Poll: Should "The Escapist" stop covering E3 while the ESA still supports SOPA/PIPA?

[jonnosferatu]

I'm still pro-SOPA here, so I'm going to have to say no. Sure, it's a drastic thing to do, but then I think drastic measures are needed to stop piracy. And thus far I don't have any issues with the side that the ESA is lobbying, nor do I think that this extortion of them is justified.
Moreover, as far as this Extra Credits thing is concerned, they themselves haven't given any arguments for their opposition. No doubt they'll discuss that in episode 24b, but until then all they've done is announce that opposition.
That said, I can't say that I'm not moved by how far some people will go to fight for what they believe in, despite that not being my own and personal belief.

Would you mind rationally explaining your argument in favor of SOPA and your rebuttal to the mountains of credible voices arguing against it in the affected industries?

Hell, even assuming it works exactly as written, the effects largely just be a slight redistribution of market spending -
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/how-copyright-industries-con-congress/

 

[lord.jeff]

No, a lot of developers that don't support SOPA rely on E3 for getting know and unless another venue of that scale comes along to give them that then, the lack of coverage could hurt them just as much as it hurts the ESA.

 

[2xDouble]

I'm still pro-SOPA here, so I'm going to have to say no. Sure, it's a drastic thing to do, but then I think drastic measures are needed to stop piracy.

True. Piracy is a big, recurring, annoying problem... like gonorrhea. But enacting SOPA and/or PIPA is like treating that gonorrhea with strychnine. Yeah, it might kill the problem, but at what cost?

 

[thenumberthirteen]

Well "should" is a strong word. Thing is while it may be a good way to stand up and protest you have to think about whether they can afford to do it. It is a big (THE big event) gaming event of the year. I want to read about it, and many other people do too. It's their job to cover news, and so it's a hard choice to make.

I hope it doesn't come to that.

 

[Sonicron]

Dear Escapist Magazine, please do not attend and/or cover this year's E3 in any way as long as the ESA keeps throwing its weight behind SOPA and PIPA. Help send a message to these folks in the most effective way possible - by aiming for their wallets. I know I certainly won't lose any sleep over missing E3 coverage.

 

[Frank_Sinatra_]

Damn right they shouldn't support E3 if the ESA will support SOPA. The ESA needs to realize that even if they have all the money, they're only as powerful as the people behind them, and if we won't march to their beat, they'll feel it.

 

[Not-here-anymore]

I'm still pro-SOPA here, so I'm going to have to say no. Sure, it's a drastic thing to do, but then I think drastic measures are needed to stop piracy. And thus far I don't have any issues with the side that the ESA is lobbying, nor do I think that this extortion of them is justified.
Moreover, as far as this Extra Credits thing is concerned, they themselves haven't given any arguments for their opposition. No doubt they'll discuss that in episode 24b, but until then all they've done is announce that opposition.
That said, I can't say that I'm not moved by how far some people will go to fight for what they believe in, despite that not being my own and personal belief.

I agree that to stop piracy, drastic measures would be needed. But not this.

http://blog.reddit.com/2012/01/technical-examination-of-sopa-and.html

The main issue is that it doesn't stop piracy. It just makes it easier for the entertainment industry to go after anyone who has music in the background of their kid's party when they put the video on youtube.

 

[lacktheknack]

I'm concerned.

I REALLY don't want the Escapist covering it. I'd love for them to cover the crap out of individual companies that ditch E3 this year.

On the other hand, if a lot of media pull out of E3, the ones that will stay will be offered much more money. And from what I can tell, the Escapist is still in dire straits financially. And I'm not sure that covering the companies that jumped ship would offset the loss the Escapist would get from not covering E3.

I certainly hope so...

 

[burningdragoon]

Ok, seeing how this thread is picked up some steam, I'll be more direct. Here's the page to contact the site staff: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/contact/

No, a lot of developers that don't support SOPA rely on E3 for getting know and unless another venue of that scale comes along to give them that then, the lack of coverage could hurt them just as much as it hurts the ESA.

That's true, but it's missing the point. The boycott is to get the ESA to wake up and pull their financial support of SOPA. If they do, then the boycott is successful and everyone can resume E3 plans. And if watch the video on Penny Arcade, the E3 boycott is not just for gaming news/journalism sites, but for any developers that don't approve of SOPA to join in as well. Basically, it's a game of chicken.

Edit: oh and by going to E3, they are giving money to the ESA who do support SOPA. So effectively, those developers are also supporting SOPA.

 

[Darth Sea Bass]

I totally think the escapist should boycott E3 i understand they may need the money but the more websites/organisations that are vocal in support of a boycott the sooner the ESA will buckle!

 

[Gemore]

The Escapist should not cover E3 while the ESA still supports SOPA/PIPA.

Please

 

[ResonanceSD]

OPEN, the alternative to SOPA that would actually work. Check it out.

OT: Yes. Yes they should.

 

[Mike Richards]

While it's unfortunately doubtful that The Escapist will be able to avoid covering something this big, I think that just makes it all the more important that we tell them that we will not support the ESA while they refuse to support us.

 

[Sir Thomas Sean Connery]

I hope they do, but if it is a major source of revenue and popularity for them, then no.

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

I think the decision should be solely theirs. It's very easy for us to ask them to abstain from an event that brings them publicity and money.

Pretty much what I came here to say.

The Escapist is a business just like any other, and there is little to be gained by taking the moral high ground if you shoot yourself in the foot financially. If this site ran on wishes and goodwill then I'd say it's a no-brainer, but this is a real company that operates in the real world and cannot afford to potentially alienate itself from the gaming industry. This decision belongs in the hands of the people who rely on this site for employment, not us.

 

[BrEnNo1023]

Without a doubt.

Alexander Macris, if you happen to come across this post (which is doubtful), keep this in mind. Send no Themis Media staff of any kind to E3. Offer no coverage. No streams of press conferences. No articles. Not even a single tweet.

This doesn't have to end there. As developers start to pull out, if they pull out, reach out to them. Give in-depth exclusives and first looks at what they were going to exhibit at the show. Contact other gamig news outlets and encourage them to do the same. Make it so that they don't lose any coverage from now attending the convention. Help do your part to show that not only does the ESA not speak for the industry, but if push comes to shove the industry doesn't need the ESA.

THIS. Is so true.
When it comes down to it, it's just that simple. In no way, shape or form does the ESA control anything. Since I learned they support this, they are losing my respect for a LOT longer than just a few days until the bills are rejected (IT MUST BE REJECTED). Whether the bills pass or not, this move by the Entertainment Software Association is IMO a blatant display of greed and close-mindedness, and is a breach of the trust of the gaming industry and community and everything associated with it.

The only things these bills prevent are free speech and information. Reddit's examination on the two bills says it ALL.

Escapist, you must not attend E3! Think of all we have to lose. It's not just the ESA that's the problem, but they're a big powerhouse of money and muscle and if they realise just what they have to lose, maybe changing their minds will make a difference...

 

[DarkRyter]

Ideally, they should cover how no one's at E3.