This was a revelation to me, so I would have to agree. I'm ignorant of the subject and my initial reaction to a thing called the USA Freedom Act was "great, how are my rights about to be curtailed now?"
--News at 11
Clear as mud.
"The USA Freedom Act, the leading contender for NSA reform, is set for a vote this week. The bill has some problems, but is a major step forward for surveillance reform. That's why we're asking you to call your Senator and urge them to support the USA Freedom Act."
How much more clear do you want it?
Obviously ideally people will read past the biggest font on the page, but that doesn't always happen.
I revisited the page and realized my eye was immediately drawn to the huge propaganda eagle, after which I jumped to the middle of the article and started skimming. Once again I missed the initial sentence. Had to intentionally look for it.
Since I have enough information to determine that I don't want the Freedom Act to pass, why would I click through to the article?
So you didn't read the article, which was the original complaint of the root comment. If you can't take 30 seconds to read about legislation that could significantly impact the power of the security state to spy on the American public, you're not doing your duty as a citizen.
So why would I read it?
If you take a systemic stance on improving the problem, then you have a chance at improving the rate at which people do their duty as citizens.
Your choice.
EFF -- if you're listening -- it would be great to stake a very clear position on this bill at the very top of your statement.
Something like "We urge you to support the USA Freedom Act."
Since neither the name of the bill itself, nor anything on the page, makes it clear that the "Freedom Act" is an act against the digital surveillance of US citizens, someone who had never heard of the Act, or someone skimming the page, would not gain a meaningful conclusion.
I was unsure at first whether to support or decry the bill, and heck, the name even sounds like "Patriot Act." The title of the page itself does no help: it paints an ominous message in a severe tone.
Marketing: it's important. Be clear.
"The signals we give—yes, or no, or maybe— should be clear; the darkness around us is deep."
William Stafford -- http://williamstafford.org/spoems/pages/ritual.html