Clay Shirky’s manifesto on SOPA/PIPA is a crystal clear and
perfect narration that depicts what has happened overtime in regards to
copyright infringement laws and technology. He describes all the significant
laws that have tried to mold our evolving society. The knowledge shared is
objective and very precise. This speech carries its listeners on a clear path
through the history of past legislations that lead up to the major issue that
was face in January 2012 known as SOPA/PIPA.
When I first heard about the legislation that was trying to
be passed, I wasn’t very knowledgeable about the history that led to it as
accurately as described during Shirky’s speech. Many of the other articles and
videos I read gave me a general idea, but many of them contained subjective
content.
Clay Shirky’s makes his message clear by doing a
few things that stand out quite vividly. He began by telling a story about how
copyright infringement laws hindered an aspect of a niche used by a small local
business in his neighborhood using a paper plate sign. The story creatively sets
a solid tone and foundation for everything to be said afterwards. The sign
also added a hint of American involvement, which is obviously related to the
subject. It seemed to speak a greater purpose that silently stated, “This is
what is happening here in America”. It also seamlessly showed the true intent
of SOPA/PIPA, which is clearly described in the most objective way. At this
point, the audience was completely vested in everything he had to say without
any room for deviation. This technique of business storytelling is phenomenal
because it compels the audience to focus on the content matter. The second
greatest factor about the speech involved the strong and powerful closing remark
that initiated thoughts and perspective to everything that was mentioned, “Time
Warner has called and they want us all back on the couch, just consuming — not
producing, not sharing — and we should say, ‘No.” Clay Shirky. I thoroughly enjoyed the content and delivery of everything said. I also find this information to be invaluable.
