[darryl]

I also felt that the letter came across as quite self-congratulatory and self-important in parts. The vision of the wise old "elders", and the hands off "our" network particularly stand-out for me. And of course he purports to speak for a particular group, which is itself presumptuous with this wide and loosely defined group.

I don't know the writer personally and do not know whether or to what degree he is indulging his vanity, and this seems to be a judgment which differs from reader to reader, ranging from readers who ignore this aspect completely to those to whom it is so overwhelming that they don't even finish reading it (which is a shame). Such an impression is there. But bear in mind that a writer must in this type of letter establish some type of claim to authority and his right to speak on behalf of others.

But let's not let this overshadow the ideas conveyed. Even if the writer was totally vain, presumptious and arrogant he nevertheless has put down in words the way it seems that many people feel. Unfortunately, the letter will not change the policy of the MPAA, nor prevent attempts to resurrect SOPA and PIPA, nor prevent future outrages. But this is not the purpose of an "open" letter such as this. Or, to be more accurate, not the direct purpose.