Introduce Yourself

[KJBweb]

I'm a 23 year old geek at a medium sized hosting company here in sunny Preston, UK. I also develop a network of websites in my spare time upon which I generate revenue from advertising and affiliate links.

I've been online since I was ~10 years old and have witnessed the shift in power brought on by the large uptake in internet usage; the governments are shitting bricks, outdated business models are crumbling and the constant threat of censorship is getting ever more-real by corrupt elderly fuck-wits with < half-a-clue.

I've always thought that if a vote changed anything then it'd be illegal, with that said, I'm more than happy to give mine to PPUK in the hope that it might.

Glad to be a member of a party which truly reflects the values I stand for on what really matters to me.

[topperfalkon]

Hi there. Glad to have you with us. I too hope that PPUK will be the push that finally gets change moving. Maybe we're too optimistic, but we have no other choice but to try.

On a slightly happier note, we're still looking for help within the party to keep on top of stuff, especially on the IT side. If you feel you can help out, don't hesistate to ask to get involved!

[Fresko]

Hi all,

I live in Shropshire, and an IT Security Analyst. (OK, my real job is a penetration tester - no laughing at the back please ).

I have signed up to the party because I want to try to do more to advance Citizen's and Digital Rights, Online Free Speech, the Right to Privacy (online or otherwise) and to a lesser extent, Libel Reform. I would also be interested in revisiting the extradition treaty that we currently have with the US, and to this end have written a few times to various MPs in support of Gary McKinnon and Richard O'Dwyer, along with another on the subject of the Digital Economy Act. I also participate in 38 Degrees campaigns. I have a strong belief in the power of individuals to bring about real change. (This was confirmed when I saw the result of riotcleanup. I saw the hashtag appear on twitter the night of the London riots and set up riotcleanup.co.uk from Shropshire. It proved to me the affect that concerned folk can affect change in cities across the nation, without necessarily being 'on the ground'.). In addition to this, I had server capacity and bandwidth on standby to host the main Occupy site when it all blew up over there had there been any attempt at censorship in the US. I am also in the process of setting up a Tor exit node.

I do not agree with the current definition of 'Terrorism', and the laws that have grown up around to support that which effectively erode our right to privacy and if allowed to continue to their logical conclusion, will create a society that will be unpleasant to live in. I seek a repeal of the snooping laws, particularly the digital monitoring, (BT and TalkTalk, to their credit, took this as far as they could - although I suspect this was a cost decision rather than being opposed to it for other reasons). This might prompt you to think that I support the killing of innocents and explosions. No. I believe the correct way to address 'Terrorism' is a decent (as in proper, or suitable) and mature Foreign Policy that addresses the root cause of Terrorism that doesn't provide otherwise normal people with a reason to hate the West, rather than simply trying to paper over the cracks by finding radicals via invading the entire society's privacy. This aversion to the killing of innocents also extends to the wars that are promoted and carried out under our names in various parts of the world to under the guise of stabilising regimes. A ideal example of this is the British Establishment's behaviour in Bahrain - please see Adam Curtis' excellent blog for details.

I would like to see a national campaign to educate people and alert them to the fact that you ARE allowed to take photographs and film in public spaces. A quick glance at youtube will show you that there are any number of companies who think it's right and proper to send their employees out to hassle photographers on the street because, 'you are not allowed to take photographs of our building'.

I hope I haven't been too forward with my beliefs and that it will not come to bite me on the bottom in the future, and that your site is (somewhat) resistant to Black Hats

In reference to the post above, I would be happy to offer my time in an IT capacity should you need it.

[topperfalkon]

Hi Fresko,

Hi all,

I live in Shropshire, and an IT Security Analyst. (OK, my real job is a penetration tester - no laughing at the back please ).

Don't worry, I'll come up with some 'witty' jokes later. Nice to see people joining us with a broad range of technical skills though

I have signed up to the party because I want to try to do more to advance Citizen's and Digital Rights, Online Free Speech, the Right to Privacy (online or otherwise) and to a lesser extent, Libel Reform. I would also be interested in revisiting the extradition treaty that we currently have with the US, and to this end have written a few times to various MPs in support of Gary McKinnon and Richard O'Dwyer, along with another on the subject of the Digital Economy Act. I also participate in 38 Degrees campaigns. I have a strong belief in the power of individuals to bring about real change. (This was confirmed when I saw the result of riotcleanup. I saw the hashtag appear on twitter the night of the London riots and set up riotcleanup.co.uk from Shropshire. It proved to me the affect that concerned folk can affect change in cities across the nation, without necessarily being 'on the ground'.). In addition to this, I had server capacity and bandwidth on standby to host the main Occupy site when it all blew up over there had there been any attempt at censorship in the US. I am also in the process of setting up a Tor exit node.

It's good to hear you are already taking part and helping with things we're campaigning for. Perhaps we can hope to see you at the ACTA protest in London in June?

I do not agree with the current definition of 'Terrorism', and the laws that have grown up around to support that which effectively erode our right to privacy and if allowed to continue to their logical conclusion, will create a society that will be unpleasant to live in.

Terrorism is a fancy buzzword the government can use to make certain activities to appear to be against society's interests without actually doing the evidence gathering to back it up. When people hear 'terrorists', their general reaction is to find out how to protect themselves, not assess whether the government is being truthful in its evaluation. Because it brings an unparalleled lack of oversight or criticism, it also effectively gives government the ability to enact anything undemocratic and authoritarian 'for anti-terrorism purposes', because being seen to 'support terrorism' is electoral suicide for the opposition. It makes any effort to counter such a position harder because you have to categorically show that the government's argument is, frankly, bullshit.

I seek a repeal of the snooping laws, particularly the digital monitoring, (BT and TalkTalk, to their credit, took this as far as they could - although I suspect this was a cost decision rather than being opposed to it for other reasons). This might prompt you to think that I support the killing of innocents and explosions. No. I believe the correct way to address 'Terrorism' is a decent (as in proper, or suitable) and mature Foreign Policy that addresses the root cause of Terrorism that doesn't provide otherwise normal people with a reason to hate the West, rather than simply trying to paper over the cracks by finding radicals via invading the entire society's privacy.

Quite. The current threat we're facing of course is the CCDP, which was announced in the Queen's Speech (unless I'm very much mistaken). This will effectively monitor everyone's online communications regardless of whether or not they're accused of committing a crime. Police officers will also be able to access this data without a warrant from a court magistrate.

This aversion to the killing of innocents also extends to the wars that are promoted and carried out under our names in various parts of the world to under the guise of stabilising regimes. A ideal example of this is the British Establishment's behaviour in Bahrain - please see Adam Curtis' excellent blog for details.

Personally, I feel this is a continuation of Cold War mentality on the part of the FCO and other involved ministries. People might want to disagree with that, and they're entitled to.

I would like to see a national campaign to educate people and alert them to the fact that you ARE allowed to take photographs and film in public spaces. A quick glance at youtube will show you that there are any number of companies who think it's right and proper to send their employees out to hassle photographers on the street because, 'you are not allowed to take photographs of our building'.

If ORG haven't taken this up in the past, then I'm quite surprised. That being said, this is probably something we could try and do something about. It could bear some further investigation. You are perfectly right in that it is wrong for these companies (and occasionally on-duty police officers) think it's right to stop perfectly legal activity.

I hope I haven't been too forward with my beliefs and that it will not come to bite me on the bottom in the future, and that your site is (somewhat) resistant to Black Hats

Not at all. We always have need for good IT personnel, if you want a more actively involved role!

In reference to the post above, I would be happy to offer my time in an IT capacity should you need it.[/quote]

[Fresko]

Thanks for the considered reply

It is unlikely that I will able to be at the ACTA protest in person, due to my job and a second business that I run with my wife. However, more than happy to provide any remote technical support that you can think of.

I would be enthusiastic to help with any IT related issues, mainly in the security arena, policy (i.e. CISSP and CLAS) is not my strong point, but I have a working knowledge.

The chances are the ORG has taken up the photography issue, but it would do no harm to promote awareness in this area.

[topperfalkon]

Awesome.

We have our own IT team, but any additional tech help would be greatly appreciated (as it's not exactly a massive team at the moment).

I'm not sure how we would go about promoting photography awareness at the moment, it's something we could probably look at if we have some breathing space following the ACTA action.

[PhOG]

Hi my name is Tony, I'm from Glasgow and am 24. I have been an admirer of the Pirate Party for a long time now, I was originally only aware of the Swedish party and was quite surprised when I found out there was one in the UK as well, then even more surprised when I seen that there are sister parties all around the world. I found that to be a very encouraging sign. I generally take very little interest in politics (parliament, politicians, elections etc) because I have been largely of the opinion that it is all a farce and that in reality we don't have much of a say in any of it. I'm now more and more thinking that the fact that our democracy seems weak is all the more reason to shout louder and demand they pay attention before it gets to a stage where no amount of shouting will help. I guess seeing movements like Occupy, parties like this and just the general sentiment among a large section of the population has spurred me on a bit.

What has prompted me to join this forum is the recent court ruling to attempt to "ban" the pirate bay. I'm sure everyone here agrees that DNS filtering is a joke and will pose no problem for anyone (as a relatively tech savvy linux user who has been using OpenDNS for ages already, the "ban" won't affect me at all), but I'm sure people here will also agree that it is a very ominous sign. The amount of pressure coming from the copyright industry seems like it is just going to keep on pushing, keep chipping away at the policy makers, until we end up with no privacy, fully censored internet with deep packet inspection of every piece of information we send and receive. I think this is possibly one of the biggest threats our societies face today and I do not believe that enforcing copyright is the whole picture, I think there is something more sinister to it. The internet revolutionized the way people communicate, the way news is handled and the ability of people to organize and spread dissenting opinion. I don't think our systems of power like that situation and it seems like copyright, terrorism and protecting children are all just convenient banners under which to take away these new ways of communicating. People will always find a way to share culture (and break copyright), terrorists do not communicate through regular internet channels and there will always be sickos in the world. None of what they are doing will change these aspects of the internet, but what they can do is make it more difficult for the masses to organize and spread information.

Anyway, just a little hello to everyone and a bit of where I am at just now with this issue. I will be making a point of voting Pirate at the next available opportunity, it will be my first time voting so congrats to the party for managing to fire up my political drive a bit

[cabalamat]

Hi my name is Tony, I'm from Glasgow and am 24.

If you're up for travelling to Edinburgh we're having a meetup later today.

What has prompted me to join this forum is the recent court ruling to attempt to "ban" the pirate bay. I'm sure everyone here agrees that DNS filtering is a joke and will pose no problem for anyone (as a relatively tech savvy linux user who has been using OpenDNS for ages already, the "ban" won't affect me at all), but I'm sure people here will also agree that it is a very ominous sign.

Yes.

The amount of pressure coming from the copyright industry seems like it is just going to keep on pushing, keep chipping away at the policy makers, until we end up with no privacy, fully censored internet with deep packet inspection of every piece of information we send and receive.

That's what they'd like. Every time we block them (as we did with SOPA/PIPA), they just come back later. That's why I don't want to play defense -- I want to get lots of Pirates elected, then start rolling back existing laws.

[plooterman]

The recent German PP victories show that we can make a difference and can change things.
Good to have you aboard

[PhOG]

Thanks for the welcome guys

cabalamat, I would loved to have made it along to Edinburgh today. I'll probably try to make an appearance at the next organized gathering.

[Roken]

Hi,

I'm 47 years old and a long time supporter of both copyright/patent reform as well as the freedom of the internet and use of open source software across Government departments. I've recently engaged my MP in discussion regarding the use of OSS in government and was surprised to have been referred to the consultation document for comment.

Whilst I accept the need for protecting the IP of individuals and organisations, the relentless march of corporate copyright holders upon Government and legislation, under the pretence of protecting individuals rights whilst in reality only protecting their own antiquated business models and profits makes a travesty of the UK political system and it is high time that such influence and practices were ended.

I have a history in Trade Union activity, having served at a high level in one of the largest Trade Unions in Europe for 18 years until 2000 and hope to, someday, be able to make a worthwhile contribution to furthering the aims and policies of PPUK.

[twakefield]

Hi

I'm Tom, 28 years old. Currently working in a finance job, but have recently started studying for an IT degree at the OU.

I'm getting fed up with politicians who are technologically unaware and plan broad sweeping, critically flawed, legislation infringing upon our privacy because an entertainment industry doesn't want to change its business model.

[topperfalkon]

Hi,

I'm 47 years old and a long time supporter of both copyright/patent reform as well as the freedom of the internet and use of open source software across Government departments. I've recently engaged my MP in discussion regarding the use of OSS in government and was surprised to have been referred to the consultation document for comment.

Whilst I accept the need for protecting the IP of individuals and organisations, the relentless march of corporate copyright holders upon Government and legislation, under the pretence of protecting individuals rights whilst in reality only protecting their own antiquated business models and profits makes a travesty of the UK political system and it is high time that such influence and practices were ended.

I have a history in Trade Union activity, having served at a high level in one of the largest Trade Unions in Europe for 18 years until 2000 and hope to, someday, be able to make a worthwhile contribution to furthering the aims and policies of PPUK.

Hi Roken. As you've no doubt noticed, PPUK doesn't campaign for copyright abolition, merely reform. We understand that creative people require some limited form of protection, if at least to allow them to earn enough from their ventures to cover their expenses. The rampant abuse of the system that currently exists is obviously a problem.

Hope you enjoy your stay and enjoy talking to us.

Hi

I'm Tom, 28 years old. Currently working in a finance job, but have recently started studying for an IT degree at the OU.

I'm getting fed up with politicians who are technologically unaware and plan broad sweeping, critically flawed, legislation infringing upon our privacy because an entertainment industry doesn't want to change its business model.

Hi Tom. Obviously, we're aiming to get our own members elected. Hopefully from within that position we'd be in a far better place to both monitor the treatment to educate the Commons a bit more about how technology effects the population at large!

[wookey]

Quick Intro.

Wookey, (yes that is my whole name). Long time interest in Free Software, digital rights. Heavily involved in the software patent fight in Europe in mid-2000s. Embedded/ARM linux developer since 1999, Debian Developer since 2000. Absolutely opposed to the idea that government monopolies on software concepts are handed out, overlong copyright terms, the idea that sharing and format-shifting are bad, and enforced ISP-filtering (I was shocked to find out that was even possible). Generally a huge fan of the power of enthused individuals, coupled by easily-accessible data to get things done, and of open standards.

Amusingly, although I work exclusively on free-software for a non-profit consortium (Linaro) I am paid by an 'IP company' (ARM) that makes a lot (some might say obscene) amount of money from their ability to sell designs rather than hardware. To be fair they have done a very good job of doing this largely without being wankers about it, and serve as a interesting example of a 'good' business model enabled by patents on intangibles as well as copyright. On the other hand they do have a few egregious patents which serve as shocking examples of things that really shouldn't be allowed. I think this gives me a reasonably balanced view of the issues of 'IP' in computing.

I'm also a member of the FSF-Europe's 'Freedom task force' group of mostly lawyers and some geeks, providing free software legal advice, and ORG.

We face an uphill struggle here in the UK, where the people in power are a lot more interested in making money than in society, and are largely clueless about the efficiencies of openness. At least we do have an example they can understand these days (the 'net), but it needs protecting from the natural desires of some people, especially businesses, to make bits proprietary, and add backdoors without reasonable scrutiny. In the long term, that's a very bad plan.

Wookey
http://wookware.org/

[liamreed]

Quick Intro.

Wookey, (yes that is my whole name). Long time interest in Free Software, digital rights. Heavily involved in the software patent fight in Europe in mid-2000s. Embedded/ARM linux developer since 1999, Debian Developer since 2000. Absolutely opposed to the idea that government monopolies on software concepts are handed out, overlong copyright terms, the idea that sharing and format-shifting are bad, and enforced ISP-filtering (I was shocked to find out that was even possible). Generally a huge fan of the power of enthused individuals, coupled by easily-accessible data to get things done, and of open standards.

Amusingly, although I work exclusively on free-software for a non-profit consortium (Linaro) I am paid by an 'IP company' (ARM) that makes a lot (some might say obscene) amount of money from their ability to sell designs rather than hardware. To be fair they have done a very good job of doing this largely without being wankers about it, and serve as a interesting example of a 'good' business model enabled by patents on intangibles as well as copyright. On the other hand they do have a few egregious patents which serve as shocking examples of things that really shouldn't be allowed. I think this gives me a reasonably balanced view of the issues of 'IP' in computing.

I'm also a member of the FSF-Europe's 'Freedom task force' group of mostly lawyers and some geeks, providing free software legal advice, and ORG.

We face an uphill struggle here in the UK, where the people in power are a lot more interested in making money than in society, and are largely clueless about the efficiencies of openness. At least we do have an example they can understand these days (the 'net), but it needs protecting from the natural desires of some people, especially businesses, to make bits proprietary, and add backdoors without reasonable scrutiny. In the long term, that's a very bad plan.

Wookey
http://wookware.org/

Hey Wookey good to have you on board I'm sure you can offer some help to pirate policy and throwing some light on other areas of the forums.

[Rednic]

Hi...umm... I'm 23, I live down in Devon, am a long time internet user, and to be honest, the way things are going, I'm becoming a little scared by the degree to which the internet is being, in many ways, threatened. I am not very smart, I'm unemployed and on benefits, I used to do drama and failed a couple IT courses. I've not seen much of the Pirate Party down here, but the goal seems reasonable, and the current parties aren't likely to do much, so I guess if I'm going to fly anyone's flag, yours is the one I would want to. Sorry if this post seems ill-informed, but, well, as I said, I'm not very smart.

[azrael]

Hi...umm... I'm 23, I live down in Devon, am a long time internet user, and to be honest, the way things are going, I'm becoming a little scared by the degree to which the internet is being, in many ways, threatened. I am not very smart, I'm unemployed and on benefits, I used to do drama and failed a couple IT courses. I've not seen much of the Pirate Party down here, but the goal seems reasonable, and the current parties aren't likely to do much, so I guess if I'm going to fly anyone's flag, yours is the one I would want to. Sorry if this post seems ill-informed, but, well, as I said, I'm not very smart.

Welcome Rednic! Yes, it is scary how under thread the internet (as it is now) and our freedom are. We are not as big as we like or need to be, which is why you have not seen much of us locally to you. Don't be so down on yourself, you are smarter than all of those who are burying their heads and ignoring these important issues. As said we are small, but with help from people like you we are growing. I hope we can rely on your help?

[Intempora]

Hello?
I'm rather uncomfortable attempting to give a coherent introduction online, hence it taking me a while to get around to.
My name is Sarah and I've become involved with the Pirate Party over the last couple of months because I finally decided that things were getting bad enough that, despite a lifelong disinterest in politics (whoever you vote for, politicians get in), it was time I paid attention and stood up for my beliefs.
I'm mainly still in the 'paying attention' phase of this plan, and as such, have beliefs that are more general than specific. ("Civil Liberties = Good" sums it up pretty well.) As well as a general growing unease with civil liberties being purposefully eroded, one of the things that inspired me to actually get involved with this party was watching the Ted Talk by Rick Falkvinge.
I have very little technical know-how, but I have enthusiasm and a willingness to help organise. Hopefully I can be of use?
I've met several of the Pirates from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and I'm hoping that both cities moving towards having regular monthly meet-ups will help get things achieved. (Shameless Plug: Next Edinburgh meet-up is in the Regent Bar on Wednesday 4th July.)

[Rednic]

Welcome Rednic! Yes, it is scary how under threat the internet (as it is now) and our freedom are. We are not as big as we like or need to be, which is why you have not seen much of us locally to you. Don't be so down on yourself, you are smarter than all of those who are burying their heads and ignoring these important issues. As said we are small, but with help from people like you we are growing. I hope we can rely on your help?

I don't know what help I can be, but if there ever is some way I can support you down here in Exeter, I certainly would like to. Thanks for the warm welcome.

[azrael]

Welcome Rednic! Yes, it is scary how under threat the internet (as it is now) and our freedom are. We are not as big as we like or need to be, which is why you have not seen much of us locally to you. Don't be so down on yourself, you are smarter than all of those who are burying their heads and ignoring these important issues. As said we are small, but with help from people like you we are growing. I hope we can rely on your help?

I don't know what help I can be, but if there ever is some way I can support you down here in Exeter, I certainly would like to. Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am sure you can help, there are always things needing to be done ... sometimes there's so much to do it is difficult to find time to find help - which is counter productive! You could email campaigns@pirateparty.org.uk and offer your help. Even remotely there is a lot you can do, proof reading, suggesting ideas, helping with designing content (text and images), and at some point if we can get some updated material to you even handing things out in the street to raise awareness.