TorrentFreak previously had the honor to have a chat with one of the inventors of the International Pirate holiday, Mark Summers, better known as “Cap’n Slappy.” He and his friend John Baur (Ol’ Chumbucket) first celebrated the holiday back in 1995 and many others have followed their example ever since.

We asked Cap’n Slappy about his political views and to put the MPAA and RIAA witch-hunt against BitTorrent users and sites in a historical perspective.

TorrentFreak: Do you support the aims of the various pirate parties around the world, or not?

Cap’n Slappy: So long as these pirate parties of which ye speak center around the two pillars o’ pirattitude; Rum and Roistering – they have me full support!

TorrentFreak: Any views on historical parallels between letters of marque and recent RIAA/MPAA actions, such as those regarding the Pirate Bay?

Cap’n Slappy: Ye have to understand, I’m an old pirate who has naught but a weak-ass computer-box what can barely download a picture o’ me nephew balancin’ a banana on his nose! So RIAA/MPAA be just letters to me – but a letter o’marque be a nice reminder o’ the ol’ sayin’ “The enemy o’ me enemy be me friend – at least till a better offer comes around.”

For those who are interested in getting involved in the TLAPD events, there is a list of things to do listed on the official website and Mashable has published a ‘how to‘ that may come in handy.

Enjoy your Talk Like a Pirate day, and please celebrate this wonderful holiday in the comment section below.

Article from: TorrentFreak, check out our new blog at FreakBits.

Cap’n Slappy: So long as these pirate parties of which ye speak center around the two pillars o’ pirattitude; Rum and Roistering – they have me full support!

TF: Do you feel they’re ’stealing your thunder’ a little?

CS: Thar be plenty o’ thunder to go around – we’re not greedy! One o’ the charms o’ International Talk Like a Pirate Day is that it doesn’t cost anyone anything! Sure, we sell t-shirts on our site – but there are many other web sites that sell Talk Like a Pirate Day t-shirts and we don’t begrudge ‘em that! We put the day out thar for all to play with as they please – so, if they want some thunder, they be more than welcome to whatever they can handle. (We do hope thy buy our books, though.)

TF: Any views on historical parallels between letters of marque and recent RIAA/MPAA actions, such as those regarding the Pirate Bay?

CS: Ye have to understand, I’m an old pirate who has naught but a weak-ass computer-box what can barely download a picture o’ me nephew balancin’ a banana on his nose! So RIAA/MPAA be just letters to me – but a letter o’marque be a nice reminder o’ the ol’ sayin’ “The enemy o’ me enemy be me friend – at least till a better offer comes around.”

TF: How long do you envisage TLAPD going for?

CS: I’m surprised it’s gone on this long! But each year its roots seem to run deeper – I think thar be somethin’ about the pirate personae that resonates with folks. So, I’m thinkin’ it’ll last until 2241. That’s me best guess.

Our thanks to Cap’n Slappy, and happy TLaPD.

Article from: TorrentFreak, check out our new blog at FreakBits.