@v_kono
The subject of digital media piracy is a highly debated topic among people today. We hear of people getting sued by the RIAA and other companies that slap lawsuits against everyday people for digitally stealing copyrighted work. I took on this topic in my final paper for English 102. In my research, I have found that people acknowledge the fact that they are pirating software, feel guilty, yet continue to pirate anyway. Why do people pirate? I have found that people like the word “free.” The quality is identical to that of paid content, so why not? We have to remember about TINSAAFL. TINSAAFL stands for: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Whether the pirating individual ends up with a lawsuit over their pirated content, or artists end up not receiving the profit that they should be. In an article titled “Targeting Websites Dedicated to Stealing American Intellectual Property,” Daniel Castro said: “Online piracy harms the artists, both the famous and struggling, who create content, as well as the technicians—sound engineers, editors, set designers, software and game programmers—who produce it.” Many reports confirm that firms lose billions of dollars every year due to digital piracy. In 2005, $18.2 billion dollars were lost due to piracy. While I acknowledge that I am a part time digital pirate myself, I believe that individuals should pay for the content that they desire. It’s stealing, and it is morally wrong. Money is being lost, and people are losing their jobs. Is it really worth it saving on a $0.99 song?