The Sony Hack and the End of Free Speech. . .

[timewarrior]

This is the Timewarrior speaking. . .

Although this is in the weird and off beat news section, I feel it deserve more recognition and gravitas due to the seriousness of the situation and the effects it entails. . .

My mind is so flustered right now. . .I just can't think straight on this. . .however. . .there are several points I feel I must stress. . .

1. All the emails and stuff the hackers released aren't "leaked" material. . .there was no whislte blower at Sony releasing this crap. . .it was STOLEN by a third party. . .as fun as it is reading this stuff. . .it is still STOLEN material. . .further it is STOLEN material that has no redeeming public value other than shaming Sony executives and personnel. . .

2. A movie was pulled from theatrical release because of this group. They threatened to physically harm movie goers with 9-11 style carnage. If the hack alone wasn't criminal enough, now we have actual threats of violence.

3. The whole concept of free speech has been defecated upon by this group. With Sony caving, what's to stop the next group from preventing the release of the next Star Wars movie or Star Trek movie? Now any jerk with a beef will have incentive to get what he wants because we have proven to not have a spine. This is sad folks. . .the terrorists have won. . .we have capitulated. . .

4. If it can be conclusively proved that North Korea was behind the hack. . .it could be construed as an act of war. Keep watching folks. . .I fear this is far from over. . .

5. To be honest. . .I really didn't care about the movie. . .didn't want to see it. . .but now that I can't. . .now that it has been denied to me. . .I desperately want to. . .heck, I'm even for making up an Oscar category. . . just so it can win that category and we can say it's an Oscar winning film, thereby further sticking it in the craw of these guys.. . .

That's about it. . .sorry if I'm rambling. . .but man I am just reeling from all this absurdity. . .and the dark undertones behind it. . .

[JinxDeMynx]

Wow, I really wanted to watch the interview.

[timewarrior]

Wow, I really wanted to watch the interview.

This is the Timewarrior speaking. . .

This is only the beginning my friend. . .say goodbye to all other movies that feature bad guys from other countries. . .like Die Hard or WWII movies? Sorry, offiensive to Germany. . .Harry Potter films? sorry offensive to Christians. . . .

That's right folks. . .don't like a movie.. . .just hire some hackers. . .

[+and-then]

My first reaction was similar but after thinking it over I realized that this was purely a business decision. Like Sont corp gives a crap if theater goers would be harmed...EXCEPT for the inevitable lawsuit that follows and the attorney arguing that Sony KNEW it would be dangerous for the public, yet they (greedy b******* that they are), released the movie anyway... *queue the crying relatives*

[Grandpa Greenman]

It is a sad, this how terrorist win, they make the threat and people submit to their will. I wasn't going to go see the movie either and I suspect it would died in the theaters anyway. Sounded like a dumb movie. I don't really blame Sony for pulling it, but I hate to see them cave into terrorist.

[Leonardo]

Why is everyone so adamant this is a case of a huge multi-national corporation 'bowing' to what amount to rumours of cyber terrorism?

Sure, North Korea have made statements regarding their position about how the film portrays their dictatorial leader, but didn't we hear the same when Team America: World Police was released - and that movie portrayed the then leader of North Korea as an automaton controlled by an alien cockroach, far more offensive than how it is alleged Kim Jong un is portrayed in this latest film.

The film in question apparently cost $42 million to make - which is a awful lot for a comedy. It is possible it would have been far less commercially successful were it not for all the free media advertising this 'cyber terrorism campaign' has granted it. I only heard about the movie because of the media reports about this alleged 'cyber terrorism'. So, why could this not be a very clever leveraging by Sony Corporation's marketing dept of some impotent statements made by the North Korean hierarchy in order to boost the film's public profile? It wouldn't be the first time a corporation has used political statements in such a manner.

I question whether the 'threat' the media is reporting is real, and not just a carefully crafted marketing exercise to boost commercial income from the film.

[Rafterman]

It's not really a free speech issue. It was a business decision on the part of SONY.

I actually wanted to see the movie. It looked entertaining.

But I do agree with your feelings about a precedent being set. For example, I can totally see some p***ed off expanded universe fan boy doing this when the Star Wars Ep. 7 release date gets closer because he doesn't like Disney, J.J. Abrams, soccer ball robots, or lightsabers with cross guards.

[spartan max2]

Why is everyone so adamant this is a case of a huge multi-national corporation 'bowing' to what amount to rumours of cyber terrorism?

Sure, North Korea have made statements regarding their position about how the film portrays their dictatorial leader, but didn't we hear the same when Team America: World Police was released - and that movie portrayed the then leader of North Korea as an automaton controlled by an alien cockroach, far more offensive than how it is alleged Kim Jong un is portrayed in this latest film.

The film in question apparently cost $42 million to make - which is a awful lot for a comedy. It is possible it would have been far less commercially successful were it not for all the free media advertising this 'cyber terrorism campaign' has granted it. I only heard about the movie because of the media reports about this alleged 'cyber terrorism'. So, why could this not be a very clever leveraging by Sony Corporation's marketing dept of some impotent statements made by the North Korean hierarchy in order to boost the film's public profile? It wouldn't be the first time a corporation has used political statements in such a manner.

I question whether the 'threat' the media is reporting is real, and not just a carefully crafted marketing exercise to boost commercial income from the film.

They pulled the film so I don't see how they are making any money. They will not play it. 4 of the 5 major cinema chains said they wouldn't play it before Sony pulled it

[Rafterman]

Why is everyone so adamant this is a case of a huge multi-national corporation 'bowing' to what amount to rumours of cyber terrorism?

Sure, North Korea have made statements regarding their position about how the film portrays their dictatorial leader, but didn't we hear the same when Team America: World Police was released - and that movie portrayed the then leader of North Korea as an automaton controlled by an alien cockroach, far more offensive than how it is alleged Kim Jong un is portrayed in this latest film.

The film in question apparently cost $42 million to make - which is a awful lot for a comedy. It is possible it would have been far less commercially successful were it not for all the free media advertising this 'cyber terrorism campaign' has granted it. I only heard about the movie because of the media reports about this alleged 'cyber terrorism'. So, why could this not be a very clever leveraging by Sony Corporation's marketing dept of some impotent statements made by the North Korean hierarchy in order to boost the film's public profile? It wouldn't be the first time a corporation has used political statements in such a manner.

I question whether the 'threat' the media is reporting is real, and not just a carefully crafted marketing exercise to boost commercial income from the film.

Well except for the fact that it appears that SONY will not be releasing the movie at all - so why create a guerrilla marketing campaign if there's no way you can make money off of it.

Then there's the other part where a lot of SONY execs are probably going to be losing their jobs in the next week or so, the company is in shambles, and highly confidential information about actors, salaries, negotiations, etc. were all made public.

[Leonardo]

They pulled the film so I don't see how they are making any money. They will not play it. 4 of the 5 major cinema chains said they wouldn't play it before Sony pulled it

Well except for the fact that it appears that SONY will not be releasing the movie at all - so why create a guerrilla marketing campaign if there's no way you can make money off of it.

Then there's the other part where a lot of SONY execs are probably going to be losing their jobs in the next week or so, the company is in shambles, and highly confidential information about actors, salaries, negotiations, etc. were all made public.

No, it won't be released in cinemas, but that was likely to be only a minor part of any commercial success the film would gather for Sony. What has happened now is that the film will be far more popular as a DVD release, and on various internet sites - both legal and illegal. The backstory itself will boost Sony's profile even without any commercial success of the film, and the general public are even now developing a more sympathetic attitude towards Sony Corp - which will probably translate to greater commercial success in future film releases and possibly other aspects of Sony's business.

Do not underestimate the power of advertising to generate revenue - even if it might appear unrelated to the product in question. And the free advertising Sony has garnered from this particular project is priceless.

But what evidence do we have that this cyber threat was ever real?

Edited December 18, 2014 by Leonardo

[aztek]

i would not worry about sony loses, every movie is insured, if anyone lost money it would be insurance comp.

Edited December 18, 2014 by aztek

[Dark_Grey]

I can totally see some p***ed off expanded universe fan boy doing this when the Star Wars Ep. 7 release date gets closer because he doesn't like Disney, J.J. Abrams, soccer ball robots, or lightsabers with cross guards.

But all of those are good reasons not to see it! Mind you, I saw Episode One in theatres and we all remember the dark stain that one had.

[Careful_perspective]

Well at least we can all still watch Team America World Police!

[Mr Supertypo]

what movie are you people talking about?

[Gromdor]

Isn't Sony a Japanese company? Why should the US care about or intervene in what a foreign company does or does not do?

[questionmark]

We have not, Sony has. And your purchasing customs will determine if they did the right thing.

[Careful_perspective]

I honestly don't this is an example of "bowing" to terrorism. Most movie theaters backed out of playing this film on an INDIVIDUAL basis so what was Sony going to do? Furthermore, Sony is not in a good place in general as far as finances go, so they literally cannot assume anymore risk. To quote a September article (before any of this hacking began)

The electronics empire initially forecast a $466 million net loss by the end of the current financial year, but has now informed investors that the projected loss has been revised to $2.14 billion.

Sony's quadrupled net loss forecast marks the sixth time chief executive Kaz Hirai has had to explain to investors that Sony's results are worse than expected. It is also the first time in the corporation's history that it has not paid an annual dividend to investors (essentially a payout for those who own shares in the company).

This wasn't the United States Government backing down, but a independent business. Do you all want the U.S to get involved? Its unnecessary and to be quiet honest, I think the movie was highly disrespectful and goes to show why a lot of the world dislikes American arrogance.

[BiffSplitkins]

This is the best Sony viral promotion for a movie ever!

[spartan max2]

I honestly don't this is an example of "bowing" to terrorism. Most movie theaters backed out of playing this film on an INDIVIDUAL basis so what was Sony going to do? Furthermore, Sony is not in a good place in general as far as finances go, so they literally cannot assume anymore risk. To quote a September article (before any of this hacking began)

This wasn't the United States Government backing down, but a independent business. Do you all want the U.S to get involved? Its unnecessary and to be quiet honest, I think the movie was highly disrespectful and goes to show why a lot of the world dislikes American arrogance.

"highly disrespectful" Keep in mind that this is North Korea the country with the most human rights violations in the whole world. He makes his people treat him like a god, refugees risk their lives to get out of his country. The place isolates itself from the rest of the world.

Should the free world ignore these things in our media because we don't want to be disrespectful? If anything its the duty of the free world with freedom of speech to challenge these things.

And if a nation is threatening U.S citizens by saying things like "remember 9/11" for watching a movie not to mention hacking companies that are also based in the U.S/Japan that is a security issue.

Edit: to add, if a movie was making fun of the nazis would you also say it is too disrespectful to air? Because Kim Jung un Is debatablly just as bad, he just has less power

Edited December 18, 2014 by spartan max2

[spartan max2]

Anyways i think the real story here is that everyone is afraid to be sued. Which begs the question, should the movie company be held responsible if someone gets hurt watching their movie?

[Rafterman]

No, it won't be released in cinemas, but that was likely to be only a minor part of any commercial success the film would gather for Sony. What has happened now is that the film will be far more popular as a DVD release, and on various internet sites - both legal and illegal. The backstory itself will boost Sony's profile even without any commercial success of the film, and the general public are even now developing a more sympathetic attitude towards Sony Corp - which will probably translate to greater commercial success in future film releases and possibly other aspects of Sony's business.

Do not underestimate the power of advertising to generate revenue - even if it might appear unrelated to the product in question. And the free advertising Sony has garnered from this particular project is priceless.

But what evidence do we have that this cyber threat was ever real?

Again, except for the fact that the company is collapsing due to the data breach and pretty much everyone thinks the executives are a bunch of racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic *******s. I'm struggling to see benefit to the company here given that this movie probably would have at least made back its budget. Even Rogen and Franco's last craptastic offering - This is the End - returned more than triple its original budget.

And, again, SONY has stated that have NO PLANS to release this movie in ANY FORMAT to the public.

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni58118978?ref_=hm_nw_tp1

[keithisco]

Isn't Sony a Japanese company? Why should the US care about or intervene in what a foreign company does or does not do?

Do you even know what production companies that Sony Pictures Inc. actually owns in the USA?

Edited December 18, 2014 by Saru
Removed ad hom

[Careful_perspective]

"highly disrespectful" Keep in mind that this is North Korea the country with the most human rights violations in the whole world. He makes his people treat him like a god, refugees risk their lives to get out of his country. The place isolates itself from the rest of the world.

Should the free world ignore these things in our media because we don't want to be disrespectful? If anything its the duty of the free world with freedom of speech to challenge these things.

And if a nation is threatening U.S citizens by saying things like "remember 9/11" for watching a movie not to mention hacking companies that are also based in the U.S/Japan that is a security issue.

Edit: to add, if a movie was making fun of the nazis would you also say it is too disrespectful to air? Because Kim Jung un Is debatablly just as bad, he just has less power

Edited because: Actually, I change my mind, you're right. The free world SHOULDN'T ignore these things and it is our duty to challenge it. But this isn't going to change anything happening in North Korea. North Korea is a huge pile of b.s that no superpower wants to touch. My main concern is just how the movie makes america look, which is like arrogant jerks.

And aren't people are always saying that America should mind our own business more. Wouldn't minding our own business qualify under this? Why should America get up in arms about a movie and potentially start a bigger issue because of it?

Bleh, I don't know anymore, this issue is just confusing and frustrating.

Edited December 18, 2014 by woodsbooger

[Gromdor]

Do you even know what production companies that Sony Pictures Inc. actually owns in the USA?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Sony_Corporation

Still owned by a Japanese company. Are you saying the US should intervene on behalf of foreign companies if they have enough US holdings?

[Shayde]

If you'll forgive the cynic in me, you do all realise that there may be another hand in all of this affair?

What if Sony knows full well that The Interview is such a turkey, that they in fact are behind the hack, the threat and the putting the film on hold? That way when they "grow a pair" and stand up to say "NO!" to this threat, the audience will go to any cinema just to see how offensive the film is. Or isn't it...

Aye, I know. So unlikely that this may be the case...