Little did the MPAA know about Shawn Hogan or what happened with Winn and Simms, when they demanded $2,500.00, then went down to $500.00 for him allegedly downloading a copy of “Meet the Fockers” illegally. Shawn declined saying that he didn’t do it, even owns the movie on DVD, isn’t willing to settle, and now they’re going to court. He is ready to spend well over $100k on his defence. Wired Magazine picked up the story and now it’s on its way to make national headlines as it is making international headlines already.
His entry about the article already caused 124 people to comment and many of them are offering to donate to his defense fund. He instead suggests to give money to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
Shawn Hogan has been the Founder and CEO of Digital Point Solutions since age 19 (he is now 30) and is also running one of the best webmaster forums out there.
His blog has never really lived up to its potential. There was a lot of good info, some random entertainment … a lot of everything and anything. But never anything like this.
I would have given it a 4 a week ago, but in light of the recent events that woke up the sleeping giant, I’m giving it a definite 5. A “must bookmark”! Should for any reason he not be allowed to publically disclose any info regarding the case, you can read the highlights on my blog under legal stuff or visit this thread on his forum.
As I have commented on his blog, all of the usage of the word hero (a word Shawn doesn’t feel fits), makes me think about the movie “Hero” starring “Meet the Fockers” Dustin Hoffman, a small time thief inconvenienced by a plane crashing right in front of him, and while bickering and complaining still decides to rescue everyone before it blows up. Andy Garcia’s character takes credit for it, achieves international fame, and journalist Geena Davis becomes his girlfriend. At the end, she finds out the truth and asks him:
“If everyone thinks of you as a hero, Mr. Bubber, how do you see yourself?â€
to which he replies:
“I think we’re all heroes, if you catch us at the right moment.â€
I totally believe in that line. And I’m very happy to see Shawn getting a challenge that he seems so well prepared to take. The amount of support he gets is amazing and justified as well. With a name like Hogan and considering the situation, good luck getting away from the “hero” label. Those who know him, are not surprised that he’s taking the stand that he is taking. Others will get to know him and what he stands for. What can you do? If you know of someone who has been wronged by the MPAA, you should contact him or his lawyers. If you want to donate or show your appreciation, do so to the EFF or Shawn’s server fundraiser (it’s for his forum which has helped countless webmasters including me).
Blog about it, talk about it … you can show your support in many ways. Support the alleged hero until your own time comes to be or show the hero that is in you and waiting for his own personal challenge and calling in life!