I have remained quiet on the whole SOPA issue even though it’s something I follow closely due to my job and my being a blogger. Since today is blackout day, I’ll talk about the issue and how it affects me. Even though I’m not american, my blog is available in the US and is hosted on WordPress, a US based site. Canada/US treaties means that I’m not above US laws and I could be prosecuted for breaking american laws.
I don’t want to turn this blog into a whole debate on the issue but I’ll say this. If SOPA passes in its current form I will shut down this blog. I am not willing to risk doing something that could be considered illegal (linking a protected image for example). I love to travel and my job could require me to travel to the US at some point so it’s not something I can afford to risk.
So I dearly hope SOPA not to pass but if it does RL will take prority over blogging.
As best as I can tell, and reports do seem to be mixed, it isn’t going to come to a vote any time soon. Go go protesters!
My personal view is I ever think something is inappropriate or in this case questionable about being copyrighted I just don’t question it and in turn wouldn’t link to it. I understand what they want to do to prevent piracy, but they are probably going about it in the wrong way. The whole linking thing makes sense because how else does somebody find that torrent site or know how to hack a game/phone etc. IMO as long as I don’t link to things of that nature I’m good, and if I have to question it then I stay away from it anyways. It like linking to a spyware/spam site, I would never do it and would never recommend somebody to go to it.