Introspection

Confessions of a pirate November 4, 2005

Have I downloaded warez/movies/mp3′s? yes

Is piracy bad for business? Yes in some fashion but RIAA and MPAA et al. distort the facts and in general spread FUD for the most part.

Well many a co-worker and friend are always asking me what I suggest for downloading music and various warez. I’m sitting on the fence with this as I use Open source or freeware software exclusively and I always suggest the OS option route first. I do admit that there is software out there that people can’t live without that is non opensource and people should try it and buy it. Many viewpoints can go to the extreme on software/music/movie piracy and I have to say that I’m moderate on the issue. If I was given the opportunity to purchase legit products or services at a fair price and convientent download I would highly encourage people to follow the legit route.

I see RIAA and MPAA dinosaurs are in a battle to maintain status quo in respect to how they do business . Their business model are the problem not the online piracy from “Joe Average.” I believe we are coming to the turning point where these industries will have to change as the public demand dictates and offer reasonably priced and convienent products and services. Look to Itunes, IPTV, podcasts, web based applications (AJAX), and Open source initiatives. These entities are starting new trends and innovations. Support them and the market will hopefully change for the better to allow people to be legitimate. Will it stop piracy completely …. no it won’t.