This strikes me as some pretty flawed logic. Staying open and saying nothing on their site (which is what Twitter is doing) is not using their mouthpiece more effectively than going dark.
Were Twitter and G+ and Facebook to shut down for the day it would grab attention.
Then after they come back on line they could use that attention to get the facts out. Sure it's a stunt. But it's a stunt that works.
Reshared post from +Ciro Villa
Embedded Link
Dick Costolo is right: The Jan 18th SOPA/PIPA blackout is “foolish” for businesses
On January 18th, many websites around the world will close shop for the day in a "blackout" that is means to raise awareness of the potentially damaging effects of the SOPA …
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
SOPA/PIPA Blackout is not "foolish" http://t.co/akOhtYiK This strikes me as some pretty
SOPA/PIPA Blackout is not ”foolish” http://t.co/7cUZ8fEE #fantasy #fiction
I don't think he understands what they mean by "going dark." From what I've heard, most of the sites are going to redirect to information urging people to call their reps. They're using their "mouthpiece" in the most effective way possible: making sure that their visitors can see nothing but the pertinent information.