Illegal Downloading of Software - Justified?

jhbwolverin · 29-09-09, 06:52 PM

Is it justified? No. Do I do it? Yes.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what the companies do, it's going to continue to happen. I think that the draconian measures these companies use to try to protect the old way of doing things drives off more customers than they would lose to piracy. Suing your customers, and virus-like DRM software on games is not the way to do things. The way people get their media is changing, and these companies need to change with it or get out of the way.

And I really think they have it wrong anyway. Remember when the movie studios thought VCRs would kill the movie industry? This is no different.

elliotknell · 30-09-09, 12:18 AM

That be rationalizing.

Good point though, they do need to keep up with the times.

Al2009 · 30-09-09, 01:19 AM

There is stuff out there that I could not afford.
Im a 19 year old student.
I took music at A Level standard - If i had not downloaded the software I did, I wouldn't have got as good mark, I would not be where I am now with music and got as a good of grade and therefore in my eyes, for me, it does not matter. There is over £1000 of stuff there, there was only one bit of reasonably priced software that i could afford (£100). Now i don't know anyone my age who has that kind of cash, of course you didn't need all of that software, i could've lived without it, but I wanted to do the best I could, and getting A's in composition is well worth it (well its kind of priceless isnt it..) if I could afford it I would've bought it, and I'm almost certain I will when I'm older and can afford it, but I do not feel one bit guilty.

tronsmith · 30-09-09, 11:42 AM

I've said this before but here I go anyway.

I have a job which although I enjoy, it only just pays the bills and doesn't leave me with much disposable income. when I am out of work I want to enjoy myself as much as I can with the resources I have.

At the end of the day my happiness is more important than a company's. Besides if I couldn't download illigallly they wouldn't be getting my money anyway.

With regards to music it's more profitable for me to download for free, reason being if I like the band I will go and see them live, recommend them to friends etc.

Schism · 30-09-09, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tronsmith

With regards to music it's more profitable for me to download for free, reason being if I like the band I will go and see them live, recommend them to friends etc.

Exactly where I stand! I've argued with people that will buy CDs/Download off iTunes and say it's the best thing, but I always argue that I spend loads on going to gigs, like £20 for the ticket, £20 for travel + food etc and they won't have done any of that kind of stuff.

With my band that's hopefully gonna kick off properly soon, I'd rather people download the music and spend the x amount of money coming to see us at the gig... downloading music has done good for the music world, more music is being heard by more people. I just compare the amount of bands I'm into now, as to how many my dad was into at my age, he would of only have heard the bands he's heard on the radio and by friends etc, whereas we have unlimited access to all bands that exist within reason!

With software it's a tricky one, I can't afford to spend hundreds on something like photoshop, but I'll buy things like operating systems... but I can spend my money on better, more worthwhile things... like beer.

kevan321 · 30-09-09, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al2009

There is stuff out there that I could not afford.
Im a 19 year old student.
I took music at A Level standard - If i had not downloaded the software I did, I wouldn't have got as good mark, I would not be where I am now with music and got as a good of grade and therefore in my eyes, for me, it does not matter. There is over £1000 of stuff there, there was only one bit of reasonably priced software that i could afford (£100). Now i don't know anyone my age who has that kind of cash, of course you didn't need all of that software, i could've lived without it, but I wanted to do the best I could, and getting A's in composition is well worth it (well its kind of priceless isnt it..) if I could afford it I would've bought it, and I'm almost certain I will when I'm older and can afford it, but I do not feel one bit guilty.

That's always kind of been my view on things. Now that you've had a free copy of it, and now know how to use it, you're likely to buy a copy in the future.

If you'd not downloaded it and found a way of achieving the same thing without using the software then they wouldn't have a future customer.

jhbwolverin · 30-09-09, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elliotknell

That be rationalizing.

Pretty much. However, I mostly download things that I wouldn't have paid for anyway, so I don't see how it really hurts the companies. I'm well aware that what I'm doing is illegal and I could get in trouble for it, but to me illegal doesn't mean the same thing as wrong.

And it's not really the same as stealing either. If I stole a CD from best buy, I'm doing 2 things. I'm taking something that cost money to make (in salaries for artists and everyone else, and in the physical cost of pressing the CD), and I'm denying use of that particular copy to anyone else. When I download the CD, I'm not taking anything that cost them anything to make. In fact, the recording studio didn't make it at all, someone else did. And I'm not denying the use of it to anyone else. So it's more like I borrowed the CD from the library and copied it before returning it.

More rationalizing? Yeah, sure. I'm not trying to argue it's RIGHT. But I don't see how anyone's getting hurt from what I do, so it's not exactly wrong either.

bmh16 · 30-09-09, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schism

Exactly where I stand! I've argued with people that will buy CDs/Download off iTunes and say it's the best thing, but I always argue that I spend loads on going to gigs, like £20 for the ticket, £20 for travel + food etc and they won't have done any of that kind of stuff.

With my band that's hopefully gonna kick off properly soon, I'd rather people download the music and spend the x amount of money coming to see us at the gig... downloading music has done good for the music world, more music is being heard by more people. I just compare the amount of bands I'm into now, as to how many my dad was into at my age, he would of only have heard the bands he's heard on the radio and by friends etc, whereas we have unlimited access to all bands that exist within reason!

With software it's a tricky one, I can't afford to spend hundreds on something like photoshop, but I'll buy things like operating systems... but I can spend my money on better, more worthwhile things... like beer.

I agree with all that

tronsmith · 30-09-09, 02:57 PM

Same here.

Jake · 30-09-09, 04:48 PM

I don't agree with pirating software. I used to, but ever since I started programming I've realised how long and how much effort goes into big applications like photoshop. Though I do think that companies should release stripped down versions of their software with the less specialist features for a lower price so that regular (you know what I mean) people can use the software without the huge premium.

However, I don't think downloading music for free is wrong. Music is an art and should be made for enjoyment (though I would still happily pay for gigs). I don't think I should have to pay to listen to the music I like. I like the idea of music "on donation" that some more independant artists have done - I don't mind contributing if I really like it, but I don't think I should be forced to pay to enjoy music.

Schism · 30-09-09, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake

I don't agree with pirating software. I used to, but ever since I started programming I've realised how long and how much effort goes into big applications like photoshop. Though I do think that companies should release stripped down versions of their software with the less specialist features for a lower price so that regular (you know what I mean) people can use the software without the huge premium.

However, I don't think downloading music for free is wrong. Music is an art and should be made for enjoyment (though I would still happily pay for gigs). I don't think I should have to pay to listen to the music I like. I like the idea of music "on donation" that some more independant artists have done - I don't mind contributing if I really like it, but I don't think I should be forced to pay to enjoy music.

You're only taking that stance cos of what you do.

If you was a producer and spent loads of time producing music but didn't see any money cos of illegal downloading it, you'd be pissed off there too

It is wrong, because it's stealing, it's just like saying the central art museum should give you their paintings so you can enjoy it in your own home

TheDoctor · 30-09-09, 10:47 PM

if i could get hold of some software that i wanted and was "free"
i would definitely do it, wouldnt think twice

Jake · 01-10-09, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schism

You're only taking that stance cos of what you do.

If you was a producer and spent loads of time producing music but didn't see any money cos of illegal downloading it, you'd be pissed off there too

It is wrong, because it's stealing, it's just like saying the central art museum should give you their paintings so you can enjoy it in your own home

I see your point. But a producer doesn't have to spend loads of money recording it. It's a couple of hundred quid for a multi track that a band could use to record in their own house. If Leona Lewis got a band together to record an album herself, people would still buy it.

FurbtasticM · 01-10-09, 03:48 PM

I just think it's a sign of the times, you just have to look around the forums to see that everyone just wants something for nothing.

Spoiler

Larkino · 01-10-09, 04:15 PM

I dont see the point of downloading music, it's what, £4 for a CD from Amazon? At least it is mainly going to the artist.

delude · 01-10-09, 04:20 PM

Watch this, it's a guy's response to Lilly Allen's opinions on file sharing.

EDIT: WATCH IT

bmh16 · 01-10-09, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larkino

I dont see the point of downloading music, it's what, £4 for a CD from Amazon? At least it is mainly going to the artist.

I have downloaded around 900 albums, bought 120ish. How is it cost effective to buy all those? Besides i sometimes download some real shoddy albums which i think i might give it a try but think it's likely i won't like it. Besides the amount of new artists i wouldn't have dreamed of getting into before i have got into thanks to downloading. Therefore my opinion is very much in favour of illegally downloading. That's the best way to spread music too if you're new too i think as playing live is where the money is at too innni

Larkino · 01-10-09, 04:27 PM

There are so many tools to listen to music online, saying "I just want to try it", is not an excuse. If you're not sure about an album, listen to it, stream it from somewhere, then decide wether to get it or not. Don't just randomly buy CDs like some sort of wally.

bmh16 · 01-10-09, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larkino

There are so many tools to listen to music online, saying "I just want to try it", is not an excuse. If you're not sure about an album, listen to it, stream it from somewhere, then decide wether to get it or not. Don't just randomly buy CDs like some sort of wally.

I stand by that i have no shame in downloading music. Sure there is spotify, but it's not great on the move and not great music quality generally (I like 320kpbs).

Besides it's nearly impossible to find Pink Floyd and The Beatles available legally streaming over the internet. The Wall you won't find cheaper than £20 anywhere really too. Shame really, one of my favourite albums but i just can't afford it at that price.

Harvez · 01-10-09, 05:17 PM

Just think how you guys react when someone steals your images text from your sites!!!
now think about the hard work and hours artist put into making albums promoting etc.

sugar coat it anyway you like it's theft and your stealing.

30-09-09, 10:47 PM	#72
TheDoctor Mini Mac Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,836	if i could get hold of some software that i wanted and was "free" i would definitely do it, wouldnt think twice __________________

01-10-09, 03:48 PM	#74
FurbtasticM ..is a Muppet! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Swindon Posts: 10,238	I just think it's a sign of the times, you just have to look around the forums to see that everyone just wants something for nothing. Spoiler Light blue touch paper and retreat.... __________________ iPhone deals \| Giveaway \| Free iPhone \| Free iPad

01-10-09, 04:15 PM	#75
Larkino Call me Vlad Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South London Posts: 9,512	I dont see the point of downloading music, it's what, £4 for a CD from Amazon? At least it is mainly going to the artist. __________________ Free Xbox 360 S \| Free Wii \| Last.FM

01-10-09, 04:20 PM	#76
delude Mini Mac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: UK Posts: 4,655	Watch this, it's a guy's response to Lilly Allen's opinions on file sharing. EDIT: WATCH IT Last edited by delude; 01-10-09 at 04:21 PM..

01-10-09, 04:27 PM	#78
Larkino Call me Vlad Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South London Posts: 9,512	There are so many tools to listen to music online, saying "I just want to try it", is not an excuse. If you're not sure about an album, listen to it, stream it from somewhere, then decide wether to get it or not. Don't just randomly buy CDs like some sort of wally. __________________ Free Xbox 360 S \| Free Wii \| Last.FM

29-09-09, 06:52 PM	#61
jhbwolverin iPod Nano 1GB Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 48	Is it justified? No. Do I do it? Yes. Honestly, it doesn't matter what the companies do, it's going to continue to happen. I think that the draconian measures these companies use to try to protect the old way of doing things drives off more customers than they would lose to piracy. Suing your customers, and virus-like DRM software on games is not the way to do things. The way people get their media is changing, and these companies need to change with it or get out of the way. And I really think they have it wrong anyway. Remember when the movie studios thought VCRs would kill the movie industry? This is no different.

30-09-09, 12:18 AM	#62
elliotknell iPod 20gb Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: U.S. Posts: 673	That be rationalizing. Good point though, they do need to keep up with the times.

30-09-09, 01:19 AM	#63
Al2009 iPod Nano 4GB Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 316	There is stuff out there that I could not afford. Im a 19 year old student. I took music at A Level standard - If i had not downloaded the software I did, I wouldn't have got as good mark, I would not be where I am now with music and got as a good of grade and therefore in my eyes, for me, it does not matter. There is over £1000 of stuff there, there was only one bit of reasonably priced software that i could afford (£100). Now i don't know anyone my age who has that kind of cash, of course you didn't need all of that software, i could've lived without it, but I wanted to do the best I could, and getting A's in composition is well worth it (well its kind of priceless isnt it..) if I could afford it I would've bought it, and I'm almost certain I will when I'm older and can afford it, but I do not feel one bit guilty.

30-09-09, 11:42 AM	#64
tronsmith iPod 60gb Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brighton Posts: 1,663	I've said this before but here I go anyway. I have a job which although I enjoy, it only just pays the bills and doesn't leave me with much disposable income. when I am out of work I want to enjoy myself as much as I can with the resources I have. At the end of the day my happiness is more important than a company's. Besides if I couldn't download illigallly they wouldn't be getting my money anyway. With regards to music it's more profitable for me to download for free, reason being if I like the band I will go and see them live, recommend them to friends etc.

30-09-09, 02:57 PM	#69
tronsmith iPod 60gb Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brighton Posts: 1,663	Same here.

30-09-09, 04:48 PM	#70
Jake iPod Nano 4GB Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 316	I don't agree with pirating software. I used to, but ever since I started programming I've realised how long and how much effort goes into big applications like photoshop. Though I do think that companies should release stripped down versions of their software with the less specialist features for a lower price so that regular (you know what I mean) people can use the software without the huge premium. However, I don't think downloading music for free is wrong. Music is an art and should be made for enjoyment (though I would still happily pay for gigs). I don't think I should have to pay to listen to the music I like. I like the idea of music "on donation" that some more independant artists have done - I don't mind contributing if I really like it, but I don't think I should be forced to pay to enjoy music.

01-10-09, 05:17 PM	#80
Harvez Mini Mac Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: l33dz Posts: 9,487	Just think how you guys react when someone steals your images text from your sites!!! now think about the hard work and hours artist put into making albums promoting etc. sugar coat it anyway you like it's theft and your stealing. __________________ Freebiejeebies \| Free iphone \| Free Blackberry \| Free Wii U \| Free laptop Someone once said "Life is what you make it", I disagree sometimes life makes you into what you are.