OT: Software for profit (Was: Language Abuse) (Which Was: Note to Tim)

[Paul]

On Sunday 07 July 2002 09:10 am, you wrote:

>
> Copy Protection gets on my nerves. What really hurts now is when software
> companies tell me the software I bought isn't really mine, and that I only
> bought the media and a license to use it. Had there been a sticker on the
> box, I wouldn't have bought the software. Worst yet I don't know what i am
> agreeing too until I open the box, which now voids any chance of returning
> the item.

Is it really possible to own software if you didn't write it?  Even if you 
did write it, is it possible to own an idea?  I don't think it is possible to 
have or maintain ownership if you pass software to someone else.  The mere 
act of using the program causes it to be different to others and thereby 
changes the ownership.

It seems to me that if by opening the box voids any chance to return the item 
there is a very strong inducement to piracy.  Buying a "pig in a poke" has 
been a hazard for several hundred years and well recognized as such; so why 
would any reasonable person subscribe to such practice?  If there is enough 
interest in or need for the item the only logical alternative is to seek 
pirated versions in order to test the item.  Does it seem that copy 
protection is actually an endorsement of software piracy?