4 ms·

Are trying to imply that deep down everyone inherently would choose theft over remuneration? Or that we all would prefer a world where everything is free? Pira

by dekz 15y ago

Are trying to imply that deep down everyone inherently would choose theft over remuneration? Or that we all would prefer a world where everything is free? Piracy exists sorely due to bad business models, where it is distribution of expected value of a product; Teens aren't going to pay $300 for Microsoft Office to use for 3 hours the night before a paper is due, I don't want to have DRM on my music. If your opinion was the case we'd see businesses burning to the ground, which we aren't. We're seeing business like Spotify, BandCamp, Steam, Kickstarter, HumbleIndieBundle all flourishing.

peterhunt 15y ago
No, piracy exists because it's cheaper than buying a product.
- spindritf 15y ago
  Piracy exists because easily replicable goods are not available to some people, price is just one of many possible reasons for this unavailability -- look at tv, shows from free-to-air channels are being pirated in millions(!) of copies every week.
replax 15y ago
I have to disagree, piracy does not only exist due to bad business models. Back in the day, it was generally more convenient to buy a tape instead of copying it from a mate. While convenience/"bad" business models is a big part of the reason for piracy it is by no means the sole reason for it. E.g. people love collecting stuff, but could not rationalise to pay for it. There are people with multiple TB's of music/films/books/pictures that they never consumed, just because collecting it is their only interest. Also, the Microsoft office Student example is obviously flawed. Office costs $300, if the student cannot/does not want to pay, he CANNOT USE it. There is absolutely NO business flaw on Microsoft's side there, except that their pricing might be a little to high for students. Maybe students are not their target group then. (I only use MS Office in this example because it is a response, students however can of course use the >FREE< MS Office (with ads) for their 3h-late-night-project).

by dekz 15y ago

peterhunt 15y ago

No, piracy exists because it's cheaper than buying a product.

spindritf 15y ago
Piracy exists because easily replicable goods are not available to some people, price is just one of many possible reasons for this unavailability -- look at tv, shows from free-to-air channels are being pirated in millions(!) of copies every week.

replax 15y ago

I have to disagree, piracy does not only exist due to bad business models. Back in the day, it was generally more convenient to buy a tape instead of copying it from a mate. While convenience/"bad" business models is a big part of the reason for piracy it is by no means the sole reason for it. E.g. people love collecting stuff, but could not rationalise to pay for it. There are people with multiple TB's of music/films/books/pictures that they never consumed, just because collecting it is their only interest. Also, the Microsoft office Student example is obviously flawed. Office costs $300, if the student cannot/does not want to pay, he CANNOT USE it. There is absolutely NO business flaw on Microsoft's side there, except that their pricing might be a little to high for students. Maybe students are not their target group then. (I only use MS Office in this example because it is a response, students however can of course use the >FREE< MS Office (with ads) for their 3h-late-night-project).