Visit and view the following video clip "Don't Copy That Floppy" (once you get to this website, click on dctf-1.wmv ) . Note: viewing this clip works best with the Windows Media Player). If the clip doesn't play for you, read up at the Software Information Industry Association's website on software piracy , "Curtailing the Piracy Epedemic" and "Software Pirate to pay 1.1 million" .
Question: Is it ever morally or ethically OK to copy videos, diskettes, downloadable music/movies, etc., any software that is sold or specifically designated as 'do not copy?' What are the long term implications of doing so? Is there a solution to this phenomenon that could satisfy both the patron and author?
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2 comments:
No, I don’t believe that it is ever morally or ethically okay for someone to copy videos, movies, games, or music that are copyrighted. If it is sold and labeled do not copy, then there is a specific reason for that copyright. People who illegally steal those items should have more respect for those individuals that worked hard to make that music, movie, etc; possible. By illegally downloading or copying music or movies, the artists or actors are not getting their reward for their achievement. Also stores aren’t selling as many of their albums or movies, and therefore it looks as if the public does not like that material. There are also places to go on the Internet to buy downloaded music and movies that are legitimate and legal. By following these procedures, the consumer is still getting the product they wanted and the maker is getting the commission and respect that they deserve.
I think there will be many long term implications or consequences of downloading or copying music, movies, videos, or games. For one, the makers of those products will be more careful with how they make or sell their product. They might not offer any sneak peaks or special downloads for their product in order to ensure that no one is illegally abusing their material. Also there might be less of a product sold, because the stores are not selling as many of that product due to people illegally getting the product elsewhere. I also think that it will deeply hurt the musicians, because they work so hard to pay and produce an album and then will not ever see the benefits or rewards of as many people purchasing their album, because others will illegally download and reproduce their product.
I believe that there are some solutions in place that is satisfying to most of the patrons and author, but no one will ever be satisfied completely. The author will always want you to pay the full price and buy their material, and the patron will want the same material for free or a cheap price. For music, ITunes allows you to download music, movies, and videos for a very cheap price. Patrons can take advantage of downloading music and still allowing the authors to earn some of that money. There are also other places like ITunes available on the Internet which allows the patron access and the author still gets the credit. I don’t think there will ever be a solution that will satisfy all of the patrons and the author. There are way too many advances in technology which allows it to be extremely easy to copy or download music, movies, games, or videos.
Lyndsay:
Thanks for your honest comments.
Education may help immensely in this problem with illegal copying. Some people just are not aware of the many implications as a result of illegal copying.
Some think it is 'okay' to copy software among family and close friends, because as 'they' say: companies are seeing a big enough return on their goods. Some think that it is okay to illegally copy software because of the ease of doing so [as in the burners available to allow you to do so]. However, CD burners are also used to legally burn software, which does not grant carte blanche to illegal copying.
Illegal copying not only affects companies, but the initial creators as well, like computer programmers and graphics designers, etc. It is most disheartening not to get rewarded for something one has created.
Most software allow you to make a 'backup' copy, in case the original gets destroyed, but some take advantage of this window of opportunity and give copies to all their friends and family members.
You're right on target. As a teacher, it is in your best interest to model the correct behavior for copyright laws to your students.
Dr. Herring
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