You guys are representing both extremes of the issue. In response to Jeff and Luke-Jr, I don't see how this is just any other poltical issue. It strikes at the heart of everything Bitcoin is about. Barring Bitcoin-specific legislation, I don't see how any legislation could be more relevant to Bitcoin and the community around it.

On the other hand, Bitcoin is still a non-entity, and shouldn't get in the business of making statements. A central voice for Bitcoin gives the impression that it is actually centralized, and one that has opinions. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if some, heavily-invested Bitcoin users were of the opinion that SOPA/PIPA/whatever could be a huge profit for themselves: once SOPA kicks in and businesses around the world start getting cut off for legit or illegitimate purposes, a lot of them could potentially switch to Bitcoin to keep their business going. That could be a huge boon for Bitcoin. You may not agree it's worth the tradeoff, but people are selfish and may not actually understand or even care about SOPA legislation itself.

I think it's not inappropriate for something to be mentioned on the website about Bitcoin's philosophy being threatened by SOPA, but I agree Bitcoin should avoid making any bold political stands. Users could be reminded that SOPA affects yet another thing they care about, but it might be better to avoid it altogether. If any response is made, it should be a very light one.

-Alan

On 01/16/2012 07:30 PM, Amir Taaki wrote:

Bunk argument. This is an issue that affects bitcoin directly.

Wikipedia has far more need to remain neutral and apolitical than bitcoin ever does- you've read Satoshi's politically charged whitepaper or seen the genesis block quote.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Action

The Wikipedia community decided on a full and global blackout. Bitcoin should do the same in unison with the rest of the web- sites like Reddit, 4chan and Wikipedia.

It's funny / almost comical how you consign this to being just another issue or case of moral alarm. Sad.



----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff Garzik <jgarzik@exmulti.com>
To: Amir Taaki <zgenjix@yahoo.com>
Cc: "bitcoin-development@lists.sourceforge.net" <bitcoin-development@lists.sourceforge.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2012 10:37 PM
Subject: Re: [Bitcoin-development] bitcoin.org SOPA/PIPA blackout

On Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 5:09 PM, Amir Taaki <zgenjix@yahoo.com> wrote:

How is this not the most important world issue right now?

EVERYTHING is under threat. Go nuclear to show our nerd-rage.

Everybody blank your personal sites too. Americans, take to the streets. World, go scream at the US embassy.


There are always issues that raise ire and moral outrage.  I would
rather that bitcoin.org stay apolitical -- our users will appreciate
this in the long run.