Scheduled Internet Outtage Incoming!!

[Pakanohida]

Yeah, you read that right. Several websites are protesting an internet law that will allow companies like Monsanto, Fox Broadcasting, and other corporations direct control over what people can view on the Internet in that if I was viewing a website that a corporation feels threatened by in a financial manner it will be banned. Essentially destroying Freedom of Speech in any digital facet.

http://lifehacker.com/5876833/how-to...+sopa-blackout

I would like to say, as someone who grew up with the Internet using a cradle modem when Compuserve was a BBS and AOL didn't exist; I am disgusted at the laws being protested. The internet is the most powerful research tool since the Library of Alexandria.

[Grahame]

Seriously, what would you do if the internet went down tomorrow, for ever?

Personally I would probably get a lot more work done! I personally the ink there is as much negative as there is positive about the internet (possibly even more of the negative).

I wouldn't be too personally put out if the internet was abandoned

[Pakanohida]

I would view it as the 2nd destruction of the library of Alexandria, as metaphors go.

[Grahame]

That's hard-core pakman!

[annette]

It's an attempt by those in power to keep everyone in the dark as to what is really going on. Control information and you control power. I hope it doesn't get through. of course it is all in the guise of copyright protection. Don't believe it.

[Grahame]

Perhaps the most telling aspect of this is that there is a clear connection between campaign contribution and the creation of legislation. It transparently shows that you can buy laws in the USA. It is no great leap to imagine that the same applies here in Oz.

[Grahame]

I wonder if they had the equivalent of Womens Weekly or the Herald-Sun in the Great Library, or if it was a repository of only good and useful material.

Do you think the good stuff just wouldn't exist without the rallying point of the Internet? Or am I just underestimating the level of propaganda and censorship in the USA? Is the good stuff really only on the Net? I won't be surprised if that really is the case...

[Pakanohida]

I wonder if they had the equivalent of Womens Weekly or the Herald-Sun in the Great Library, or if it was a repository of only good and useful material.

It was law that any boat coming into the harbor would be searched for all written materials, they were seized, copied, and returned safe and sound. The same was also applied to merchants, & travelers entering the city... ..and as I remember.. under penalty of death you had to comply.

I have learned a lot of Permaculture and things I had no idea (or interest till I knew of them) for years now. My library in town, home, county, and state does not have all the Permaculture information it should IMO. I want to learn, voraciously. In theory I only got 1 life, I want to make the best of it with what I have.

[eco4560]

Did Alexandria have a - um - 'sealed section'?