Should copyright owners be allowed to take electronic measures to block distribution of their files, even to the point of monitoring your computer system?
I say "No. Get out of MY COMPUTER!"
I'm already tired of Microsoft and all of these other companies "rigging" their license agreements to yank as much money as they can, even the little guys. A small-time, one-man-band cannot reasonably afford to use Microsoft technologies for clients unless they are loaded with bucks and motivated to spend it on technology.
I try to stay legit on all of my software, and some day I hope to sell the magic software that pays for my retirement, so I am sympathetic to the copyright issue. But I expect, to a certain extent that there will always be a nasty element of unethical computer users who will always steal rather than buy. It's really no better than shoplifting if you think about it. And just about as "honorable."
It angers me because many or most of my friends and coworkers cross the line and pirate software in the name of convenience. Other programmers advance their skills faster and more cheaply than I do because I wait until I can afford to buy software. I also buy the version of the software that is most within my reach, so I probably don't get the "ENTERPRISE" version of anything. Just the "PROFESSIONAL" version which lacks the features that I would need to learn to become completely certified. (Gee, thanks Microsoft.)
I also think that the government needs to be very careful about the legislation it imposes on the software/Internet industry without truly understanding the issues. I hope they don't screw this up!
6:27:15 PM 
|
