Author: Don Dailey
Date: 15:40:20 07/21/98
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>>I can't believe the discussion is even going on. It's just like stealing from >>a bank, or from a department store. No difference at all. And it is also >>*wrong*. > >It should be the same like stealing from a bank, or from a department store > >It is not the same because most of the humans do not see it like that >If I see someone is stealing from a bank I will call the police but if I know >someone is stealing programs I will not do it because I do not want everybody to >hate me > >Uri The difference is in the amount stolen and the use of violence. If you steal 10 dollars from a bank by finding a clever non-violoent way to do this which is virutally guaranteed not to get you caught, then it might not seem so bad (although it is in my opinion) If you bend over and pick up a lost dollar you think nothing of it, but if you find $100 then you debate your conscience about whether to make an attempt to locate the owner. Is there a difference? I'm not sure about the missing money and I think it is an example of something that might not be so clear cut. I disagree with Bob and Bruce that everything is black and white, but I agree with them both that software piracy is stealing and cannot be justified. With software piracy, the chances of getting caught are astronomically low and I think that can affect our judgements. Also, it's a case of group reinforcement or mob mentality. We are conditioned by life to compare, and if everyone is doing something, it's really hard to see it as wrong. It almost seems to become right by consent. The question you must ask is how do you define right and wrong? Is it defined by the mean behavior of the population or is it an independent standard? Most people, myself included, are extremely influenced by the behaviors and values of others but I believe personally this is wrong. That's why I also believe how you choose your closest friends is pretty important. I noticed as a child my behavior conformed to the type of friends I had. I don't think we ever outgrow this completely but must always take care to watch ourselves. This is a matter where we much choose our own actions and make our own judgments. I defend Fernando for getting a copy of a program that is not attainable from anywhere else and don't see anyone getting hurt over this. Perhaps my judgement is wrong on this point and I admit it could be. From what I've heard from him he does not seek out free software but does feel a sense of obligation as far as purchase is concerned. And maybe it's even true that he has rationalized things in his mind. Should we all rush to be the first to throw the stones at him? - Don
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