The idea that they're not seriously pushing for this is flawed. Yes, they've hired expensive lobbyists, but that's not all they're doing. They've put up their own campaigns ("Makers vs. Takers" I believe they called it) and are pushing their own employees into supporting it.
Moreover, they have quite a bit of political support in this administration. They've got everyone from the RIAA lawyers now in top Justice Department spots, the new Copyright Czar, the US Trade Representative (who negotiated ACTA), several members of the House Judiciary Committee (who are sponsors of this bill), and Vice President Biden.
Don't underestimate their ability or willingness to pass crazy laws.
Here's the Makers vs Takers video. Replete with scary music and "The Daily Show has been watched x million times.. illegally" (because Comedy Central doesn't let the whole world watch it on their website? I watch it there and sit through their ads. What's not working about that? Oh, I know. Sometimes my net connection might suck. If I hypothetically can't watch it streaming in RT I might look for other options.)
Seems like the majority of both sides are happy to see creative content get paid for. It's just this side that wants the power to act as it did pre internet completely on their own terms no matter how it harms other areas.
The problem with this video is no-one mentions the elephant in the room: we can all agree on getting content paid for so put out content in ways that makes economic sense for 21st century distribution methods. Another article that made me furious that is indicative of how deep the epidemic goes:
Yeah, I think the thing that they are trying to protect that really has to go are the traditional style distribution deals. No longer can you expect to impose any number of restrictions and break distribution down into regions for virtual goods.
It's a well made video, actually. I felt moved by it, at least a little bit.
I think hackers in tech industry should start making similar videos for our own, arguing against SOPA. For that thing, we indeed do have the technology, and we have the expertise.
I spent a few minutes this morning looking for hollywood celebrities speaking out against SOPA. I wonder if there is a contractual obligation on them not to bite the hand that feeds them..
I was almost moved, but it's so obviously manipulative in other ways that it's kind of sickening. I'm not sure we have the stomach for competing on that level.
They've made a large part of this about the common working man, when that's clearly not the motivation behind this video. They did it because they're pandering to their audience, who cares about that.
Throw in repeated South Park and other brand cameos for broad based appeal and an instant emotional connection (I have a hard time believing that Matt Stone and Trey Parker support this given their history of railing on people who complain about piracy as the reason they can't make money).
Finally, add in a lot of questionable statistics.
Basically, it's too carefully crafted for maximum impact to be or feel authentic. It's professional work and half truths masquerading as heartfelt interviews. That's why I say it's manipulative.
Oh I see, sorry for misunderstanding you. You're probably right. It can be hard to make a strictly factual video have the same emotional impact, though.
There are several senior people in this administration who are in favor of Hollywood generally. They've really been pushing for this on all fronts. I'm not saying it can't be stopped, but I am saying that they have supporters in high places.
If you look at the subtext of the discussion held today, it was arranged to make it appear that this is Google vs. everyone else. Sure, that's because most other opposition was excluded. Some might think that's why the rest were excluded.
Politicians see this largely in economic terms. This would be a good time to point them to the economic studies which show that the costs already outweigh most of the public good and to drive home how this bill would kill our ability to create jobs by hitting startups with ridiculous legal burdens.
Moreover, they have quite a bit of political support in this administration. They've got everyone from the RIAA lawyers now in top Justice Department spots, the new Copyright Czar, the US Trade Representative (who negotiated ACTA), several members of the House Judiciary Committee (who are sponsors of this bill), and Vice President Biden.
Don't underestimate their ability or willingness to pass crazy laws.