I’m in support of the Tumblr blackout on January 18th, as I find it to be a worthwhile cause—but the goal of the blackout is to spread awareness, and to have you, the users of tumblr, act. 

Even though Obama has publicly stated he does not support SOPA or Protect IP, through the American government system, there is still a possibility a veto could be overruled by enough votes in the House and Senate.

I suggest you find your representative and senator and tell them how you feel about SOPA and Protect IP. I don’t care if you’re underage now, you are a vote for these people in the future. Talk about how the internet has impacted your life, the friends you have made, the world knowledge you have earned, anything. I don’t care if it’s an email or a phone call, though phone calls are vastly more home hitting—think about it. An email is impersonal, its distant, its hard to place the person’s emotions. Even if it is an intern on the other line, they’ll be able to hear your passion and concerns. There will be a voice, an identity put to the words you say.

If you’re not sure what to say, he’s a script you can use. However, try and use it just as a starting point. Discuss tumblr. Discuss the online forums you are on, like I said, anything.

If you have an issue with talking on the phone, like I do—call after hours. Representatives and Senators do have answering machines.

Most importantly, however, be polite. Being rude will not get your point across, but being polite will. I understand that there’s a lot of frustration in the American government at the moment, but if a politician is unaware of how the internet works or what an immense impact the internet has had on the younger generations, they’re not going to know. It’s our responsibility to let them know. 

Thanks!