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I didn't understand until the Starscream bit. I'm glad Jim is here to make the journalisms make sense.
Only Jim motherfucking Sterling could shout at a company "Do not be Starscream!" and make it sound fucking epic and completely fitting. I want to marry this article.
Hear, hear! Another giant company just abusing it's customer base, sad it's so common, but hey, I haven't downloaded the new 360 dash and never will, and I dropped from Sony's ToS, now I'll just have to stop being a gamer soon in order to get a fucking point across :/
Ah, the famous "Starscream Counterpoint" argument. I believe that was a logical strategy begun by Plato.
Isn't this whole SOPA situation just like the Bethesda vs Notch "Scrolls" lawsuit situation?
Aren't most companies FORCED to support SOPA right now, regardless of if they believe in it, just so that it looks like they made an effort to protect their IPs at the present time in order to be able to protect them in possible future lawsuits?
Don't get me wrong, I think SOPA is BS, but it also feels like the bigger issues here are the convoluted legal system in the US and the legal technicalities that come with running large corporations. Of course, trying to fix THOSE problems is much more difficult than just trying to prevent a bill from being passed, but no matter how many times SOPA gets turned down, it will just come back over and over again in different forms until people of "the internet" finally get tired of defending it or just can't be bothered to pay attention to its many reiterations being proposed in the future.
Anyway, just as dinosaurs will always find a way to breed when genetically engineered on a remote tropical island, piracy will always find a way to continue, regardless of SOPA PIPA and DR PEPPER.
Aren't most companies FORCED to support SOPA right now, regardless of if they believe in it, just so that it looks like they made an effort to protect their IPs at the present time in order to be able to protect them in possible future lawsuits?
Don't get me wrong, I think SOPA is BS, but it also feels like the bigger issues here are the convoluted legal system in the US and the legal technicalities that come with running large corporations. Of course, trying to fix THOSE problems is much more difficult than just trying to prevent a bill from being passed, but no matter how many times SOPA gets turned down, it will just come back over and over again in different forms until people of "the internet" finally get tired of defending it or just can't be bothered to pay attention to its many reiterations being proposed in the future.
Anyway, just as dinosaurs will always find a way to breed when genetically engineered on a remote tropical island, piracy will always find a way to continue, regardless of SOPA PIPA and DR PEPPER.
The once-cute image of an elderly person being befuddled by technology is now becoming quite serious. Those in congress don't play games, they don't watch online videos, and they don't know anything about our culture other than what the Big Business Wormtongues whisper in their ears.
If the worst comes and SOPA passes, what do we do other than tweet about how SOPA is terrible? When is enough, enough?
If the worst comes and SOPA passes, what do we do other than tweet about how SOPA is terrible? When is enough, enough?
See, ESA, you don't ask for Megatron's help and then try to overthrow Megatron at every turn. Don't be a little punkass bitch like Starscream.
In all seriousness, though, it is really genuinely disgusting that they're turning against the people they asked for help not a year ago.
I don't believe SOPA will pass, but if it does, the asskicking it will receive from the Supreme Court will be epic and I will enjoy reading about it more than I did the California Law when it got torn to shreds.
In all seriousness, though, it is really genuinely disgusting that they're turning against the people they asked for help not a year ago.
I don't believe SOPA will pass, but if it does, the asskicking it will receive from the Supreme Court will be epic and I will enjoy reading about it more than I did the California Law when it got torn to shreds.
Have you actually sent this to the ESA? Let's do this petition-style and have readers electronically sign the statement indicating our support for it and ship it off to them. Interfacing with other websites, boots, and gaming companies either to send multiple petitions or collaborate on a single letter/petition.
@Foggle
The problem with that analogy is that its when people DON'T drop the sopa that we get fucked.
The problem with that analogy is that its when people DON'T drop the sopa that we get fucked.
Thanks, Jim. This SOPA thing is getting funnier by the minute. Fighting online piracy is like punching a tidal wave.
*insert standard Sterling fanboyisms here*
Good point tho, lets hope they listen to a little reason. Cuz seriously, I'd rather have dinobot than starscream on my team.
Good point tho, lets hope they listen to a little reason. Cuz seriously, I'd rather have dinobot than starscream on my team.
Might want to add in a list of the current ESA members, including those who outwardly dropped their support for SOPA but still support the ESA so by proxy support SOPA.
Just doesn't seem fair not to give them their duly deserved credit.
Just doesn't seem fair not to give them their duly deserved credit.
@tekbunny
Sadly I don't think the ESA will pay much mind to someone who refers to them as the "Starscream of trade associations." It would take a LOT more opposition than one fat man who makes incredibly geeky comparisons and works on a video game blog website.
Sadly I don't think the ESA will pay much mind to someone who refers to them as the "Starscream of trade associations." It would take a LOT more opposition than one fat man who makes incredibly geeky comparisons and works on a video game blog website.
I like a convict =3. Well done post, SOPA & PIPA would ruin the freedom we enjoy online, ESA, you bring shame with you along with your support for this oppressive bill. Screw SOPA & PIPA!
@rockwall
O... Kay? Sorry, are you doing that thing that people do where they take Jim entirely too seriously? If so, have fun being the butt of a "fat mans" jokes.
O... Kay? Sorry, are you doing that thing that people do where they take Jim entirely too seriously? If so, have fun being the butt of a "fat mans" jokes.
A simple surgical strike could knock out the primary torrent sites and eliminate Internet piracy in the US virtually overnight. If that was their only agenda, they could have had it over and done already. But no. They are dropping an atom bomb on the Internet for the sake of profit, killing millions of innocents to take out few isolated enemy bases. Because stopping piracy isn't good enough. They want to control the system. They want the power to knock out anything on the Internet as soon as it the slightest hint of copyright infringement and fine the fuck out of everyone in the process. Fuck SOPA and every piece of shit that stands behind it.
The ESA is a lobbying company. They're not different than the NRA. They are to represent the business interests of EA and Activision, not you or me.
It's not a conspiracy -- it's their job. SOPA helps the bottom line of the people who pay them. The hypocrisy and double standard pointed out here isn't surprising because they're here to make money, not sense. It's why I automatically question anybody who cites them with something that they say.
They're a lobby. Period. They run E3 to sell and hype software, not because they love gamers so much.
I really wish the community was a little more aware of how businesses and economics work. Our hobby is not different from many others: it is just as a business as others, yet sometimes we seem to think otherwise.
It's not a conspiracy -- it's their job. SOPA helps the bottom line of the people who pay them. The hypocrisy and double standard pointed out here isn't surprising because they're here to make money, not sense. It's why I automatically question anybody who cites them with something that they say.
They're a lobby. Period. They run E3 to sell and hype software, not because they love gamers so much.
I really wish the community was a little more aware of how businesses and economics work. Our hobby is not different from many others: it is just as a business as others, yet sometimes we seem to think otherwise.
Hell, I even wrote a cblog a few months back, partially talking about how much full of shit the ESA is, and how they fight against states trying to restrict the sale of violent games to 8 year olds, but never have a single thing to say when developers are being abused and mistreated like at Team Bondi.
http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Revuhlooshun/video-games-aren-t-perfect-and-the-esa-is-full-of-shit-211474.phtml
Come at me trolls.
http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Revuhlooshun/video-games-aren-t-perfect-and-the-esa-is-full-of-shit-211474.phtml
Come at me trolls.
Seriously, Starscream? Why would you take a good, important point and ensure it won't be taken seriously?
What i keep finding funny is that all these gaming companies made a lot of money because the internet is like it is, under a sopa internet things will be very different.
"Our hobby is not different from many others: it is just as a business as others"
I know your mostly right, but this sentiment just depresses me a little.
I know your mostly right, but this sentiment just depresses me a little.
@Revuhlooshun
Bingo. Lobbyists are in Washington right now arguing for things like SOPA, they were doing it yesterday, and they'll be doing it tomorrow. Once SOPA comes crashing down, and it will, the ESA will back the next push for SOPA style legislation, which they will inevitably play as a compromise while citing the obvious issues with SOPA as it stands now.
I agree, there is no need for conspiracy when it is all set on the table for people to see from the start. We aren't a small persecuted group living on the fringes of the entertainment industry, we're the largest cog in the whole entertainment machine. The electronic entertainment lobbies are as bloodthirsty as the lobbies for any huge industry, its the nature of the beast.
Bingo. Lobbyists are in Washington right now arguing for things like SOPA, they were doing it yesterday, and they'll be doing it tomorrow. Once SOPA comes crashing down, and it will, the ESA will back the next push for SOPA style legislation, which they will inevitably play as a compromise while citing the obvious issues with SOPA as it stands now.
I agree, there is no need for conspiracy when it is all set on the table for people to see from the start. We aren't a small persecuted group living on the fringes of the entertainment industry, we're the largest cog in the whole entertainment machine. The electronic entertainment lobbies are as bloodthirsty as the lobbies for any huge industry, its the nature of the beast.
ESA you damn hypocrite.
What really gets me though is that there will still be costumers supporting (aka giving them money) these kind of backstabbing douchebags even after being stabbed. These kind of BS keeps on happening partly because we the community allows it. That's like a person going back to an abusive relationship hoping things will get better. SCREW THAT.
What really gets me though is that there will still be costumers supporting (aka giving them money) these kind of backstabbing douchebags even after being stabbed. These kind of BS keeps on happening partly because we the community allows it. That's like a person going back to an abusive relationship hoping things will get better. SCREW THAT.
Is this why you are not allowed in any of their hearings Jim you amazing wordplay could win all arguments.
While on vacation in Hawaii, and while you all were drunk, Obama (Barry Soetoro) signed the NDAA.
SOPA is just one of dozens of tyrannical moves this government is making to clamp down on this so-called free society.
When will people wake from their sleeping stupor? When will young children stop judging their leaders by looks, and start learning the truth? Well, doesn't matter.....nobody listens. Everyone thinks their life is assured, and America can't possibly go the way of dictatorship. Well, as of new years eve, the Bill of Rights is dead, and you basically have a full blown tyranny on your hands, and it's spreading worldwide.
What once was the beacon of hope for freedom and entrepreneurism, is now becoming a disgusting militaristic empire of poisoned and brain washed zombies that don't see what is happening rightnin front of them.
Im curious. Is there ANYONE on this website that has an inkling of understanding to what I am saying? Or are all of you asleep?
SOPA is just one of dozens of tyrannical moves this government is making to clamp down on this so-called free society.
When will people wake from their sleeping stupor? When will young children stop judging their leaders by looks, and start learning the truth? Well, doesn't matter.....nobody listens. Everyone thinks their life is assured, and America can't possibly go the way of dictatorship. Well, as of new years eve, the Bill of Rights is dead, and you basically have a full blown tyranny on your hands, and it's spreading worldwide.
What once was the beacon of hope for freedom and entrepreneurism, is now becoming a disgusting militaristic empire of poisoned and brain washed zombies that don't see what is happening rightnin front of them.
Im curious. Is there ANYONE on this website that has an inkling of understanding to what I am saying? Or are all of you asleep?
People put too much faith in organizations and companies to actually care about anything other then themselves.
This is why capitalism doesn't work, never has, and never will.
Companies aren't people, they are god-like entities that thirst for power at the cost of humanity.
This is why capitalism doesn't work, never has, and never will.
Companies aren't people, they are god-like entities that thirst for power at the cost of humanity.
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