moral quandary

[Zman084]

Hi,

I recently purchased some DVD’s on an internet auction site. I thought it was legal, but I later found out that the seller violated copyright infringement laws. The way to make this right would be to return the DVD’s for a full refund, but that’s just not possible. Since the damage has already been done, and I can’t return them, I want to watch the DVD’s. Is this sinful? In other words, should I watch them or throw them away?

 

[vern_humphrey]

Hi,

I recently purchased some DVD’s on an internet auction site. I thought it was legal, but I later found out that the seller violated copyright infringement laws. The way to make this right would be to return the DVD’s for a full refund, but that’s just not possible. Since the damage has already been done, and I can’t return them, I want to watch the DVD’s. Is this sinful? In other words, should I watch them or throw them away?

Are these “bootleg” copies? If so, report the seller!

 

[awalt]

If it was me I would destroy the DVDs - watching them is taking advantage of stolen property, once you know you know…

 

[mystified]

I bought a couple of DVDs at a store that was festooned with signs warning customers not to buy pirated material. When I got home, we discovered that my purchases were pirated copies–the printed material in the cases consisted of poorly made color copies. I went back and looked at other products, and it appeared that 99% consisted of pirated materials .

 

[StCsDavid]

Hi,

I recently purchased some DVD’s on an internet auction site. I thought it was legal, but I later found out that the seller violated copyright infringement laws. The way to make this right would be to return the DVD’s for a full refund, but that’s just not possible. Since the damage has already been done, and I can’t return them, I want to watch the DVD’s. Is this sinful? In other words, should I watch them or throw them away?

Here’s how you make this good. Toss the DVDs…then consider giving to charity the money you should have spent to buy legitimate copies. And, oh yeah…praise God for giving you the grace to recognize the right and wrong of this situation.

 

[beckers]

Hi,

I recently purchased some DVD’s on an internet auction site. I thought it was legal, but I later found out that the seller violated copyright infringement laws. The way to make this right would be to return the DVD’s for a full refund, but that’s just not possible. Since the damage has already been done, and I can’t return them, I want to watch the DVD’s. Is this sinful? In other words, should I watch them or throw them away?

You didn’t know that what you were purchasing was illegal so you didn’t commit any sin. Report the seller and if they need proof you could send them your copies. If not then feel free to watch them.

 

[thechrismyster]

i’d watch the DVDs and add them to my collection, they were bought in good faith. you didn’t do anything wrong, i’d just avoid that seller next time…

people look for sin where there is none.

 

[vern_humphrey]

The DVDs in question constitute evidence of a crime. You have a duty to report it and turn over the evidence.

In fact, since thre authorities might not pursue the case, I would notify the legitimate copyright owners.