14 DAY TRIAL // Both WordPress.org and WordPress.com are joining the protest against the abusive SOPA and PIPA bills. They're doing it in different ways, but you are very likely to notice the protests if you use any of the two sites.
But bloggers using either WordPress.com or their own WordPress install can join in as well, by adding a "Stop Censorship" ribbon or a full blackout of their blog. Those hosting their own blog have a full section of plugins dedicated to the SOPA blackout. WordPress.com users have a couple of new entries in their dashboard.
The WordPress.com homepage will be blacked-out, specifically, the Freshly Pressed section which now only links to an information page for SOPA.
"We are making it possible for you to participate in the protest. There are two options: a 'Stop Censorship' ribbon and a full blackout. The blackout portion will be in effect January 18 from 8am to 8pm EST, while the ribbon will be displayed until January 24," WordPress.com explains.
If you're a WordPress.com blogger, you'll notice a new section in the Settings page of the dashboard, dubbed "Protest SOPA/PIPA."
There you'll have the option of adding a simple ribbon to the side of your blog, which links to a page where you can contact a senator with your opinion.
The nuclear option is to go for a full black out in which case your blog will be replaced by a new page, with a custom message from you, and ways to get involved.
You can get involved even if you don't use WordPress.com. WordPress.org is hosting a large number of plugins designed to make it easy to blackout your blog or simply add a ribbon or message in support of SOPA protests.
