We Want a Free Internet - SOPA & PIPA

MicroJuris.com to livestream tonight's event -

Tonight's presentation by Lcdo. Fernando Cervoni will be livestreamed courtesy of MicroJuris.com. Please visit the Microjuris.com event detail page for more information.

Internet Freedom in Puerto Rico & The World

Free event about SOPA & PIPA -

Last week, due to the overwhelming support of major websites, the intellectual copyright protection bills SOPA and PIPA were defeated. That is, at least for now. So, please my friends, let's remain vigilant, because I can assure you that the interests which help breathe life into these bills will not rest.

Further, if the last 40 years is any indication, we are likely to see some sort of intellectual protection bill make it to the floor of the US Congress and end up in some president's hands for signature. Mark my word, this issue is not dead. More like the living dead, a zombie issue, if you like. It will just keep on coming and coming until it overhwlems everyone or we can deliver a kill shot to Hollywood's head. Many companies are trying to do just that. These companies believe that the only way to kill the intellectual property rights legisilation is to out innovate Hoolywood and deliver solutions that make their demands obsolete. I wish them the best of luck.

In the meantime, we've got to be ready. The first task is to arm oursleves with information. This Thursday night, we've got an excellent opportunity to get started. Lcdo. Fernando Cervoni will be giving a speech about SOPA and PIPA in the theater of the Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad Interamericana Campus at 6:30pm. The speech "Queremos un Internet Libre - SOPA & PIPA" will be hosted by the Internet Society of Puerto Rico. I believe the event is free and open to the public, so on behalf of Lcdo. Cervoni, I cordially you invite you to attend. There is more information available on the ISOC-PR Facebook Page.

RIP Karla: New Testament Analysis

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone" -

Last Saturday, El Nuevo Dia ran an editorial ("Una Muerte En El Piel Del Pais") that essentially blamed the people that may have been complicit in the senseless murder of Karla Negrón. The latest victim of a "bala perdida" (stray bullet) on New Year's Eve, Karla's passing has become a symbol for Puerto Rico's raging crime.

As the editorial claims "En cada lugar y en cada comunidad desde la cuales, [...], individuos desalmados hicieron disparos al aire, es seguro que hubo otras personas que fueron testigos directos o indirectos de esa reprochable y disocidora actividad." Bluntly put, the editorial insists that everywhere someone discahrged a weapon into the air, there had to be witnesses.

The editorial continues to suggest that there are ways to report such activity. Yeah right, would you stick out your neck and report someone you know to be in possession of and willing to use firearms? The editorial continues by suggesting that by reporting these crimes, the informants would help reduce crime and restore peace to our communities.

Analysis

This editorial reminded of a New Testament story that I think applies perfectly. As Mary Magdelene is being threatened with stoning for accusations of prostitution, Jesus steps in and tells the crowd: "Let he among you, that is without sin, cast the first stone." Reluctantly, the crowd examines their conscience and quietly disperses.

This is a powerful story and very instructive in this situation. First, while regrettable, Karla's death is, in my opinion, just another example of broken windows theory. Simply put, broken windows theory suggests that when citizens see laws being broken, then they feel empowered to also break the law.

From top to bottom, and east to west, Puerto Rico is drowning in lawlessness. From illegal businesses, to contraband trafficking, to corruption (kickbacks, bribes, etc.), to organized crime (gangs), and, unfortunately, to murder. We talk of "balas perdidas," but rarely does anyone complain about illegal fireworks. While some fireworks are legal in Puerto Rico, all fireworks that explode or shoot a projectile into the air are illegal for use in Puerto Rico. They are illegally brought into Puerto Rico through our ports and plainly sold in our streets. In this instance, there really isn't any difference between illegal drugs and illegal fireworks; both are contraband.

So I ask, how many of you out there reported your friends and family members for the use of illegal fireworks? If you ever want to visibly witness just how prevalent crime is accepted in Puerto Rico, all you have to do is wait for New Year's Eve. Every firework you see explode in the midnight sky, is all the evidence you need.

It is pure hypocrisy for anyone to accuse Karla's murderer of breaking by the law by anyone who knowingly and willingly bought and discharged illegal fireworks. In the eyes of the law they are BOTH crimes. It is at this point in our analysis that we enter the very slippery slope.

Most people will respond, but one crime is for our enjoyment, and doesn't really hurt anyone. Most will continue on to say, but murder is another thing altogether. I am not justifying either, both are part of the same environment. While "decent" citizens turn a blind eye and maybe even rejoice at the beautiful display of illegal fireworks, the witnesses of a murder do the moral equivalent. They turn a blind eye.

The second lesson we should take from Karla's repugnant murder is that there can not be two standards. There is no grounds to justify discharging illegal fireworks or discharging guns into the air. Everyone wants to draw a line between the criminals responsible for Karla's death and "decent" citizens. We want to justify our crimes by saying, "I'm a good person," and THEY are criminals. You also hear the same argument when politicians get caught for corruption. We want to be able to say THEY are corrupt, but we are not.

Let's take another example: illegal businesses and corporate corruption. Most "decent" citizens who partake of these crimes justify their actions by rationalizing that they were only providing for their families. It is not a coincidence that many gang members make the same claim.

Again, where things get slippery is by one set of the population justifying one set of crimes, while simultaneously condemning the other. The difference to many is in how they perceive themselves. If they fall into the "normal" group who are criminals out of convenience, then they say to themselves that breaking the law is understandable. They may confess their crimes, but they are fundamentally "good" people.

These "good" people look down at the "bad" people who are conducting murder. They want to be able to lump the "bad" criminals together, and not include themselves. They even go so far as to say, that "bad" people that get murdered deserve it because they should have known better then to get involved in gangs or trafficking in contraband.

I think very few people want to be criminals. In many situations the environment that they live in, creates situations that are morally grey. Drive by any informal flea market and take a poll, do the merchants there believe they are criminals? Ask most gang member the same question, and I think you might be surprised by their answers.

Conclusion

We can not have one set of society that commits crimes, but are accepted; and another that commits crimes, but are condemned. As a citizen of Puerto Rico, I say, this is our problem. Drugs and gangs are not the problem, our indifference to crime is. The same environment that permits doctors to commit Medicaid fraud or merchants to sell their products in flea markets, is the same environment that permits rampant gang participation. We can not draw a line between the two environments, because they are the same; we are one society.

Skrillex in Puerto Rico Video

Cool video highlights awesome performance.



What's weird is that I don't remember it being anything like this. LOL

Skrillex in Puerto Rico: Ultimate Rave

From the first booming bass notes that Skrillex dropped, it was clear that Puerto Rico was about to experience the best electronic dance rave, ever to happen on the isle of enchantment. It's hard to describe something that you never even thought was possible, but I'll try.

Sure, this was Skrillex, but I had never imagined a show could have that much energy, that much intesity, and be so enjoyable. Performing to a massive crowd, Skrillex is clearly leading the pack of techno/dubstep/drum and bass music.

The Show

Estimates by Skrillex on his Twitter feed put the audience inside Escobar Sixto stadium between 10 to 13 thousand people, and it felt like it. From the moment I got through security, I headed straight towards the front. I was determined to be close when Skrillex hit the stage.

The mass of humanity I had to struggle through was enormous. Once I got as close as I could Alvin Risk had finished most of his set and Zedd came on. It was pure insanity! Everyone down front was battling a crush of human flesh pressing down on us. Security staff were pushing back against of temporary steel walls. At times, I felt as if I was in a human compacting machine.

In my 30 years of concerts, I don't think I've ever felt so smashed. I've been smashed in many, many other ways. But this was something completely different.After Skrillex came on, I was literally struggling to stay on my feet. The air around us began to become heavy with evaporated sweat. To get a fresh breath of air, you had to tilt your head back and gasp for oxygen.

Some made, while others battled on. At one point, I had to help this one chick. She was shorter than most. And I could see, that she was struggling to survive, and she was about to lose. I helped her to the front to be rescued by the security staff.

After 4 of 5 songs, I decided that I had had about enough too. It was so hard to breath, and the constant shoving was getting bad. I had to get out! Thinking back, I should have just turned around and walked straight back, but I angled to one side. Big mistake!

I kept running into these temporary metal barriers. It must have taken me 30 minutes to finally reach the back of the crowd. It had been a struggle to get out, but I was clear. I was soaked from head to toe in sweat and massively dehydrated. I chugged a couple of $3 bottles of water, and chilled in the back of the stadium for a while

I kept thinking the show would end with me in the back, but Skrillex kept hammering out strong beats. After a while the energy caught up to me again, and I begin to creep to the front. While I kept hearing Skrillex say this was the last song, he kept playing and playing.

With each song, my energy rebuilt. I had caught my second wind and was heading in for more. A couple of pretties were making a break for the front too. I decided to tag on for the ride. Their good loooks caused guys to quickly part and we all slid to the front.

Skrillex finished the show with some new songs off his new EP "Bangarang" and of course he dropped "The First of The Year" Coincidentally, our Puerto Rico show was Skrillex's first show of the 2012, so that was pretty cool.

Analysis

Skrillex in concert is different than just listening to his songs. His live show reflects a more fluid mixture of a lot of his music with what were probably improvisational transtions. One thing was clear, while I was close enough to see Skrillex, he was clearly having a blast. The audience was pumping him up and driving him on. He frantically swithed between his Machintosh, his mixing units while ocassionally lighting up a cigarette.

Again from Skrillex's Twitter posts, he could feel how much Puerto Rico appreciated the show. We poured our hearts into his perfomance and I know he could feel the love. He said so, as well, on Twitter.

Believe it or not, I think that Skrillex could have filled el Choliseo, but then it wouldn't have been rave, would it? With Electric Daisyland Carnival on tap later this year, we may need to find a rave location that can hold 25K or more crazy ravers.

I've been to a lot of shows, but I'd have to say that Skrillex's performance here in Puerto Rico has to be in my top ten. The music, the emotion, the BASS, the bowel shaking BASS, was an experience everyone should have.

I bet we'll see Skrillex back in puerto Rico soon. While he was here he did some skydiving and zipling in El Yunque, so I think it was a blast for him. If he does come back, I'll surely be there again. Will I chill out in the back or will I risk the gauntlet of thousands of crazed ravers? Time will tell and, as always, it always depends on just how smashed I'm willing to be. You know what I mean? Peace.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Having only one door in and one door to get out, really sucked. This was my first time inside Estadio Sixto Escobar and I'd say it was a shitty place to go to a rave.

[Editors Note] Ever since the show, I've been mostly on my back, sick. I wish I could have shared this earlier. But now that I've the strength, it's the first thing I'm writing. Believe me, it's been on my mind this whole time.

Excessive Gun Fire Rings In New Year




Analysis

As difficult as this video is to watch, it merely punctuates an extremely violent end to a historically bloody 2011. With four injuries from stray bullets, one confirmed death, and another victim in critical condition, thousands of hours promoting no "balas perdidas" on New Year's Eve. All for nothing!

It's been decades since I felt comfortably on New Year's Eve. While the illegal fireworks make it sound like a war zone, we now have a personal account of the horror of living with gangs controlling our streets. While she hides it well, you can see the terror in her eyes. Worse, her brother knows the sounds of different gun reports; he can identify the type of  weapons being fired.


Hope

Where does hope exist in this situation. If this happened to just one brave family, how many others passed the last night of 2011 hiding on the floor of their houses? No amount of money can fix this problem. It's been building slowing for decades, and is quickly reaching a boiling point. How much longer will the citizens of Puerto Rico stand by and accept bribes, participate in corruption, and remain oblivious of the collapse of our society?

Warning

While it hasn't reached your house, or mine, it will. I did hear and found a spent blank shell in the street, so I know someone was walking around shooting blanks from a pistol. How much longer until he buys real bullets? Take your precautions! Take them now. Don't wait to become the next victim.

Sears' Bad News is Bad News for Puerto Rico

Image via Wikipedia

Sears to close 100 to 120 stores.

Sears Holdings announced that it would close 100 to 120 of its Sears and Kmart stores in a bid to shore up finances. New sales data show that Sears Holdings stumbled during the all-important holiday shopping period. Comparable-store sales were down 4.4% for Kmart and 6% for Sears for the eight-week period ended on Christmas Day, the company said.

Analysis

This is bad all the way through. While Puerto Rico's stores usually out-perform most state-side stores in square foot comparisons, it's hard to imagine that we'll slide through without losing a few stores throughout the island.

Retail is a major jobs provider on the island and any reduction in stores means more unemployment and it's sad to say, but probably more people giving up on legitimate income sources.

Another sector that might be hit by this news are shopping mall management companies. Kmart and Sears are usually anchor stores for many malls. If some of those stores close, they'll create huge vacancies. Who might we be able to attract to fill them?

San Juan Mayor's Christmas Card

Cafre with a capital C

There's nothing that says Merry Christmas like showing the violent death of prey by a wild predator. Am I right? Illuminate your dreams? Of what? Being savagely killed by a large cat or of killing fresh meat?

I think it's safe to say that this is a low point for Puerto Rico politics and culture. Why so? When we were hustling to make DondeEs.com take off, we met with an experienced consultant. At one point when we were discussing strategy and marketing, he shared that "Puerto Ricans, like whatever is most cafre." After seeing examples like this photograph, it is really hard to argue with his observation. What was Jorge Santini. Mayor of San Juan, and his wife thinking?

Can you imagine the conversation they must have had with their little eight year old daughter. "Papí, what do these animals have to do with the baby Jesus or Santa?"

"Well you see, my dear Amanda, we're trying to remind everyone that Christ the King was born on this day."

"And"

"And that's why we we're reminding everyone that if they don't vote for the New Progressive Party, they'll be just like this poor little gazelle.

"You scare me Papí!"

"That's good Amanda! That's just the effect I was looking for. You see, I'm jealous, just like God. So I want everyone to know that I will smite them just like this leopard did to this gazelle."

"Papí?"

"Yes"

"You're really wierd!"

Skrillex in Puerto Rico Shopping Guide

Top choices for raver gear

I really thought Skrillex would be sold out by now. With limited space, many people who went to the Electric Daisy Carnival should be pumped for this opportunity. Skrillex is at the top of his game, and for sure, he's gonna throw down an amazing show.

Luckily there's still plety of time to get your tickets and order only the very best raver apparel. I'm going to order a set for me, right after I finish this.

Raver Blacked Out Gloves



By far, this was the coolest thing I saw at EDC. They just really look like a lot of fun to play with. So, first on the shopping list is a pair of LED tipped raver gloves. It's hard to choose, but I'm an RGB kind of guy. There are a variety of choices. But I'll be sporting the Raver Blacked Out Gloves RGB LED 7 Colors Light Show Gloves. If you look for them, there's a bunch of great videos on YouTube, like this one that show you a little taste. Just imagine:



Light up LED Shutter Shades Multicolor Rockstar Sunglasses



For the next step in mood altering effects, if you're going to be rocking a light show for eveyone to see, then you might as well as be your very own light show. Imagine looking this these babies as a you are completely immersed in a light show! These LED glasses will really get to bouncing when the dubstep gets you jumping. So step two in my raver ensemble is a pair of Light up LED Shutter Shades Multicolor Rockstar Sunglasses.

Red LED Shoelaces Light up Shoe Laces



No ensemble is complete without some lights for your kicks. These Red LED Shoelaces are gonna make my feet look they are on fire when I get to dancing. Uhm, I mean bouncing. As you can see, you've got a variety of colors to choose from. Live a little, can you picture yourself in pink?

Only for serious ravers

Now the dynamic duo I saw at EDC used, what I would call, only for the seriously cool. So if you're seriously cool, then you'll also want to buy an Ultimate Candy Raver LED Pacifier.

For me, there's something about dancing around with a flashing pacifier in my mouth that doesn't seem like the manliest thing to be be doing. Because, the gloves, glasses, and shoelaces are really gonna come of as pretty, maybe too pretty. But, hey, it's in the name of partying as hard as I can at the show, so why not?

The dilemma of free

Why Free Changes Everything

I've been blogging, and networking, and using every means possible to generate revenue online. I've also participated deeply within the open source community. I started browsing the Internet in 1994, so I've been using the Internet for 18 years. Through all of these experiences, there's one thing that is consistent. People love free stuff and the Internet is an infinite supply of free stuff.

The combination of computers and the Internet drive the price of every product they touch to $0 (free). This observation is at the heart of the problems with the music, newspaper, magazine, and publishing industries. Before computers and highly capable software were so easily obtainable, each of these industries competed in a scarce economy. Not everyone could publish a book, make a CD, or produce news. Now everything online exists in an abundant economy. It's a very challenging problem to have, but that's not the dilemma I'm most concerned with.

When consumers get a taste for "free" a few things happen:

• The first thing that happens is that quality is no longer a threshold. We will accept any free version over one we have to pay for. Ever watched a recently released movie recorded with a camcoder?
• Logging onto the Internet or turning on a computer is a trigger which immediately makes us assume everything should be free.
• Free becomes a habit. Once you can download Open Office or GIMP, then we get into the habit of expecting everything else to be free too.

The Paradox of Free

The dilemma of free is that when no one wants to pay for anything, then the only alternative left is advertising. And boy do we love advertising, am I right? So from open source advocates to independent authors or movie makers, we're all struggling to produce a good product. Since we're not Seth Godin or Mozilla, then we start pricing everything for free. When we try to move up the value chain and charge for our products we get little or no support. I've been sharing Amazon Associate links for 8 years. I've gotten only 16 click throughs, and no sales. I've got Google Adsense running on half a dozen websites, and I'm lucky if I meet the minimum once a quarter.

We easyily drop money on the stupidest of things offline, on vacation, at the fair, or at a Disney on Ice show. However, when we fire up the Internet, we close our wallets and expect everything for free. Going out drinking with your peeps on Friday after a long week of work, we will spend $20, $50, or maybe even a $100. When we conduct these transactions, we rarely thing twice. What is so different about online commerce?

Every company, every project, every artist(author) needs money to survive. Yet, we commonly entertain ourselves with their products for free. How are they supposed to find the money they so desparately need to continue producing entertaining or useful products, if no one wants to buy their products? Don't want to buy, then what about donations? Nope, we rarely do that either. When was the last time you made a donation to an open source project while using their products all the time?

Crying in my Coffee

As we are in the holiday spirit, I'd like to make one wish. If you find something on the Internet for free, and it entertains you, or makes you more productive, then find a way to compensate the producers of said product. Here are a few suggestions:

• If they have products for sales and you've enjoyed their work, please make a purchase. If you already got it for free, then buy it and give it as a gift to a friend.
• If they accept donations, then make a donation. Come on, if you're using software from an open source project, cough up a little money to show your appreciation.
• If they only have advertising on their sites, then by all means click on their ads. I suggest this a lot and most people will say that's cheating.

How Advertising Works

Here is another example of the paradox between offline and online behaviour. When you buy a magazine or newspaper, there are a lot of advertisements. Sometimes there are products in those advertisements, that you may never buy, ever. Yet the publisher collects their payment for putting that ad in front of you. Do you feel guilty or like your cheating those advertisers for not looking at their ads? Of course you don't.

Yet, when you see ads on a website that is providing something valuable, you don't click on them. If that is the ONLY way for the website owner to get paid, why don't we want to show our appreciation for the effort of making something valuable available for "free?"

Still leave a bad taste in your mouth?

The only option

We vote with our money. When we pay for something we say,"I want things like this." If we never vote for the products we enjoy by buying them, then we are subconciously saying I want to see more advertising. We are still in the infancy of the Internet, so it's hard to predict if a different model will emerge. Unfortunately the only option other than advertising is opening our pocketbooks and exchanging money for value. Let's make the Internet the global marketplace it has the potential to become.