Illegal downloading

[Kyuuketsuki]

Well, it's not a *NIX concept, it's a GNU / Creative Commons concept. I am fully aware it is not law, but in my opinion it should be. It enables creativity and when controlled does not infringe the rights of the owner. I don't see what is bollocks about it though. It's worked so far to produce some great software.

Agreed but you're talking about software and in a community where the owners have decided to freely give their work up as is their right ... the fact is that our society is based on other principles and I would be willing to bet that most (if not all) of those people who support copyleft would not allow someone to drive off with their car or use their partner or (and you know I can think of hundreds of examples).

Copyleft and other libertarian principles work all very well in an idealistic scenario but not quite so easily in the real world.

I'm fully in agreement with you. I never said it wasn't a crime. I'm saying there is a difference between copyright breach and a breach in ownership

And my point is that is a criminal activity and that it is, as Padraic says, distinguishable form other kinds of theft only by a matter of degree.

Kyu