Post
by fasterfind » Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:28 pm
Piracy is a really circumstantial thing.
When a company makes something rediculously expensive due to blatant corporate greed (see microsoft) I don't have sympathy or a conscience when their stuff gets pirated.
However, when I see a developer or small company bust out something like winzip, paintshop, etc., which is reasonably priced - it pisses me off to see someone use a crack to save a mere $20 (Unless $20 is a lot to them.) In highschool, I used cracked stuff that I would have never been able to buy because I had no money. I have a real job now and I've since bought legal copies for the affordable software in my collection.
I think a perfect world would have some sort of setup where everybody pays an adjustable price of what's affordable and within reason for them. Discounts for the kids and the poor - but for anything that idealisic to come around, I must first rally an army of tattooed commies to enforce a lifestyle of fairness.
... if you would like to join my army of tattoed commies, feel free to PM. I live in Idaho and we'll get together for an annual burn barrel barbeque event. (Ever notice how angry minorities like to burn stuff?) Bring beer.
And if you do not want to be a commie, but just have pirated software - either eat your shorts or pat your back for making a good or poor decision. Heh, that's what it boils down to. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Always circumstantial.
In the longrun, paying for it is good because programmers deserve to make some bank and be rewarded for their work. Now's a good time to plug for donation to MQ for the homies. -Do it, they aren't asking for any set amount. - That means you can embrace the spirit of paying what's comfortable for you, and this spirit can be embraced without needing to be a tattooed commie - that's just awesome! So donate =)
If you don't, I'll send my army after you! They have lots of Barbecued meat, no hair, and they are pretty damned scary people!