Stop SOPA

Today, January 18th, many websites are blacking out in order to protest the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA). Since I can't black out Blogger, I'm giving information and adding a little ribbon in the top right corner.

Click Me!

SOPA will allow courts and companies to take legal action against those they believe are guilty of copyright infringement. Google will not be allowed to link to such websites and Internet Service Providers can block access to these websites. Unauthorized streaming of copyrighted material is punishable by a max of five years in prison for ten offenses within 6 months. So, ten links can send you to jail.

Considering how much this affects my internet life, I'm against the bill. This means no anime and no manga for you guys. It also affects fan art, AMV, or fan-fiction on websites other than Deviant Art. Linking to websites with any semblance of "illegal content" can also land you in hot water. Many people will lose money because they can no longer receive ads, nor traffic from webs searches to generate money. Some people make their living online, and just one link can shut down their source of income. Not to mention my blog is also in danger if this passes....

It just seems like unnecessary man power, harsh punishments, and a waste of time. Piracy is an important issue, but there's better ways to go about it. If you are against this act as well, please click on the above image. It includes several ways to voice your concerns, such as emails to senators, or ways to contact them if you live outside the US. Not only does it affect the us, but it affects users overseas! It's important we get all the support possible! Everyone can help.

Unless... you want our anime gone...but we both know that's not true.