3 ms·

How much did the otherwise empty computer and operating system cost? Value doesn't materialize out of good thoughts. Actual work has to go into it.

Tichy 18y ago
I am not saying that it wasn't work to create those programs. But the fact is, there are plenty of free alternatives for most software. That is just the way it is. Putting work into something doesn't make you entitled to get paid. If nobody else feels like buying your stuff, you are out of luck. Personally I am using Linux with 0 commercial software installed. I do pay for the occasional computer game, though. Btw, it is not only "being cheap" that makes me stick to open source software, it has other benefits, too. For example OS software can be bundled with Linux and in many cases be installed via the package manager. Also, I get the "security verification" I don't get for commercial software (I know it is not a guarantee, but it is better than nothing). Also, I know that I will be able to use the software everywhere. I don't have to buy a new copy if I buy a new computer, or find myself at a computer somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Also, put it into perspective: Windows allegedly is more complex than the Space Shuttle, yet sells for 130$ or so (don't know exact prices). In comparison to that, 20$ for a text editor is a lot of money. I know 20$ is not much (like 2 visits to the cinema or 3 coffees at Starbucks), but I think one can't help thinking like that when deciding to shell out money for software.
- tom_rath 18y ago
  Then why not use the free option rather than pirate? If someone prefers the commercial version, they should be willing to pay for that added value.
  - Tichy 18y ago
    Of course, I didn't think the discussion was about buy vs pirate. Although I must admit I can't condemn pirating completely. When people don't have much money, I can see why they don't feel too bad about pirating.

Tichy 18y ago

I am not saying that it wasn't work to create those programs. But the fact is, there are plenty of free alternatives for most software. That is just the way it is. Putting work into something doesn't make you entitled to get paid. If nobody else feels like buying your stuff, you are out of luck. Personally I am using Linux with 0 commercial software installed. I do pay for the occasional computer game, though. Btw, it is not only "being cheap" that makes me stick to open source software, it has other benefits, too. For example OS software can be bundled with Linux and in many cases be installed via the package manager. Also, I get the "security verification" I don't get for commercial software (I know it is not a guarantee, but it is better than nothing). Also, I know that I will be able to use the software everywhere. I don't have to buy a new copy if I buy a new computer, or find myself at a computer somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Also, put it into perspective: Windows allegedly is more complex than the Space Shuttle, yet sells for 130$ or so (don't know exact prices). In comparison to that, 20$ for a text editor is a lot of money. I know 20$ is not much (like 2 visits to the cinema or 3 coffees at Starbucks), but I think one can't help thinking like that when deciding to shell out money for software.

tom_rath 18y ago
Then why not use the free option rather than pirate? If someone prefers the commercial version, they should be willing to pay for that added value.
- Tichy 18y ago
  Of course, I didn't think the discussion was about buy vs pirate. Although I must admit I can't condemn pirating completely. When people don't have much money, I can see why they don't feel too bad about pirating.