Illegal downloads and family\friends

[divinefaith]

How would you react when most of your friends\family download illegal items (movies, music etc.). Do you tell them they should stop, ignore it or report it? I usually let some of my friends know I prefer to buy my music\dvds but I dont normally get into debates that its wrong.

 

[SonCatcher]

Firstly, do you know for certain the materials are illegal? Some recordings are made available without cost by the copyright holders (usually with conditions). I know one radio station that puts MP3s of popular songs for download for a limited time with permission of the publishers.

Assuming the materials actually are illegal, you probably are already doing what you should. For the most part people who download illegal materials already know what they are doing. Your telling them your preference for purchasing the use of recordings demonstrates to them your understanding of the issue so there is no further need to lecture them on the inappropriateness of making unauthorized copies. By stating your preference, you have not ignored the issue. The only thing that remains is the question of reporting. That presupposes you know who to report it to. I don’t know myself so I wouldn’t be able to make a report. I suppose I could research that information but then I’d have to examine my motives, as well. Am I seeking for them to suffer the indignity of dealing with the legal repercussions? Am I seeking a kind of vengeance for paying for what they’re acquiring for “free.”

 

[kmuestwin]

How would you react when most of your friends\family download illegal items (movies, music etc.). Do you tell them they should stop, ignore it or report it? I usually let some of my friends know I prefer to buy my music\dvds but I dont normally get into debates that its wrong.

I’m sure you’ve told them all how much you don’t like it. My advice would be to tell them once and then never mention it again. If they see no fault in it then you will never change their mind.

I don’t really know who you would report this issue to or how it would be handled. Would you really report your family?

 

[divinefaith]

Firstly, do you know for certain the materials are illegal? Some recordings are made available without cost by the copyright holders (usually with conditions). I know one radio station that puts MP3s of popular songs for download for a limited time with permission of the publishers.

Assuming the materials actually are illegal, you probably are already doing what you should. For the most part people who download illegal materials already know what they are doing. Your telling them your preference for purchasing the use of recordings demonstrates to them your understanding of the issue so there is no further need to lecture them on the inappropriateness of making unauthorized copies. By stating your preference, you have not ignored the issue. The only thing that remains is the question of reporting. That presupposes you know who to report it to. I don’t know myself so I wouldn’t be able to make a report. I suppose I could research that information but then I’d have to examine my motives, as well. Am I seeking for them to suffer the indignity of dealing with the legal repercussions? Am I seeking a kind of vengeance for paying for what they’re acquiring for “free.”

Some people tell us straight out that they have illegally download movies/music. In terms of reporting there are specialized agencies which deal with these matters. I would think that reporting the issue could be to prevent the individual from continuing illegal behaviour. Dont know if that could be a moral obligation on our part.

 

[divinefaith]

I’m sure you’ve told them all how much you don’t like it. My advice would be to tell them once and then never mention it again. If they see no fault in it then you will never change their mind.
It’s what I normally do. I dont give constant lectures about it

I don’t really know who you would report this issue to or how it would be handled. Would you really report your family?

** As I mentioned it could be reported to specialized agencies who deal with copyright infringement matters. I would think it could possibly be an obligation for us to speak up depending on circumstances, but I’m not sure. **

 

[edwest2]

For too many, “file sharing” distorts the idea that it is stealing in many cases.

The FBI Warning at the beginning of a DVD states quite clearly that you cannot copy it and it’s a crime if you do, even if you don’t make any money from it. The current argument is that you haven’t stolen a physical object, just transferred digital bits. What about companies like Netflix which is thinking about direct streaming of movies as opposed to sending out physical DVDs? Have you deprived them of a sale if you share the file? I think the answer is yes.

As far as reporting anyone, it is possible. However, your motives must be about real justice, not “I’m better than you” or “I want to hurt you/or them.” In the meantime, just show them by your example that buying a song or movie is the right thing to do.

Hope this helps,
Ed