The past week has been somewhat of a disaster! When I am not out exploring the streets of Barcelona, eating, or traveling, I like to spend my free time catching up on my TV shows. I currently watch about 8 shows, which is excessive, but something I feel I need to do. I would normally go on Project Free TV, or Channel 131 to watch all my shows, however, all the links are shut down! MegaVideo, the main, fastest loading website was always my first choice, but it is now no where to be found. According to the FBI, seven European men began this piracy website so that young teens, such as myself, didn’t have to waste our money buying a TV show. We just type in the website and there it is…every single show imaginable for FREE!
I have quickly realized that my 8 TV shows will have to be put on pause until a solution surfaces. Either a DVR needs to be purchased, or I need to be in my apartment at the exact time my American shows go on. I feel that both options are near impossible. The whole mega conspiracy should just be ignored if you ask me. I feel that this has just become such a normal thing to do: get home, sit on the couch and watch some old TV for free.
With the whole SOPA/PIPA controversy going on, people say that this is the year where the Federal Government is really going to crack down on illegal file streaming. I feel that this is going to be a rough year for myself as well. Now I have to actually purchase all 8 shows every single week. While piracy has always been a major issue in the United States, this new law that the government is trying to pass will really do some major damage for these internet TV sites. They will all have to be shut down. Megaupload was said to be one of the biggest file-sharing websites on the Internet. The creators even gave the option to purchase the Premium Package for a certain amount of money per year. This would speed up the download process and would allow you to watch your shows more efficiently. Although I never purchased any of those packages, I do see why many people would.
Websites such as Google and Wikipedia have protested and even had 24 hour blackouts to try and fight these new laws out of Congress because they feel that the Internet should remain free and uncensored. I would definitely have to agree with them on this one!
The Amateur Traveler 