First off, I will admit that I have several pieces of software on my home computer which could be considered pirated. I won't attempt to justify the fact; however, I would like to inform everyone that I've long since quit pirating software (when I first got a job of my own).

I just recently turned 18, and the responsibilities of trying to start a business of my own have all but completely removed my wishes to pirate software. I've even gotten into the habit of actually reading EULA's (Heaven forbid!)

Now my issue with the article on pirating isn't at all for pirating itself. My issue with the article is about the exageration on the subject; moreover, the given that the companies that produce software actually lose money. Now, it may be true that the company loses profit; but more often than not, it is only profit that the company loses. What I'm trying to say is: the article associates software piracy with actual theft. This is untrue, software piracy (the way I see it) is an unauthorized distrubution of copies of the software. Product vendors pay the company up front, so sales may be cut back; but profit is all that's lost.

Another interesting concept to note is that my software pirating days were limited to when I could not possibly afford to pay for expensive software. I didn't have a source of income, just getting a computer put together for myself was hard enough. Let's say for example I wanted to purchase items such as 3D Studio Max or Adobe Photoshop, both of which are quite pricey, without an income. The company wouldn't have benifited any from me not having the software (assuming I didn't distribute it). Another thing to note: if I hadn't pirated those software titles, I wouldn't have been able to purchase them anyway, so the company wouldn't lose anything other than profit.

A few of you will probably assume things about my character for taking a defensive stance on the subject. But I just wanted to have a voice for this topic. I hope everyone can respect my opinion for what it is: merely an opinion.

-edited to rectify rigourous censoring for specific keywords which by themselves are not offensive.

[This message has been edited by Clovis (edited 10-18-2000).]

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How many people here can honestly say they have paid for WinZip?

Just throwing a spanner in the works!

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Clovis,

I hope you will keep posting here. That was an exteemly well expessed opinion and a great statement of fact: re: the lost profit versus thievery. I always read the acticles and lately the author has been expressing a great deal of "toe the line" opinion (must be under some editorial pressure) What I find fascinating though is that the more I read the more I think the author is unaware that she's writing her opinion as fact.

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MCP A+

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Yea it is a tough call,
lets say you are a poor bastard (like me)
and someone offers you the latest copy of (insert cool program here) 2001? I mean I would never really of bought the program but if I have hard drive space and learning it would come in handy one day, why not.
I prefer to buy my software because I like to have a registered copy. And the stuff that I purchase I really put to use.

Just my opinion.

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I'm in agreement with macaries on some issues. The Author of the particular article and a few other ones has a different agenda! They stated in one of their responses on this board they didn't want to be hypocritical??? I'm not one to bash anyone but. If we're going to write articles about issues, let's not have participated as well! We all have some way or some how utilized pirated software, and for some people used braindumps, but this doesn't apply to everyone as a whole. It kills me not just on this board but others that i constanly surf people are "Throwing Rocks and hiding their Hands". Stop it people. If you're going to take a stand on some issues don't fool us, because you're fooling yourself also. When a politician runs for office and the heat starts to turn up, skeletons and issues start falling out of the closets on things they've said or done which came back to haunt them, they look silly when they are CALLED OUT.

This is by far one of the best boards that's out here. The participation is extreme. I've learned a lot from the constant post and issues that come about. I tell you that Bobby Digital seems like he's everywhere and giving out great advice and compliments this board as well others. I have no problems with this board i reiterate. The two recent articles i've read recently, The Pirating and the braindumps article i'm disturbed about, not that it happens but is the author's hands clean? We have to be real with ourselves. I'm sure you've heard this term before "I hate an unmarried marriage counselor". Okay i'm finished, I wanted to take a few moments and render my verdict and i think the author is guilty!!!


CyberJudge

"If you always tell the truth, you'll never have to remember what you said".

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When you are a software developer and you have someone "BORROW" or "TEST" one of your applications and you can see the lost $$$ then you can express a true opinion. Until then you all are sitting on the sidelines and pontificating. Piracy is theft in all cases.

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Thank You Reality Check:

It was good to hear the voice of a true software developing professional after so many people were more interested in slamming me - the person.

I think its very important to remember that these boards are for people helping people, and not to take personal shots at anyone - it hurts.

Each article was written as a generalization and did not slam anyone in particular, I am not in the business of hurting other people.

I continue to stand strong on the point that software piracy is in fact theft no matter how you look at it. People can continue to try and justify what they are doing, however in reality you know its theft. Some of you may want to re-read Reality Checks post for a software developers opinion.

I do not write my opinion as fact, I write the truth as fact, and will continue to do so.

The articles I write are based on the opinions of myself, of examnotes, and of people actually working in the Industry.

Oh, and I thank whoever said the kind words about Bobby Digital. As he is a mentor and friend of mine, its nice to hear nice things about him.

I feel that I must have hit a nerve in order to have so many people more interested in slamming me personally than reflecting on themselves. If you can't justify yourself, it is always easier to kill the messanger isn't it folks???

Again, I stand strong - Piracy is theft in all cases!

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Sincerely,
Paisleyskye
Best wishes and peace to all!!!

(MOUS,A+,MCPx2)

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Thanks @ Cyberjudge:-)

Look at software "piracy" like this, if someone pays for it, it is their business what they want to do with it.

This piracy issues has been going one for years with music (i.e. albums, cassettes, and CDs) and video tapes. People share. Period. Industry wise is is wrong because they are not getting all the money they feel they deserve.

The only time I can justify the industry's stance is when it is being pirated for a profit.

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You go girl!!!!!

It saddens me to look at this board and see so many people lashing out at Paisleyskye as a person.

As someone who works in the industry, I watch this board regularly, and over time I have come to look forward to Skye's posts and articles.

I would agree that software piracy is theft in all cases, and would ask that people get some common sense and figure it out for themselves.

Skye - you are the voice of the Industry, I've told you before, don't let these people get you down. You'll be a Network Administrator while they are still sitting on a help desk. You have knowledge, while the sad fact is, the people who are vicously attacking you only have text books.

Don't let it get you down girl! Chin up, little girl and keep going strong!

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Okay no need to get personal! This is business. Let's keep it that way. We are all entitled to an opinion.

I think it is an exaggeration on the subject as Clovis stated. I agree with CyberJudge in that I did not care for the last 2 articles. They are purely judgemental and serve no purpose but to sit in judgement.

PaisleSkye is correct with regards to the money lost but companies are used to it, in fact it is expected. However if nothing else she is controversial, perhaps someone else would care to write? Haven't seen a want ad lately though, so this is wher it ends.

I know, I work with developers and they don't care about the little peanuts they care about their product reputation the fact that it is a coveted product strengthens its reputation. No one seriously worries about piracy, only about the big fish. The developers give it out to whom they wish! It is a given that this is peanuts compared to the actual $ brought in by sales so if you want it for corporate use you may get a couple of freebies to sweeten the deal, to whet your apetite. So when that client is happy he will tell his friends and the marketplace reputation is built! The real money is in big corporate contract sales, support and continued development. I will not say what product this is or what company, but we are a major player in the finance industry. But most software is for profit but it is also donated to schools. However PaisleySkye is entitled to her opinion without an assault! So let's relax. simply take it as food for thought.

Just an opinion,
GalaxyGal

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