Help Fund A 'Don't Mess With The Internet' Billboard In Lamar Smith's District

from the don't-mess-with-reddit dept

Mon, Mar 12th 2012 11:42am — Mike Masnick

Lamar Smith has really become the enemy of the internet. He's the main sponsor behind both SOPA and the very dangerous data retention bill that he disguised as an anti-child porn bill, even though it does nothing to stop child porn. Don't think the internet hasn't noticed. With lots of internet folks in Austin (part of which is covered by Lamar Smith's district), Erik Marin (GM of Reddit) and Holmes Wilson (co-founder of Fight for the Future) had the bright idea to buy a billboard in Smith's district with the slogan: Don't Mess with the Internet. The final design of the billboard is still being worked on, but Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian jumped right in and set up a crowdfunding campaign to try to raise the necessary $15,000. Feel free to join in and help send Lamar Smith a message...

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Filed Under: data retention, don't mess with the internet, lamar smith, sopa, sxsw

53 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 11:46am

How about a "Please fire Lamar Smith" billboard signed "the internet"
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 11:57am

Doesn't seem to be getting too much support...
Only $916 and it tilts at $15k, with only 3 days left?

I hope it makes it, but I'm afraid it won't get there.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 11:58am

Yes, because we all know how well political billboards work...
And please tell me for that kind of money, they're buying one, not renting, or there's something seriously screwed up with the system. I mean $15k for renting a spot for a large poster? That would be nuts!
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:02pm

'Congress, please dont mess with the internet until you know what you're talking about and it will then benefit the people, not corporations!'

or

'dont mess with OUR internet!'

or

'Lamar, the internet Doesn't need you!'
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:02pm

For those of you not in or from Texas...
The slogan "Don't mess with Texas" has been used since 1986 by TXDOT for PSA's and other promotional materials for a state-wide anti-littering campaign and the graphic in the article is a parody of the logo from the campaign.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Mess_with_Texas
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Ninja (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:03pm

They should directly mention Lamar Smith's name. If they can extend that deadline (wtf 3 days?) I'll donate, I just can't right now.
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[citation needed or GTFO], 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:04pm

Crap. Why didn't we know about this sooner?!
Only three days left and (as of this post) only 6%?

I don't know, isn't $15,000 in 7 days a bit too ambitious? I can see it getting 23% in that amount of time, but not enough to "tilt."

How many tries for this project do we get?
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TheNutman69321 (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:06pm

Re: Yes, because we all know how well political billboards work...
15k is right about in the middle of the range of billboard advertising rates for a 4 week ad. Actually seems a little low to me if it's gonna be in a city as big as Austin.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:11pm

When are you dweebs going to form a PAC? Come on, admit you are just being lobbyists and get it over with.
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[citation needed or GTFO], 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:14pm

Re:
dweebs

Gary Oak, is that you?
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jupiterkansas (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:16pm

Re:
$6000 at 2:15pm. Don't be so sure.
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jupiterkansas (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:18pm

Re: Crap. Why didn't we know about this sooner?!
40% two hours later. It can happen.
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TDR, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:19pm

I think I might reiterate a portion of one of the parodies i wrote last week.

To Lamar Smith:

Robin TPB: Is it not also illegal to steal the people's culture and usurp their rights for your own gain?
Prince John Lamar Smith: Careful, Robin, you've gone too far.
Robin TPB: I've only just begun. If you do not stop passing these evil laws, I shall lead the good people of the internet in a revolt against you.

What Lamar and those like him don't yet understand is that the revolt has already begun.

King Richard EFF: You are no longer worthy to wear this sacred symbol of authority! You have surrounded your given name with a foul stench.
Prince John Lamar Smith: Please have mercy on me, EFF. I got some really bad advice from Rottingham Dodd...
Netizens: *coughing* Bulls***! Bulls***!
King Richard EFF: From this day forth, all the porn sites on the internet shall be known as... Lamars!
Prince John Lamar Smith: NOOO!!
King Richard EFF: Take him away! Lock him in 4chan! Make him a part of /b.
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jupiterkansas (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:21pm

Re:
You mean like this: http://www.reddit.com/r/rpac
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[citation needed or GTFO], 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:21pm

Re: Re:
The frack?! I blinked.

How'd THAT happen in 20 minutes?
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:28pm

Re:
Don't underestimate the power of Reddit. 2 hours later and they're up to $6000. Somehow that $15k mark doesn't seem so unlikely anymore.
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Mike Masnick (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:41pm

Re:
Doesn't seem to be getting too much support...
Only $916 and it tilts at $15k, with only 3 days left?

It just launched this morning... This isn't a regular kickstarter thing with a month or whatever. It's a short term deal...
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:42pm

Re: Re:
No, that is just calling something "PAC". That isn't any different from Pacman or packing groceries.

I mean actually registering as a PAC. Anyone dare?
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:42pm

Re:
Who are the "you" that you seem to be referencing? Dweebs? What are you twelve years old?
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:42pm

Query
Does anyone know if Lamar Smith is literate? Maybe that's the problem.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 12:49pm

Im sorry, but you could not have used worser words to so easilly allow the opposition to use against us

We'll be labeled a bunch of childish neo naziz luvving, bullies.....or something

I get it, i feel the same way, but you should know your opponents by now, this is like fuel for them, you need too use words that isn't so easilly manipulated by them, its their only defence........you should have tried to get a message across, a slogan like

The Internet is for Liberty

To the point, and you cant exactly slur liberty, but im sure they'll have a hell of a time trying to slur the internet....again
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:05pm

Response to: Anonymous Coward on Mar 12th, 2012 @ 12:49pm
You are my hero.

I'd have deleted all references to Smith using a micro code virus in disk drives. After all, how can a non-person pass any laws?
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Jonathan, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:09pm

Re:
Mentioning a candidate's name changes the nature of the ad from persuasion to politics and in turn complicates the paperwork drastically.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:10pm

Re:
I disagree. Considering the audience and by this I mean Austin citizens who are VERY familiar with the original slogan and it's origins, this would be a PERFECT add to place and that it is for a limited time frame. I MIGHT agree with you if this were to be part of a national campaign were most people would get the reference to the original but it's not. And it pretty much sums up reality:

We know what you are trying to do and you better not jack with us anymore or we will have to bitch slap you again.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:12pm

Re: Re:
Ah, I didn't know it was a short term run. And holy shit Expires: 3 days 4 hours
To date: $6,160.00
1 hour for a $5k jump?
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William Malette, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:13pm

Letter to Editors
Send letters to the editors of all local papers in his district asking how many motion picture and recording industry personnel live in the district. Asking,if the number is very small, who does Lamar Smith represent? If you are prone to get surly then ask who is really responsible for unleashing this guy on the rest of the nation and the world.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:21pm

Re: Re:
Besides, it's not so much an ad, but rather a public statement. Since it's being crowdfunded online, and being placed in his home district, it's kind of like putting a giant statue of a middle finger right on his front lawn. I like it.
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E. Zachary Knight (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:26pm

Re:
I really don't see the problem with the wording. I think it could have been just as effective as "Don't tread on the Internet" with the accompanying snake.

I also don't see how this wording could be turned against anyone. It is making the statement that the internet is fine how it is and we should be messing it up. How is that bad?
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ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:32pm

Re: Re:
This isn't a regular kickstarter thing with a month or whatever...

And that's working against them. In terms of time, payment, and their weird link to Facebook (seriously?)
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:32pm

Re: Re: Re:
At the federal level, an organization becomes a PAC when it receives more than $1,000 according to the Federal Election Campaign Act.[2] At the state level, an organization becomes a PAC according to the state's election laws.

http://testpacpleaseignore.org

Troll on, brave internet warrior!
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:34pm

Re: Re:
I predict that the internet will have a major role in the upcoming USA elections

The Internet Stands for Liberty

Just sounds right to me, and an indication of what the internet in the right hands can stand for

I know you want to send a message to them (you know who you are), but i personally think better time is spent "educating" (their words, not mine), new supporters, build build build, then slam dunk, only, when we know we have EXTREME support(numbers), they still have the power, where it counts, like it or not, so do we, but i dont want them getting desperate without us being ready, if that makes sense.........i think their capable of alot worse, and in desperate times, what will they be willing to do, and will we be capable to fight it
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:35pm

Re: Re:
The original "Don't mess with Texas" anti-littering campaign was HUGELY successful state-wide, ran practically FOREVER, will be something EVERYONE in the area will be familiar with. It's a really good play to parodying it.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:43pm

Re: Re:
"I also don't see how this wording could be turned against anyone"

Dont Mess with the Internet

Going by past comments i can predict some saying some such

They're all a bunch of bullies

They think they're entitled to everything

The pirates speak back

Them geeks, what are they like....puh

i apologise i dont mean to unwittingly offend anyone here, i know how stupid these examples sound, but dont underestimate their assumptions on our stupidity, its just the kind ball park kind of things i can see some of them saying/writing/BROADCASTING
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:45pm

Re: Re: Re:
Purely for the reason of slandering in order to garner support from those who believe them
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:46pm

Re: Re: Re:
I don't know about how much impact it will have on this year's elections because the usual players were already in place before D-day so we can really only choose from more of the same. However for FUTURE elections, THAT is a different story all together. I do agree that things are being changed and the efforts to involve the public in drafting legislation are in my opinion where it's starting and they have no clue how forceful it will be. It's not just about piracy and copyright or even Internet privacy. It's the fact that people have had enough of the corruption and manipulation on ALL ISSUES and are now working to change the entire system so that this sort of thing can't happen ever again regardless of the issue. Again, they don't have a clue.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:50pm

Re: Re: Re: Re:
"The original "Don't mess with Texas" anti-littering campaign was HUGELY successful state-wide, ran practically FOREVER, will be something EVERYONE in the area will be familiar with. It's a really good play to parodying it."

I was not aware of that, i agree with the line of thinking, and the more i think of the parody the more my smile lines tighten........ill concede to some extent, its not as bad as i originally thought, considering, but i still think they'll have a shot at it, its their nature
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E. Zachary Knight (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 1:58pm

Re: Re: Re:
All of those things could be said with or without this slogan, and have actually already been said. So I still don't see why that makes this slogan bad.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 2:12pm

Re: Re: Re: Re:
I concede my friend, i just thought that someone somewhere would be able to find those "magic" words, that, if anyone were to try to slander, would find it very difficult to do without making themselves look bad i.e. liberty, for example, essentially.......un-slanderable........no, i dont think thats a word
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Zos (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 2:30pm

Re: Letter to Editors
We did something similar when he was blocking the marijuana decrim bill from even getting a hearing, turned out he had a private prison in his district and they had contributed a healthy amount to his reelection.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 2:42pm

Re: Re:
No, I was trying not to use something that would get Techdirt banned in more countries. Self-satisfying monkeys was the other alternative, but it was longer to type.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 2:57pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Although TXDOT won't be happy about it. They on the trademark on the slogan and have sued several times for infringement when people used it or variations of it. At least though since this is being used in parody (fair use) to make a political statement and not in commerce (necessary for trademark infringement) there shouldn't be any legal problems there.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 2:58pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
*They own the trademark
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Patrick, 12 Mar 2012 @ 5:23pm

Re: Re: Re:
Reddit.com/r/testpac

It's a federally registered PAC crowdsourcing all of its actions.
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abc gum, 12 Mar 2012 @ 5:29pm

Re:
"worser"

really?
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The Devil's Coachman (profile), 12 Mar 2012 @ 7:49pm

Re:
Better yet, how about a "When Lamar Smith isn't trying to destroy the Internet, he's probably planning to rape your horses."?
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[citation needed or GTFO], 12 Mar 2012 @ 10:57pm

Isn't there a flaw in this plan?
Let's say that they do manage to get the money to advertise.

What's stopping Mr. "I Can't Hear You" from monopolizing the billboards, effectively cock-blocking?
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2012 @ 11:08pm

Re: Re: Letter to Editors
Prisoners are allowed to vote?
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Jeremy Lyman (profile), 13 Mar 2012 @ 4:43am

Re: Re: Re:
I think it's called the internets.
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Ninja (profile), 13 Mar 2012 @ 5:16am

Re: Re:
Ok, 7k done in less than a day is enough of a motivation. And I was gonna donate but...

Right now, Crowdtilt can only be used with U.S. based credit cards and banks.

=(
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Mar 2012 @ 7:48am

Re: Query
No. I think he's just an egotistical idiot used to business as usual politics (ie. doing his part for special interests after taking their money). Given the geographic location for his district (ie. Austin/San Antonio area) and the fact that Austin is 1. a HUGE tech center (ie. Dell and others are centered there) and 2. a HUGE college town with a long history of political activism. I think it may be difficult for him to find support for re-election when his term is up - especially since they keep attempting to push the same sort of unpopular measures through other means which keeps memory of it fresh in users minds.
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[citation needed or GTFO], 15 Mar 2012 @ 12:18am

Well, damn.
They actually managed to succeed. That is freakin' awesome.
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[citation needed or GTFO], 15 Mar 2012 @ 12:20am

Well, damn.
They actually managed to succeed with plenty of time to spare.

I am stunned and awestruck at the sheer awesomeness.
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Jeremy Lyman (profile), 16 Mar 2012 @ 5:00am

Re: Well, damn.
Now let's just hope Lamar a) is literate and b) understands that this is directed at him.
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