So what's a good way to...

[Nutz]

So what's a good way to voice my displeasure with:

A. Gestapo tactics the RIAA and MPAA are taking
B. Blatant antitrust/mopolization in the corporate world that the DOJ does nothing about
C. Obliteration of fair-use doctrine and first sale rights on a seemingly daily basis (by easily bought politicians)

My solutions to regaining our civil and comsumer rights in an eroding free market:

1. No more buying DVD's or CD's... ever.
2. Pay attention the next time someone is talking about campaign finance reform
3. Email, letters, and phone calls to congressman. This seems futile to me since every time I have tried contacting my congresmen I either get willfully dismissed, or they take the side of the corporations I'm displeased with.

My question to you is, what are we to do when the world is against us? Palladium is upon us, our senators and representatives are ignorant to IT (or they're easily persuaded by the almighty buck), and the DMCA still hasn't been revoked or ammended. I can't help but think things are going to get worse before they get better. Eventually watching movies and listening to music will be pay-per-play and our rights to do anything about it will be striped so far as to do anything counter to what the corporations deem legit will land you in jail, possibly as a "terrorist". Hell, I'm half tempted to ask for asylum to Sealand.

 

[LordMaul]

Use KaZaA!

Er..

:Q

 

[J3anyus]

You could always try taking over the world.

Really, you can't do anything about it. America is run by a bunch of politicians who will sacrifice anything to feel a little more secure. The best thing you can do is move to Canada or Australia or somewhere else.

 

[kranky]

It's curious that you say every time you've contacted your congressman you've been ignored or told he/she is on the other side. Most times they are very careful to say they appreciate your viewpoint and will carefully consider it.

Nonetheless, I think that's the way to make an impact. If the legislators only hear from the RIAA, etc., they will never understand the other side of the story. If people contacted their Senators and Representatives, with a logical and calm explanation as to the problems with the DMCA or whatever I guarantee they would listen. All they want is to be re-elected, and if enough people write to say they are unhappy with their stand on a certain issue they will sit up and pay attention.

But you have to be calm, and explain WHY it's a bad idea. I think the best position is to explain how it impacts your rights to make backup copies, play a purchased CD wherever/whenever you want, etc. Don't complain about greed, how expensive CDs are, etc. because that doesn't matter to them. And ask for an explanation on where they stand on the issue you are writing about.

A snailmail letter has more impact than email or a phone call, because they know it takes longer to prepare.