Dechion posted today about how he is doing his part to fight back against SOPA and PIPA. Essentially these bills are causing a huge uproar, because they threaten some heavy handed internet censorship. I admit it worries me, that this blog that I have hosted for ten years may be a victim. But I don’t believe blacking out websites is going to help all that much. In fact, in many cases it’s hurting the very people that the protests are fighting to help. The End User. The people that may depend on your website for research, shopping, information, or even just a short entertainment break during a long day of work, or study.
I agree with Dechion, hit the sponsors of the bill where it hurts most. The bottom line. Put your money where your mouth is if at all possible. And I say this with a caveat, don’t HURT yourself in the process. What do I mean? Well, let’s use Harley Davidson as an example. We bought our Harley back in September, so obviously we were a bit late to say “sorry, you support SOPA, no sale”. But, I would have bought it anyhow, because my husband worked his ass off, and sacrificed a lot to finally achieve that dream. He enlisted in the army (no not to get the Harley), served two combat tours, and has waited 20 long years. I’m not about to let my outrage over HD’s support interfere with his dream, anymore than I want them interfering with my blog. As a Harley owner, the bike requires safety gear, maintenance, and of course there is the customization process. Maintenance can only be done by HD or void the warranty, and the customizations…well that’s part of the buying the bike deal. I won’t deny my husband, I just won’t.
But, I can still not shop at Wal Mart, refuse to buy Lexmark printers, Adidas or Nike sneakers (and Hubby goes through A LOT of sneakers), I won’t replace my kids Wii, or buy anymore Nintendo DS games, or anymore PSP games, though I will continue to buy Xbox products. I already drive a Chevy instead of a Ford and probably always will. Now, I can’t say I won’t buy any EA products, because I love Bioware games, and Bioware is part of EA unfortunately. I love SWTOR and Dragon Age (Origins, Awakening, Dragon Age II, and the DLC) too much to give up. BUT I can refuse to buy anymore SIMS games or DLC (Sorry Kids), or any more of their Madden series (sorry Hunny), and refuse to buy the ME series or other EA titles no matter how curious I am about it until they get their heads out of their asses.
You don’t have to boycott everyone. But if making a few changes to brands and places isn’t going to hurt anyone BUT those places, and the SOPA bill, then do that. Use that list I linked up there, and contact those companies that you want to show who’s boss. Speak with your wallet, it is your loudest tool.
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