It's always a battle to be able to write down anything and everything you want in the free world. Even here on EA we at times get regulated on the posts that you all write, but we believe it's you're god given right to say what you want especially if that same information is already out in the world. That's what Backpage founder and Phoenix New Times co-founder James Larkin believed in before tragically taking his own life almost a week ago.
James Larkin's exciting entrepreneurial journey was beautifully illuminated by the creation of Backpage, a fantastic online classified advertisement platform. Founding Backpage in 2004 brought a ray of innovation to the world, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional print classifieds. Over time, it became an essential hub where individuals and businesses could easily connect and exchange services with a smile.
Larkin's visionary outlook truly embraced the digital landscape, bringing about a transformation that shifted the spotlight from print-based advertising to the boundless possibilities of the internet.
With the creation of Backpage, clients found it easier to navigate through the hobby without the need for heavy screening or leaving their home. The site was the perfect place for newer clients to get their feet wet before fully ingulfing themselves in the hobby while still staying off the radar of more prominent providers. This way you could make any mistakes without the need of being basted on social media and Blacklisted.
James Larkin's career was characterized by his steadfast commitment to free speech rights, a value he held close to his heart. He viewed Backpage not just as a platform, but as a living embodiment of these cherished principles. To him, any attempt to curtail its operations posed a risk of establishing a troubling precedent for online censorship. His unyielding support for unfiltered expression deeply connected with individuals who shared his belief in the internet's power to democratize the spread of information. However, his passionate advocacy also sparked important conversations about the delicate balance between the bounds of free speech and the need to address potential harm.
The harm being traffickers using the site to to host illegal activates along with a number of other illegal acts. Over a course of many years, Larkin along with Backpages two other co-founders, would go through court battle after court battle ultimately losing in the end after irremovable evidence was brought to light. Larkin wasn't charge with any trafficking or virtual pimping, but was charged with money laundering. He was said to be facing numerous years in person.
I can honestly say, not everything James did was great but fighting for free speech doesn't fall under that category. Backpage was taken down for human scum using it as a way to traffic people, which inevitably ruined it for the clients just curious about what the hobby could bring them. It's sad to see that the only way out was for James to take his own life, but if it wasn't for him a lot of us wouldn't be in this hobby and EA wouldn't be here today. I'm thank for Larkin for fighting for free speech and helping people, like myself, learn from his mistakes when navigating through this constantly regulated world.
