A Sad Day For Innovation....

[Tichy]

As I said, I think that many people that download illegal copies, wouldn't have bought the originals anyway. Even if there was no chance to obtain that copies for free.

We should have more trust in common people's intentions and behaviour, without constantly trying to find the criminals, the deviants, and seeking vengeance for their "sins". (Yes, I think that 'piracy' is more of a sin... That kind of religious sin that eveyone says that's very very bad because they have been taught to say that... but at which they does not actually believe.)

[Disembodied]

As I said, I think that many people that download illegal copies, wouldn't have bought the originals anyway. Even if there was no chance to obtain that copies for free.

We should have more trust in common people's intentions and behaviour, without constantly trying to find the criminals, the deviants, and seeking vengeance for their "sins". (Yes, I think that 'piracy' is more of a sin... That kind of religious sin that eveyone says that's very very bad because they have been taught to say that... but at which they does not actually believe.)

I agree - although this varies enormously across different types of media and across different markets. I suspect that the Baen Free Library works so well because, at least in part, it's dealing with SF fans, who tend to be a bit more clued-up about the economics of the digital world (and more likely to have positive feelings towards particular authors, and be a bit more techno-utopian in general). It would probably be a lot less successful if it dealt in, say, erotica ...

Personally, I think illegal copying is wrong: it's parasitical, in essence. Like Smithy2501 says, these things are luxuries, not necessities, and nobody has any entitlement to them. Frankly, if a fraction of the energy and outrage expended by those who want to be able to selfishly consume these luxuries without paying for them was instead spent on, say, ensuring that everyone has access to heat and light and food and water, to health and security and comfort, the world might be a better place ... that said, if a fraction of the effort that certain corporations expend on DRM and other futile activities was spent on making their products better, the world might be at least a slightly more convenient place!

[Tricky]

On a similar note...

Why is it that the media always uses the word "hacker" when really they should be using the word "cracker"?

[Smithy2501]

On a similar note...

Why is it that the media always uses the word "hacker" when really they should be using the word "cracker"?

I think that just stems from ignorance of the correct term to use, and now that its become ingrained it's probably too hard to change the public perception back to the correct term, cracker!

Cheers,

Smithy

[Tichy]

I'd prefer the term 'hacktivism', when the intrusion or the defacement is done for political purpose. I feel this kind of actions more akin to occupations.
In addition, defining them 'activism', people might think about the reasons for which they are made and, maybe, agree. Or maybe not... As with all political demonstrations.

Clearly, not every cracking or hacking is done for activism.

The hacker counterculture is not all the same. Is formed by people with ideals that can be very different. The selfish persons that uses their knowledge only for personal benefit. Those who like intellectual challenges. And those who see it as a form of political activism. And here, too, for different political ideas, even if the majority have a libertarian or socialist orientation. And even there, we can have our cyber Max Stirner, or Kropotkin and Malatesta.

[Smithy2501]

I think using the above definitions it would be "cracktivism" but hat kinda doesn't have a very good ring to it!

Cheers,

Smithy