismantle these dangerous acts. Wikipedia is even shutting down in the U.S. This blackout was the top trending topic on Twitter within 5 minutes of Wikipedia replacing content with an informational landing page about why they are opposed to SOPA and PIPA. The site now links visitors to their appropriate government representation’s contact information. This will be a hard day for college students everywhere. Jimmy Whales, the founder of Wikipedia jokingly tweeted on this subject:
Student warning! Do your homework early. Wikipedia protesting bad law on Wednesday! #sopa
Where does Huebris stand on this issue? We’re with Wikipedia. These laws will hurt fledgling Internet startups. They will stifle creativity and sharing on the Internet—what else is the Internet for is not this? Here’s the letter I personally sent to Jeff Sessions today:
I am your constituent, and I stand strong in opposition to SOPA and PIPA. What’s more, I am a web developer, and I know intimately the problems that can arise from such legislation. Keep the Internet free and open. Foster sharing and creativity.
Would you use a house fire to end a termite infestation? Deny big media corporations in their wishes to end piracy, and they’ll be forced to turn to young entrepreneurs and new businesses to solve their IP problems. Create jobs, don’t destroy them.
Thank you for your time, and for hearing me out. I hope your better judgement is in line with your constituents as you consider your stance on these two important and dangerous acts before you.
—Joshua Gilmer
We hope you’ll join us in contacting your own representative(s) to fight both SOPA and PIPA. It doesn’t take 15 minutes to save the Internet. It’s not like we’re asking you to create a medley from Don McLean’s American Pie (Warning: Language is edgy):
All joking aside. This is a serious issue, and you can take part in the solution. Help stop SOPA and PIPA today!