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So is "hack." So is "terrorism." I share your frustration, but the way people use the language changes it; just look at the recent "because Internet" crap. Aski

So is "hack." So is "terrorism." I share your frustration, but the way people use the language changes it; just look at the recent "because Internet" crap. Asking people on the internet (which I'd say is what most 'journalists' have now become as well, incidentally) to stop abusing and overloading terms is painfully futile.

runarberg 13y ago
See, copyright violation has a well defined term, namely "copyright violation". Piracy means something completely different (an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea). Despite negative connotations "hacking" still means expanding the usage of an object and "terrorism" still means enforcing ones ideals through violence. So these comparisons are not valid. EDIT: To make my point clear. When clicking the link, I thought the article was literally about pirates, that is sea criminals (or perhaps the political party). If only the author would have used the more descriptive, and more correct term "copyright infringement" I would have been less confused. So usage of the word "piracy" in this context is both damaging, wrong and confusing.
- Drexl 13y ago
  Language evolves. You'll just have to learn to deal with it. Colloquialisms eventually become dictionary definitions in large part due to the influence and reach of the internet. This is the reality of things.
- davidw 13y ago
  The article wasn't really aimed at HN, I just happened to submit it here, too. It's aimed at self published authors, who know exactly what I am talking about with "piracy": it's not some married couple sharing a book, it's people setting up sites and systems to widely distribute a book without the author's knowledge or agreement. I really liked Rebecca's approach, because rather than getting into a rage about her book being ripped off, she kindly, and politely explained how they are hurting her, and what the consequences are for those who enjoy her writing.
  - davexunit 13y ago
    Unfortunately, Rebecca doesn't realize how Amazon is hurting her by threatening to stop selling her books if they are available gratis somewhere. For further reading of why Amazon is bad for authors and customers alike, see: http://stallman.org/amazon.html http://stallman.org/amazon.html
soperj 13y ago
That's pretty much my argument for the "Don't use the word 'gay' in a pejorative way" crowd. Doesn't come across as well...

runarberg 13y ago

See, copyright violation has a well defined term, namely "copyright violation". Piracy means something completely different (an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea). Despite negative connotations "hacking" still means expanding the usage of an object and "terrorism" still means enforcing ones ideals through violence. So these comparisons are not valid. EDIT: To make my point clear. When clicking the link, I thought the article was literally about pirates, that is sea criminals (or perhaps the political party). If only the author would have used the more descriptive, and more correct term "copyright infringement" I would have been less confused. So usage of the word "piracy" in this context is both damaging, wrong and confusing.

Drexl 13y ago
Language evolves. You'll just have to learn to deal with it. Colloquialisms eventually become dictionary definitions in large part due to the influence and reach of the internet. This is the reality of things.
davidw 13y ago
The article wasn't really aimed at HN, I just happened to submit it here, too. It's aimed at self published authors, who know exactly what I am talking about with "piracy": it's not some married couple sharing a book, it's people setting up sites and systems to widely distribute a book without the author's knowledge or agreement. I really liked Rebecca's approach, because rather than getting into a rage about her book being ripped off, she kindly, and politely explained how they are hurting her, and what the consequences are for those who enjoy her writing.
- davexunit 13y ago
  Unfortunately, Rebecca doesn't realize how Amazon is hurting her by threatening to stop selling her books if they are available gratis somewhere. For further reading of why Amazon is bad for authors and customers alike, see: http://stallman.org/amazon.html http://stallman.org/amazon.html

soperj 13y ago

That's pretty much my argument for the "Don't use the word 'gay' in a pejorative way" crowd. Doesn't come across as well...