Wikipedia to Shut Down in Protest of SOPA and PIPA ⇥

Wales used his Twitter account to spread the news, writing “Student warning! Do your homework early. Wikipedia protesting bad law on Wednesday! #sopa”

In place of Wikipedia, users will see instructions for how to reach local members of Congress, which Wales hopes “will melt phone systems in Washington.”

This won’t directly motivate lawmakers. As made evident by debate transcripts, a number of them are convinced that the internet is just a trend or a blip. What this widespread blackout will do, however, is convince people to contact their representative to voice their opinion. The average person receiving their news from almost any mainstream source likely hasn’t heard of the legislation, and this blackout will both inform and motivate them.