Clay Shirky's Magnificent Speech on SOPA/PIPA

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.