Introduction

            Do you like the internet in its current state? If you do then you will need to know about the recently proposed bill, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), and how it affects the internet. This bill was written by Lamar Smith, chairmen of the Texas judiciary committee, and is aimed to crack down on online piracy. Although this sounds like a good thing there is much controversy about how it is written and what it will actually do.

Source 1

In her article, “SOPA explained: what it is and why is matters,” Julianne Pepitone informs the reader about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) specifically what it is and why it matters. Pepitone’s view point is not very clear but I think the text has a little bit of a slant against SOPA. The text is in a descriptive structure because there are paragraphs for different information such as what SOPA is, who’s for and against it, and the current state of the bill on the day the article was posted ( January 20, 2012 at 12:44pm ET). There is little of what could be considered conflicting evidence because she intends to be objective but the writing has some slant. Some connotation the author uses is using the word “rouge” (in quotations) to describe overseas sites that have pirated shows, movies, etc., having a more sarcastic connotation when used in quotes it makes it seem like she is being sarcastic about the information supporting SOPA. The author uses some ethos by using Silicone Valley as an expert to make people trust the decision of them do oppose SOPA. This source is reasonably reliable because it is from a well known news source and the author, Julianne Pepitone, does link to her sources throughout the text.

Source 2

            In his article, “SOPA and PIPA: Just the facts,” Jared Newman informs the reader about the facts of SOPA and PIPA. Newman does not state his view point and his writing stays objective. The text is in a description/compare and contrast structure because he tells the basics of what SOPA is, then in the other paragraphs compares and contrasts the two different sides of the issue; for example who is for and against SOPA and arguments against SOPA and for it. There is no conflicting evidence because Newman does not state his opinion, but, there are arguments for both sides of the issue. Also there is no obvious slant to the writing. Most words in this article have a positive connotation for example: luminaries, methods, and liability. He does not use ethos, pathos, or logos because he is not trying to persuade you of anything. This source is reliable because Jared Newman has written numerous other articles on technology and there are links to his sources in the text.

Source 3

            In his article, “Why we need a law against online piracy,” Lamar Smith persuades anyone who opposes the bill about why SOPA and why we need it to pass. Smith’s viewpoint is that the bill will effectively stop online piracy and that misinformation is disseminating throughout the online community. I also know he supports the bill because he wrote it. The text is in a description/problem and solution structure because he doesn’t compare two different sides of the issue, and he states the problem of online piracy and then gives the solution of SOPA. There is no real conflicting evidence, but he does talk about some of those who oppose the bill; but he does not have any quotes or real information about the controversy. The words have mostly positive connotation, for example: endorsing, broad, and rampant. Smith uses ethos when he says that even the White House agrees that there need to be a law that combats online piracy and protects free speech. This source is reliable because it is from a well known news site and there are links to his sources. Also the author, Lamar Smith, is the chairmen of the Texas judiciary committee.