At first I was a little annoyed. I was chatting in a Facebook group with some fellow geeks who were talking about what they're going to do Wednesday during the StopSOPA internet blackout. With sites like Reddit, Cheezburger, and BoingBoing all going down and with their homework (for those in school) done ahead of time to prepare for Wikipedia's portion of the protest, many were planning casual days catching up on reading or working late at the office.

"Get the word out!" I told them. "Answer questions! Talk to friends, family, and co-workers about it! Call Congress!"

Most agreed but it struck me that very little has been published about what to do during and after the blackout. This isn't the end of the fight. Washington isn't simply going to retreat.

The blackout is simply the beginning.

Take Everyone to Wikipedia

Average Americans have no clue what SOPA, PIPA, or OPEN are or what they represent. If you're like many who are aware of and/or involved with the fight, it's important to use this opportunity of credibility.

Despite its success in the last couple of years, Reddit is not a household name. It's not YouTube, Facebook, or Yahoo. Wikipedia, on the other hand, is. Everyone has visited Wikipedia at one time or another. Use it. Make sure that this accumulation of human-edited knowledge is visited by everyone you know who may not know about the SOPA threat.

In fights like this where the opposition is being branded as "pirate supporters" it's important to take advantage of the credibility that Wikipedia (and to some extent Google with their planned message on the home page) gives the movement.

This isn't the Tea Party. It's not Occupy Wall Street. There is only a minor, internet-driven organization of opposition being led by a site that the majority of Americans have never heard of which is why this isn't getting the worldwide news coverage that other movements enjoy.

Use Wikipedia as the starting point. Then...

Make Everyone Aware

Wikipedia being down will get their attention. Now, it's time to educate them. Read the technical examination of SOPA posted on Reddit to get the ammunition you need to answer questions and garner support of your "average American" friends, family, and co-workers.

Piracy is something that many believe is hurting their own entertainment costs. They have been led to believe that pirates are the reason that games and movies cost so much. Regardless of your personal opinion of piracy, that isn't the debate you want to have. This is about censorship regardless of anyone's opinion about piracy.

Educate, then...

Contact Congress

Washington knows it's coming. They aren't sure what to expect but they are preparing to answer phones (or send them all to messaging systems) and try to keep their fax machines cleared. Keep the phones ringing. Keep the faxes coming. Email if you must but that's the least effective way to get the message to them. Most will be filtered.

January 18th is not the day to go to the museum or organize your sock drawer. It's a day of action, education, and awareness. If you're reading this, you probably know everything you need to know about SOPA. Do what you can to make sure everyone else knows as well.