[LINK] Theft, copyright, larceny...

[Stewart Fist]

Adam Replies
> 
>> Regarding code having no commercial value, I cannot recall hearing about
>> a software product that became valueless because of copyright infringement.
>> Or a company going under because of it.
> 
> No, in fact most tend to do better because of it.  There is nothing
> worse than a pirated copy of software and then a system upgrade
> :)  You need that software and most people buy it on the second occasion.


I think this must be one of the most enduring -- and least endearing --
myths perpetrated by computerphiles.  One can only wonder why they find the
idea so attractive!

If this were so, then the large corporations would surely encourage the mass
distributions of "pirated copies"  because it would boost their sales and
profits.   

 [...There's that forbidden term 'pirate/piracy' again, Adam ... Please
upgrade your spell-checker]

Of course, breaking and entering and stealing someone's TV also boosts sales
in TV sets, because they then need to buy a replacement.

Still, I guess both are OK, provided we don't use that forbidden word THEFT.


-- 
Stewart Fist, writer, journalist, film-maker
70 Middle Harbour Road, LINDFIELD, 2070, NSW, Australia
Ph +61 (2) 9416 7458