[INTERESTING ARTICLE; See Page 8] Discussion: Thoughts on Piracy

[Your Computer]

Piracy contradicts ethical commerce and the right to own property. I believe in the right to own property, and i therefore believe that the misuse of said property by those who do not own said property should be an offense punishable by law if so desired. The right to property should imply protection of said property. For would you be happy to come home one day and find all your expensive furniture missing?

I find it quite ironic for people to pirate anything simply because "the price is too high." As mentioned, piracy has the ability to increase popularity within a product. Piracy bears no limits in what can be pirated--at least on the internet--and therefore people will always lean towards the better product, which to no surprise is the more expensive product. "I pirated the software because it is too expensive," but you also maintained its popularity, therefore reduced its competition. Behold, you just took part in maintaining their high price tag by reducing competition.

Let's not entertain possibilities if you really want to argue for the so-called beneficial effects of piracy, assuming any exist. You have to bring in psychology in to the equation. Why do people pirate? Why do they pick to pirate that particular product over others? I'm sure you're bound to find that the "price was too high," or "i wanted to test out the product before buying," or other absurd statements like that are not the main reason, and are usually just statements to try and justify themselves. You will find the main reason to be "'cause its an option; 'cause i simply can."

People always want more, often to the extent of convincing themselves that a "want" is a "need." I shouldn't have to tell you that living like this is foolish. Anyone who lives beyond their means will end up living below their means. If anyone lacks such self control, i would not be surprised to find themselves struggling in life.

BTW, i know a couple of people who were paid a visit by the authorities for committing illegal activities (i.e. pirating music) on their home computers. Claiming you're safe from being caught is not true.