Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 14:06, 17 January 2012

The blackout of the English Misplaced Pages destroys for ever the concept of its political and geographical neutrality. It means rather than an open group of international contributors, uniting solely round their commitment to writing an encyclopedia, with nothing else implied, Misplaced Pages is, through what can only be described as in internet moral panic, now associated with a particular political position in a particular nation. While many, or most, Wikipedians may happen to hold this political position in common, it ought to have been irrelevant to editing here. Now it is not, a precedent has been set, and something important has died.

Some will say, "but SOPA is so important, and it affects us, so we must do something". But here is my problem. Do I agree with opposing SOPA? Or, do I have a different opinion that makes me wish to disassociate myself from the action that is being taken in the name of the community? Either way, my opinion on a political issue is now pertinent to my association with this community. You asked me a question that ought to have been irrelevant to editing here. That is new. That is wrong. Wikipedians came here united around five pillars - and five pillars only. I was not asked, and do not wish, to negotiate a sixth. Yes I know that, even were I to vocally support SOPA, I would still be welcome here. But that I am even asked the question changes everything. For the first time, Jimbo Wales has asked, and the community has agreed, that we no longer leave our own ideologies at the door.

In protest at this action, and mourning the day that the five pillars ceased to be the sole ideology of Misplaced Pages, I will cease contributing on an indefinite basis.

See also:

• Do not disrupt Misplaced Pages to illustrate a point - Yes, even a point you think is righteous.

If you are in sympathy with my protest, you may indicate support below (no discussion here please):

1. — Joseph Fox 10:09, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
2. Jenks24 (talk) 10:20, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
3. Hyperbolic but true. AGK 10:22, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
4. I will also be withdrawing my support.  An optimist on the run! 10:22, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
5. Ditto AGK. --Philosopher  via alternate account 12:55, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
6. Hipocrite (talk) 13:01, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
7. Cla68 (talk) 13:02, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
8. I understand very well what has happened, sympathize with your position, and assure you that BLPs will get decimated by the Visigoths with you not around. Collect (talk) 13:32, 17 January 2012 (UTC)

Discussion (if you must)

• I can't help wondering Scott and friends, if you are failing to appreciate that the USA's laws on copyright and internet piracy stretch as far as Britain even in cases when it's not even a British crime. Therefore, I do feel there is a hint of head burying going on here. I'm sure you will be missed Giacomo Returned 13:46, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
  • You may be right. These may be evil laws that ought to be oppose (although beware moral panic). However, Misplaced Pages isn't the place to oppose laws and take stances (even noble ones). I will continue to maintain that even if they rehouse me. How long before Misplaced Pages endorses the only presidential candidate explicitly against SOPA? --Scott Mac 13:59, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
• I remember the protests against Section 28 many years ago (part of an act to prevent gay literature being distributed in schools). It was claimed that the act would prevent composers like Tchaikovsky (who was gay) being played on national radio. Funnily enough, the act went through, and nothing happened. I suspect the same will happen with SOPA. Will "they" have the power to close down Misplaced Pages? Possibly. I'm not a lawyer, so I can't possibly say. Will they close down Misplaced Pages? Of course not.  An optimist on the run! 14:06, 17 January 2012 (UTC)