Waging War on Business

[plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us]

On Wed, 12 Feb 2003, Derek Neighbors wrote:

> > nah.  Ill call it what it is.  theft.  If somebody is selling something
> > and I take that something without paying for it, that is theft.  it does
> >  not matter what it is.  i.e.  if I use my friends copy of WinXP on my
> > box  without paying for it, its theft.  If I get permission from MS to
> > do this,  it is no longer theft because they gave it to me.
> 
> No its not.
> 
> Example:  Say I own Windows 95.  I have the disk, I install it on a second
> computer.  I have violated copyright.  Are you going to argue that I have
> stolen something?  Virtually you are saying that you want to prosecute
> yourself for stealing from yourself.  Which just doesnt make sense.

Lets say you talk to the gm of a car dealership.  They give you a legal 
document that says you can take 1 car off the lot for $x.  You take 2.  
theft.  When you purchase the software, you are agreeing to the terms of 
the license.  Generally thats one install per.  (of course diff. softwares 
have diff. licenses).  the agreement gives parameters to which you can use 
the software.  how many installs. If you want more, buy more.  If not, you 
are stealing.  

I dont agree with the licensing of most commercial products (software, 
anyway), therefore, I do no buy them.  I also do not use them.  I find 
alternative means to do what I need to get done.  

> 
> MOST violations are not someone, buying an "illegal" copy.  Rather it is
> one person using a "legal" copy multiple times for themselves (or their
> business).  Legally theft and copyright infringement are different things,
> thus we need to discuss them as different things.
> 

whats the difference between buying an 'illegal' copy and not buying a 
'legal' copy or using a copy not legally obtained?  either way you are 
using a product you have no right to use.  I cannnot go to a car dealership,
 take a car, and just say "i just didnt legally obtain it" as my defense.


again, not the best metaphores, but good enough.

David 

> -Derek
> 





> 

-- 
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
--Darth Vader
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