The ESA’s about face regarding SOPA is almost hilarious
Matt Hawkins Thankfully the Entertainment Software Association has changed their mind about the Stop Piracy Online Act. After it was shelved, and when it doesn’t matter anymore. Naturally.
For those who haven’t heard, we won! The piece of legislation that basically amounted to a piss in the face of the first amendment rights of anyone reading this, and every person who uses the internet, is pretty much dead.
Basically, the guy came up with SOPA in the first place, Congressman Lamar Smith from Texas, chose to postpone any action on the bill indefinitely. Same went for the PIPA, or Protect IP Act as well.
Why? All the bitching and moaning actually worked. Which means even gamers, the ones who took the time to pass along their two cents to not just their their representatives but their favorite publishers, all helped to kill the absurd piece of legislature, dead in its tracks.
See? Stuff can happen if you actually give it a shot. Unfortunately, the one group they tried repeatedly trying to get the message across to, but to no avail, was the Entertainment Software Association. The body that supposedly represents the interest of the video game industry as a whole, and by far the biggest game related supporter of the bill.
The ESA spent a good chunk of change to lobby for its passage, and every-time they had a chance to change their mind, they stuck to their guns. But once it was officially DOA, much like every fair-weather d-bag that just want strangle, they immediately changed their tune…
“From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry’s creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals. Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution.”
Jesus, what balls these people have. I honestly would have more respect if they had just stuck their guns. But anyway, good job internet!
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