Depends on the type of software, as well as its developer and publisher.
For instance, pirating Microsoft's software will likely not impact them significantly. They are a billion dollar corporation, already rolling in money. They are going to continue developing products regardless. And, obviously, they will try to crack down on piracy, because they can afford to do so.
However, the notion of pirating software developed by an individual or small team as an interest or hobby, say an indie video game, does not sit so well. They are not as well off, and often deserve support through a small charge. Not exactly in a great position to defend themselves, either.
__________________ '13 McMaster Alumni
B.A. Political Science JET Programme Canada, ALT
Last edited by ...?! : 04-04-2011 at 07:48 AM.
Reason: 2X Post
04-04-2011 at 09:12 AM
#10
Tailsnake
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,404
Thanked:
170 Times
Liked:
453 Times
The effects of software (are we considering video games software? What about movie/music/books?) piracy seem to vary rather wildly.
For example, piracy seems to have been relatively good for software like Adobe Photoshop, which has essentially become an industry standard because everybody pirates it (even with solid free alternatives like GIMP and Aviary). This allows Adobe to charge ridiculous prices to businesses and professionals who were trained on/require the industry standard to their work. If nobody could pirate, the alternatives would be far more popular and Adobe would be forced to charge significantly less for Photoshop to compete.
In general though, it seems software piracy hurts developers more than it helps...
__________________ Masters Biochemistry
Honours Biology and Psychology
04-04-2011 at 10:11 AM
#11
blackdragon
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,412
Thanked:
152 Times
Liked:
339 Times
No need to pirate, eceplayground provides all the commercial software i need directly from manufacturers
As far as I've seen, the developers and artists that enable people to pirate their work are among the most successful! They just have accountants breathing down their necks saying they could make $____ more if they "cracked down."
__________________
Schuyler
04-04-2011 at 04:42 PM
#14
Afzal
Android Dev
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,604
Thanked:
114 Times
Liked:
414 Times
Not pirating Adobe software is a sin, so is using their free PDF reader.
The rest...you should buy if you can afford.
__________________ Afzal Najam - Honours Computer Science grad
04-04-2011 at 06:49 PM
#15
Rubicon
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 113
Thanked:
4 Times
Liked:
9 Times
As long as you dont redistribute or use it commercial i deem it acceptable. Like honestly buying adobe software just to make a meme or to photoshop your face ontop of a celebrity figure to make a demotivational poster is unnecessary
McMaster University News and Information, Student-run Community, with topics ranging from Student Life, Advice, News, Events, and General Help.
Notice: The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the student(s) who authored the content. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by McMaster University or the MSU (McMaster Students Union). Being a student-run community, all articles and discussion posts on MacInsiders are unofficial and it is therefore always recommended that you visit the official McMaster website for the most accurate up-to-date information.
