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Originally Posted by timj219
In the immigration case I am not arguing that illegals be allowed to break the law and benefit from it. I'm arguing against chasing down the illegals because the only sane method for removing them is by cracking down on the people who employ them. Only when they are no longer rewarded with a job when they cross illigally will they stop doing so and go back home. Most politicians like very selective enforcement. It's easy for a politician to call for the tracking down of 12 million illegals because they can't vote, they have no money, it gets people excited, and it's never going to happen anyway.
Calling for real enforcement and real penalties for employers is a much different story because employers vote and, more importantly, have the kind of money that translates into campaign contributions.
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Well then it turns out we aren't very different in our views on immigration afer all. Thanks for clarifying.
As for piracy, I would still say that the volume is far greater and less likely to be stopped, let alone prosecuted. The one saving grace might actually be open source products as far as apps go. They not the same quality in some cases as the product they are trying to emulate, however it does provide a legal option for those who want to test run or learn a product.
Quote:
Originally Posted by timj219
I have worked in IT for about 15 years. I've seen countless cases of businesses and individuals using pirated software on a daily basis. In fact when I've done freelance work I have had to turn down work on occasions when a business owner asked me to work on equipment which was obviously running pirated software. I also know many people who download bootleg copies of music and movies and never pay a penny for a cd they've listened to online. So while it is true some people only pirate software and music and movies to "test drive" I've known many more who do it for keeps.
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I can understand the prdicament it would put you in if you were to work on those systems. I wasn't aware it was that widespread in business, aside from the odd small, home-based business. Aside from probably Windows, Office, Nero, etc... I would expect most of the non-business piracy would be more of a hobby/educational nature.
As for movies and music, I can see that changing someday. Musicians could release 1 or 2 songs at a time for download on the internet for a price instead of having to come up with 10 or more all at once. Not only would this improve the quality of the music but it could also benefit the artist(s) if they are able to release their work independently as opposed to through a label.
Movies could also be sold on the net. I'm sure there is a way (you would know better than I would) that someone could be limited to only viewing the movie once on their computer and, for a higher fee (or after a certain period after the initial release, or both) the person could download the movie and save it, burn it, and watch it anytime they want. Like I say, theaters would be hit hard, but if more do the things like Speakeasy mentioned earlier, there would be enough draw for both.