Hi everyone! We usually refrain from posting anything political or US-based on the site, but this is an important one. Right now in the US we are debating a bill called SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act). This bill would give the government sweeping power to shut down websites that appear to be breaking any copyright.
An example of this would be if a user on Subeta posted a copyright picture, video, or song in the forums, the entire site of Subeta could be shut down until that issue is resolved. Right now, we are simply contacted by the owner and asked to remove the offending post, item, in a way that doesn't impact the rest of the users on Subeta.
Some of my favorite websites (TUMBLR!!!) have already said it would be impossible for them to run under the rules that SOPA sets up, and would most likely have to be shut down or entirely change their services.
Here is an excellent article from Lifehacker that tells you exactly what SOPA is, and what it will do to the sites that you visit daily. here is a site with petitions and other information that will help you contact the appropriate people, should you feel so inclined.
Anyway, thanks for reading! Like I said, I wouldn't post this here if it didn't directly have an impact on the way that we run Subeta, and on the way that the other sites that you visit would also have to change. As always, I suggest you read the bill yourself so you can make an educated choice on how you feel about what it does.
Wow, you guys are rather LATE getting into the game. I expected you guys to post a notice about a week ago and this has been happening for over a month now.
BTW, they tried holding a secret hearing two days ago but thanks to those at demandprogress.org, they didn't succeed. However, SOPA is only being held off until January, after the winter holidays are over.