Scientology vs Anonymous Update II

The initial gun smoke has vanished. Several Scientology web sites have been under attack and grounded for some time, while others are online. At the same time, the attack on the sites, wikis and IRC channels being used for coordinating Anonymous' activities, performed under the name "The Regime", have caused them to build a new defense line. By now, this seems to work and the sites are online and by now also local ones, e.g. in Germany, have emerged.

By now, Anonymous is planning continued cyber-attacks, but also IRL activities, such as prank calls to Scientology establishments and members, and on-site demonstrations are taking place.

It should also be noted that Anonymous is not, as it has been widely reported, a group of hackers, but a loosely coupled network of people without a clear structure and governance, sharing a cause. In other words, Anonymous is structurally close to the internet itself.

This is, on the hand hand, a clear advantage. Since loosely coupled groups without central governance can operate independently and quickly regroup, taking out a node of the network will not harm the superstructure. On the other hand, they are more difficult to control and direct. In addition, Anonymous is based on the engagement of volunteers that might not be enduring.

The strength of Anonymous is therefore also its weakness. The success or failure of this campaign therefore ultimately depends on Anonymous' ability to reach and maintain a critical mass of people and keep together this loosely coupled structure.