Why are Pirates pirates?
.. because they AAAARRGHH!
I'm a lot like most people when it comes to computers. I enjoy the benefits they bring. I get frustrated with them too.
A few things have been bugging me recently. I'd like to share them with you if that's ok.
1.) As a learner and not an infinite earner, I want to enjoy the beneftis of networked software without fear of penalty.
Recently, I've been affected by the clampdown on 'allofmp3.com'. It is now impossible accessing Russian bazaar without a Russian credit card. Sure it's not US legit but it's not totally illegal either and is a better alternative to limewire. Which, let's face it, was a kiwi's only option for a long time because we don't represent a significant market.
My personal opinion is that charging over $20 for full album when it's compressed anyway is theft in itself.
What do you think?
2.) I didn't ask for spyware. I didn't ask for hidden settings to automatically update themselves. .
Recently I upgraded to Vista. One thing that bugs me that I've not sussed yet is the default to Office 2007 when opening a document?!? I do have a legally installed copy of Office 2003 and yet I get taken to a reduced functionality "compatibility mode" by default. I don't want Office 2007 but I might one day and so I'm loathe to uninstall it. Yet it trys to suck my money everytime I open a file.
I'm sure you have similiar frustrations with programs trying authorise themselves on your system. Whilst admittedly minor, it's symptomatic of a wider issue in my opinion. That being, the polarisation of mainstream users as smart thieves or foolish customers.
Am I being unfair? Am I hopelessly misguided?
What are your opinions on consumer rights in the digital era?
food for thought. Cheers
p.s I'm now spending hard earned time learning how to use Ubuntu.