Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Pirates Roam The Sea of The Internet
Since programs like Napster, downloading music has been a constant concern for the Music Industry. People that download music for thier own personal archives and personal use are referred to as "pirates". Pirates however, do not only illegally obtain music, they can obtain almost any kind of software available online.
This article titled "So You Want To Be a Pirate" from the first issue and volume of "Pirate", defends the rights that these so called pirates have when it comes to downloading. He takes the stand saying that if anything, we have not cost these big time corporations any money, we have been helping them earn. By downloading and using these programs or files fist hand, we can relay our experiences to others, like a pirater's review so to speak. The author goes even further to say that pirates may be one of the best forms of advertising quality products because sharing allows a shop-around method for buying these programs.
"We are collections of information. Unlike those who would keep computer literacy to the affluent few, we make it more readily available to the masses."
The author explains that we are enhancing the world with information, by sharing it. By sharing these computer resources, we spread computer literacy, and indirectly encouraging improvements.
I have downloaded music and movies, but not for any purposes to make money or to take advantage of these services. I still will go to the store and buy an album to support the artists that I like. I still will go to the store and purchase the newest movie that came out. I feel that it makes it easier for the consumers to make their purchases worth it, by knowing what they are getting for their buck before they spend it.
All in all, with all the piracy precautions that are taking, and all the laws put into place with extreme consequences for those who break these rules, people will still find a way around this. The internet will need to be regulated at some point, I feel it will get to great for its own good, and if not, some people will feel that way. I feel that with all these new applications and programs and technology involving the internet, regulations will be brought up at some point. Until then, happy pirating!
