Tibby Made Me a Cool Present!

[Tiberius]

Indeed it is a form of theft. However, despite the myriad unsubstantiated claims of damage from the music, film industry, there is little evidence to assert their claims to be true.

That said, unless the laws are updated to contain different interpretations/definitions, currently downloading content without having paid for it is theft.

However, the issues of intellectual property go deeper than that, like situations where one friend lets another use their content. That context, while generally held to be allowed, is very similar (and some argue legalistically indeterminate from the file sharing case). This makes very convoluted case law, which is very expensive.

It is no surprise then that those who have the most cash can continue to fight up to the bitter end (or victory).

Naturally, I never denied it was a complex issue.

Wrong. Absolutely wrong.

You fail to account for all the free files on the internet.

But really, if you can afford whatever you're stealing, buy it. And if you want to make a difference, buy from local merchants and support your local economy.

Hehe, OK, let me rephrase:

"If you download something that you are supposed to pay for without paying for it, you are stealing."

All good? :-P

Now, true, you may be upset that some broke sonuvabitch is getting something for nothing....

To that -- tough shit. Come up with a solution to make them a productive, self-sufficient member of society (on their own terms) and you'll have a paying customer.

THIS. I've long argued this exact point. The online market needs to change. I think the best summary of this concept I've seen recently was over on The Oatmeal:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/game_of_thrones