Why are so many people obsessed on downloading free software?

Question

I never understand the desire of people to steal things. Free music, free movies, free software, free games. Limewire, Emule, Bit Torrent, Kazaa, the original Napster. Why do so many people feel it is their right to steal the work of others?

Why does stealing music on-line seem ok, but stealing a CD or DVD from a store still seem bad?

Are we all to cheap to buy something, or are we all just closet thieves, and the internet lets some of us do it in a more safe manner?

Answer 1

The real answer is that copying software and music or movies is not stealing. It is copyright infringement, which is not a criminal offense. Stealing a CD or DVD from a store is actually stealing. It is a criminal offense. Stealing a CD deprives the artist, store owner, and label of the profit that they would have gotten by selling the CD. Copying music and downloading the file only deprives them of money if the person downloading would have purchased the music otherwise, which is almost never the case.



So don't equate copyright infringement with stealing, because it is a much lesser offense. The music industry likes to use the terms "stealing," "piracy," and "theft," because it uses language to subconsciously alter how people are thinking about the problem. Don't fall into that trap.



That said, copyright infringement *is* a civil offense that is illegal. I don't think people are closet thieves, I just think that the actual value of the products that these people are producing is far less than the cost, and people feel justified in downloading it because they feel somewhat overcharged for the music they do purchase.

Answer 2

When I bought my first computer, the guy, who set it up for me, said I could get free music, from napster..I did not know, that it was illegal, at the time, but before I ever found out, they had shut down..I never intentionally stole anything, in my life..Yes, I do take advantage of free software, when it is offered..But, I never use any of the free music sites..I was told, that you can get many unwanted programs, on your computer, from these websites..I know, if you get caught, you are in deep trouble, with a stiff fine, and possibly, some jail time..

Answer 3

Well, for one thing, I'd say is not everyone can afford things they really need some software casts more than the hardware it's run on! For another thing, as I found out on "Tech TV" was that computers were originally made for making money, and that anything they would need for upgrading would be freeware. As for music, you can't tell me you never recorded songs off the radio on your tape player as a kid.......

Answer 4

bc it is free