If the Wikipedia Boycott of SOPA Spread: Seven Examples of Horror

By Jeff Balke Wed., Jan. 18 2012 at 10:31 AM

Categories: Tech

With Wikipedia boycotting the Stop Online Piracy Act today by shutting itself down for 24 hours, the powers that be at the crowdsourced information giant hope we all get freaked out enough by their absence that we tell Congress we think SOPA should not be passed. If you don't know what SOPA is, here's a primer. I'd link you to Wikipedia but, well, you know.

While the shutdown of one Web site isn't enough to cause panic in the streets -- unless those streets are lined with kids who didn't bother reading the book they were assigned for class and need Wiki to fill in the blanks -- it does make one wonder what would happen if other Web sites shut down.

Here are seven examples of the kinds of shutdowns that would drive at least a few people to call their senators.

Craigslist's boycott against SOPA.

7. Craigslist
Not being able to find a used lawn mower at 3 a.m. is annoying, but not being able to find a low-rent prostitute around the same time, that's grounds for a protest march on D.C. And guess what? Craigslist doesn't care. Like Wikipedia, is is boycotting SOPA today too (see screen shot above). If you need a tranny hooker, I feel for you.

6. Fantasy Sports Web Sites
You really want to freak out some hardcore fantasy tweakers? Shut down their fantasy site, especially in the last week of the season. You cost some dude a case of Bud Light when he loses his fantasy league and all hell breaks loose in the 'burbs.

Tags:

Facebook, Internet, SOPA

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Get_bent

seems like OP doesn't realize that it could shut down this website too... then what would you do? your arrogance gets you nowhere.

DengZoo2

Holy smokes dude I never thought about it liek that.www.Total-Privacy dot US

DengZoo2

Holy smokes dude, I never thought about it like that before. Wow.Total-Security.tk

Blake

Actually the Wiki page for SOPA is still up.

Travis Coggin

If only this many voters had paid attention when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law last month. Indefinite detention of US citizens without trial >>> Internet censorship.

Thursday Girl

The worst has already happened. Reddit is down for the day. I'm just going to walk around in circles until I eventually wear myself out and fall into a sad, dreamless slumber.

Ted

If SOPA/PIPA passes... the rest of your internet life will be a dreamless slumber.

Thursday Girl

Which is why I've signed petitions, contacted my representatives and blacked out my business website today in a show of solidarity. But I still miss my cat memes, dammit!