4 ms·
We have similar problems in Belarus. I can not talk for Iranians, since it might be different there. But in Belarus, country close to the center of Europe conti
by pavelkaroukin 15y ago
We have similar problems in Belarus. I can not talk for Iranians, since it might be different there. But in Belarus, country close to the center of Europe continent, located on intersection of major roads between east and west, we are in a quite similar position. No PayPal, no Apple, even Microsoft is represented only via Ukrainian office (i.e. office located in another country!)
And this happens there because people do nothing about it. We have corruption there, presidential clan, which holds most of valuable businesses out there (oil refining, minerals extraction, weapons trade). I've been there, I had an great idea, that together we can change situation, get new government, build businesses. But after 2 years I realized - simply nobody care.
Let put it this way - If I live in bum's family, should I blame fancy restaurant management for not giving me access to it? Probably, no. Same case with Belarus - it is not an excuse for pirating software. Instead, Belorussians should fix their country first.
And in the mean time, if you really need to make work done, there is bunch of open source software. Use it. It might sucks comparing to propriate ones, but you can use it to make work done. There is no excuse for stealing.
- CaptainZapp 15y agoThe cause is probably very different: While Iran suffers very heavy economic sanctions (i.e. Banking with Iran is virtually impossible) the reason Belarus is so neglected is that major companies just don't give a shit about this specific market. Not sure if this difference really matters at the end of the day and I can sure feel your pain.
- pavelkaroukin 15y agoWell.. I tried to make two points =) - there are no excuses for stealing property - if your country is excluded from worldwide business, it is your problem first of all, not company's, which have problems selling in your country.
- alextgordon 15y agoI don't like the assumption that companies are against piracy in markets they do not sell in. I sell software. If my payment processor doesn't accept payment from your country, I don't mind if you pirate the software instead. You are not "stealing" from me, since I cannot sell anything to you. Perhaps, instead of assuming that all companies are run by MPAA-style hardliners, it would be better to email the company and ask them what their position is. They might even give you a free license.
- pavelkaroukin 15y agoIt you truly believe this is right to give users from countries where you can not sell, use your software for free (not stealing/pirating), just give away free license once they could confirm they are from these countries. This way I do not have to pirate/steal it, and you got distribution in country where otherwise your software would not be presented. I've seen this model, often with russian companies giving away their software for free to russian customers (only versions with russian interface) and selling software for real bucks for everybody else. I do not see a reason why this could not be adapted. But! Adobe, Apple, etc countries do not want to give their software for free. It will damage their brand and/or dilute user base. And it is their right to limit whom they want to sell/give software, and to whom - not. And you can not justify stealing software by the fact owner do not allow you (for any reasons) to buy it. Use opensource software if you are limited in buying options. Do not steal!