User:Scott MacDonald

Protesting the death of an encyclopedia.

The blackout of the English Wikipedia destroys for ever the concept of its political and geographical neutrality. It means rather than an open group of international contributors, uniting solely round their commitment to writing an encyclopedia, with nothing else implied, Wikipedia is now associated with a particular political position in a particular nation. While many, or most, Wikipedians may happen to hold this political position in common, it ought to have been irrelevant to editing here. Now it is not, a precedent has been set, and something important has died.

Some will say, "but SOPA is so important, and it affects us, so we must do something". But here is my problem. Do I agree with opposing SOPA? Or, do I have a different opinion that makes me wish to disassociate myself from the action that is being taken in the name of the community? Either way, my opinion on a political issue is now pertinent to my association with this community. You asked me a question that ought to have been irrelevant to editing here. That is new. That is wrong. Wikipedians came here united around five pillars - and five pillars only. I was not asked, and do not wish, to negotiate a sixth. Yes I know that, even were I to vocally support SOPA, I would still be welcome here. But that I am even asked the question changes everything. For the first time, Jimbo Wales has asked, and the community has agreed, that we no longer leave our own ideologies at the door.

In protest at this action, and mourning the day that the five pillars ceased to be the sole ideology of Wikipedia, I will not be contributing.

See also, "Do not disrupt Wikipedia to illustrate a point". Yes, even a point you think is righteous.

...instead encourage people to adopt an attitude of 'Here we are Wikipedians, out there we are advocates'.

The point is, we don't act in Wikipedia as a Democrat, a Republican, a pro-Lifer, a pro-Choicer, or whatever. Here we are Wikipedians, which means: thoughtful, loving, neutral"

Jimbo Wales 19:58, 29 December 2005 - a different age?

"that's just silly. Closing a global business in reaction to single-issue national politics is foolish."

Dick Costolo (CEO Twitter) 20:48 PM 16 Jan 2011

If you are in sympathy with my protest, you may indicate support below (no discussion here please):

1. — Joseph Fox 10:09, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
2. Jenks24 (talk) 10:20, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
3. Hyperbolic but true. AGK [•] 10:22, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
4. I will also be withdrawing my support.  An optimist on the run! 10:22, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
5. Ditto AGK. --Philosopher ^{Let us reason together.} via alternate account 12:55, 17 January 2012 (UTC)