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(Mis)Uses of Technology

by Mike Masnick

Wed, May 23rd 2012 5:05am


Filed Under:
alexis ohanian, austin, erik martin, fight for the future, holmes wilson, lamar smith, reddit, san antonio, sxsw


The Internet Puts Up A Billboard In Front Of Lamar Smith's Office: Don't Mess With The Internet

from the will-he-notice? dept

You may recall that, back in March, on a whim based on a discussion at SXSW, Alexis Ohanian and Erik Martin (from Reddit) teamed up with Holmes Wilson (from Fight for the Future) to crowdfund a billboard to go up in Lamar Smith's district in Austin. It turns out that you internet people don't mind paying after all, and helped fund two billboards which have now gone up in Smith's district, including one across the street from his office in San Antonio, and a second one on "Lamar Blvd" in Austin
Oh, and Ohanian's BreadPig is selling a "Don't Mess with the Internet" t-shirt, where each sale will help fund Fight for the Future and its new Internet Defense League -- which you should join, in part because if you do cool things to help defend the internet, they hand out totally awesome medals.
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Reader Comments (rss)

(Flattened / Threaded)

  1. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:08am

    Hilarioussssss.
    Wow, you guys have got such a hot sense of humor.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    John Doe, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:15am

    Where is the like button?

    Cause I like.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:20am

    The internet serious business.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:30am

    Re:

    glad you finally noticed

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  5. icon
    freesamples (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:35am

    You know things are serious when medals are getting handed out . . .

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  6. icon
    gorehound (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:37am

    Re: Where is the like button?

    +1
    Count Me In on that !!!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  7. icon
    Kingster (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:38am

    Re:

    Actually, I find it very hilarious, and snide, and think that the only way it could be any better is by having a dude holding up two middle fingers and saying "F U Lamar!"... But I don't think that would fly.

    What would your more highly developed ventromedial frontal lobe produce?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  8. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:40am

    how long before Lamar Smith issues a 'take down' notice then?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  9. identicon
    Digitari, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:49am

    RE

    can we get rubber Lamar Smith masks so we can wear egg on them???? I'd buy one

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  10. icon
    Chris Rhodes (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:49am

    Re: Re: Where is the like button?

    They should put an electronic "Like" counter up on it and sync it to a Facebook page.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  11. icon
    The Devil's Coachman (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:54am

    Re: Re: Re: Where is the like button?

    It would make the National Debt Counter look like a sundial in comparison.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  12. icon
    The Devil's Coachman (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:55am

    Re: Re:

    Your assumption that he has one is not necessarily valid.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  13. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:13am

    Next step, claim Lamar's seat, and let his loss serve as a reminder to other politicians what happens when you mess with the internet.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  14. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:21am

    Oh, lookie. Some deluded and naive pirate gave Mike a medal.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  15. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:27am

    So who funds fightforthefuture.org, anyway?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  16. icon
    Ninja (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:27am

    The internet has scored.. well, +100.000 internets with this one. At the time I couldn't donate (damn international payment issues) but I'm glad we actually funded TWO billboards!!!!!

    This crowdsourcing thing is damn powerful o.o

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  17. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:27am

    Re:

    Please go do something anatomically impossible to yourself. You have yourself a nice day.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  18. icon
    Ninja (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:30am

    Re:

    The Internet: doing serious business, one meme at a time.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  19. icon
    The Spork (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:34am

    lol-tastic

    I hope Lamar realizes he is toast now. Go IDF!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  20. icon
    Ninja (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:34am

    Re:

    They found that pot of gold in the end of a rainbow.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  21. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:35am

    Re: Where is the like button?

    Will the Like button track me every time I look at it, just like the one on the Internet?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  22. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:37am

    It's over 9000!!!!!!!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  23. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:37am

    Re:

    Translation: I'm a big loser that has never won anything, therefore, I feel obligated to piss on everyone else's parade.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  24. icon
    Chuck Norris' Enemy (deceased) (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:38am

    Re:

    Big Search and Big Piracy, of course.

    /bob

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  25. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:49am

    Re:

    Oh lookie... some deluded and naive AC supports Lamar Smith!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  26. icon
    weneedhelp (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 7:01am

    ClearChannel

    The ClearChannel logo kind of kills it.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  27. icon
    The eejit (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 7:30am

    Re: Re:

    I thought the MAFIAA had stolen it to pay for hookers and blow!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  28. identicon
    Glen, May 23rd, 2012 @ 7:40am

    And yet, some clueless jackass will blame Google for this too.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  29. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 8:08am

    Re:

    Sounds like someone needs to call you the wambulance.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  30. icon
    Josh in CharlotteNC (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 8:51am

    Re: ClearChannel

    You mean the wifi logo? Since when did ClearChannel start using that - I thought theirs was a stylized C?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  31. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 8:52am

    Re: ClearChannel

    I'm assuming that ClearChannel is the owner of the sign. In my area, on billboards like that, there is a logo in the same spot which I know is the owner of most of the billboards in my city. The number on the lower left is the sign ID. If you want to advertise on that board, you then know who to call and also how to identify the sign to them to rent the space.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  32. icon
    Josh in CharlotteNC (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 8:53am

    Re: Re: ClearChannel

    Argh. Nevermind. It was so tiny I didn't notice it.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  33. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 8:57am

    Look at the bottom center of the billboard, on the support frame.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  34. icon
    harbingerofdoom (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 9:19am

    Re:

    i am unable to hear the intended levels of sarcasm you intended due to the overwhelming level of awesome found in those medals.


    good day to you sir.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  35. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 9:35am

    Why is "Lamar Blvd" in quotes? Would you write "Main Street" like that? It's not the name of a fake or ironic place. I dislike grammar Nazis, but I hate the inappropriate use of scare quotes more.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  36. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:13am

    Re:

    Let him have his moment in the sun. The apologists are big on self-congratulations and creating meaningless forms of self-recognition. I'm sure he wears it around town like an aging Soviet WWII vet with dementia and probably wears it to bed at night as well. You know pirates, it's all about the bling.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  37. icon
    Mike Masnick (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:18am

    Re:

    Oh, lookie. Some deluded and naive pirate gave Mike a medal.


    I knew you'd be jealous.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  38. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:18am

    HaHaHa.....GENIUS!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  39. icon
    Ninja (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:26am

    Re: Re:

    Marked as funny. But I think that might not have been your intention. Good job!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  40. identicon
    Vincent Giannell, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:28am

    I have a feeling Lamar Smith will be pissed off by that sign, take it as an insult, and order someone to take it down.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  41. identicon
    Joe Blow, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:28am

    Where's my coffee mug

    Just bought my t-shirt. Now I have something to wear when I visit Mr. Smith's office.

    Being in Austin, I'm ashamed that this man is our representative.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  42. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:33am

    Re:

    Emphasis on the name related? Irony? On another comment, why would any1 care about the quote?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  43. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:36am

    Re:

    I bet it's the Google... =P

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  44. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:40am

    Re: Re:

    @36
    Very nicely, with the slander, give yourself a pat on the back, your getting very good at it

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  45. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 10:51am

    Re:

    It's a trick question, the takedown will be from the state of Texas.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  46. icon
    The Groove Tiger (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 11:39am

    Re:

    "So who funds fightforthefuture.org, anyway?"

    The internet. Duh!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  47. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 12:10pm

    Kind of ironic with Clear Channel right below it ya?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  48. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 12:12pm

    Re: ClearChannel

    What irony!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  49. identicon
    The Internet, May 23rd, 2012 @ 2:12pm

    I'm hoping Lamar can read, cause he sure hasn't listened!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  50. icon
    Hephaestus (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 4:31pm

    Re: Re: Re:

    "Your assumption that he has one is not necessarily valid."

    If you mean Lamar Smith having a frontal lobe, he doesn't. He has a bill slot on the front of his head that only accepts $100 USD bills from lobbyists.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  51. icon
    Hephaestus (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 4:40pm

    Re: Re:

    He is not jealous, just undergoing a slow speed mental break down.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  52. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:08pm

    Re: Where's my coffee mug

    At least you have the privilege of voting against him. Really wish I could do that.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  53. icon
    That One Guy (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 5:31pm

    Re: Re:

    ... paid for by Lamar Smith.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  54. identicon
    Hosting en Chile, May 23rd, 2012 @ 6:44pm

    hahaha, that's the attitude, I would have liked to see the Lammar's face the first time he looked out the window and found this.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  55. icon
    Hak Foo (profile), May 23rd, 2012 @ 8:27pm

    I find it ironic that, by buying a T-shirt, we're contributing to the demise of people who whine "a world without IP requires musicians to just sell T-shirts"

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  56. identicon
    Anonymous, May 24th, 2012 @ 5:24am

    While I applaud the effort, the sign could have accomplished a lot more by simply mentioning Lamar Smith's name. 99% of the people reading this billboard will have no clue what it's about and will not go to the website or do any further research to educate themselves about the topic. I bet Lamar Smith would be much more concerned and upset by a sign that read, "Don't mess with the Internet, Lamar Smith. We can vote you out."

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  57. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, May 24th, 2012 @ 6:32am

    Hahaha... $Chan: Still selling out after all these years.

    *is still convinced that anything the online troll community does nowadays is for media attention and publicity, therefore defeating the purpose of the legions so-called anonymity*

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  58. identicon
    PT, May 24th, 2012 @ 4:36pm

    Re: Re: Where's my coffee mug

    You could make a contribution to his primary challenger, Sheriff Mack. About the only way you can unseat an incumbent in a Gerrymandered state like Texas is in the primaries. But you'll have to hurry, the primary is next Tuesday.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  59. identicon
    PT, May 24th, 2012 @ 4:39pm

    Re:

    Actually I think 99% of people who see this will know exactly what it's about. It's been a major issue in the primary.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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