Comment by readme
13 years ago
Piracy is not freedom of speech. It is the copying and syndication of the intellectual works of others. I suspect more HNers would be upset about piracy, if they weren't using SaaS business models which are not as vulnerable to it.
It's really easy to brush off the fact that hundreds of people worked to make that movie you downloaded for free, especially when you never have to look any one of them in the eye.
These days with things like netflix, itunes, and amazon prime, the only excuse one can make for participating in piracy is destitution. I totally understand those who wouldn't have been able to acquire the goods anyway doing so by using the pirate bay and other services. In this sense, they're kind of a decentralized information welfare program. Most countries have this already, and it's called a library. Too bad most libraries haven't caught up with the information age yet. So the piracy services have been filling a very important spot.
I'd strongly urge everyone not to use the pirate bay. North Korea is an oppressive country that would nuke the US in a heartbeat.
It makes me sick that so many people idolize these guys.
Before you rationalize your piracy in response to my post, please sound out the word: "rational" "lies"
"Piracy is not freedom of speech."
Of course it is. It's the free exchange of information. If you don't support piracy you don't support absolute free speech.
For the record, I do not support absolute free unrestricted speech as it applies to exchange of (for instance) child pornography. I am happy to admit this.
I support absolute free speech and disagree with the definition of "speech" you're using. I may be wrong -- it wouldn't be the first time -- but this makes no sense to me.
Perhaps, "free speech" is the best term to use here. I think you refer to free culture, and/or free knowledge.
Is the transmission of information (1s and 0s) from one person to another not 'speech'? Would it be a free speech issue if a picture or movie was censored?
I don't know. I do know I've been berated as anti freedom of speech when I've explained my ethical issues with (me personally) running darknet nodes, because I'm unwilling to let CP be transmitted over my resources.
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>Piracy is not freedom of speech. It is the copying and syndication of the intellectual works of others. I suspect more HNers would be upset about piracy, if they weren't using SaaS business models which are not as vulnerable to it.
Or, if they realized how much wealthier they would be if they didn't have to resort to SaaS business models in anticipation of frequent piracy.
>> It's really easy to brush off the fact that hundreds of people worked to make that movie you downloaded for free, especially when you never have to look any one of them in the eye.
How much of your Netflix subscription do you think actually makes it to those hundreds of people?
More than makes it from piracy, for certain.
If you have any facts, I'd love to know.
The bottom line is it frees up disposable income and its relatively anonymous and easy.
No rationalization needed. No excuses.