"stealing"? was Re: [plug] Computer Angels (10,000 programs)

[garry]

Even though I'm a part of Computer Angels and exclusively a Debian user,  I 
think that there is a place for closed source software.

Just not my place.

If "John Smith's" business model and income is built on the closed source 
and-sold-as-is model, he certainly wouldn't say it is a victimless crime when 
someone doesn't pay him for his work. After all, he distributes by sale his 
product with the copyright intact. As soon as his work is redistributed 
without his permission, his copyright and his ability to earn a living are 
affected.

If you have his product legitimately, you are bound by a contract for it's 
use. If you don't have his permission, it is stolen goods.

Personally I think that the closed source operating system software business 
is in a bit of bother, and the open source model is proving superior. But if 
something is sold under certain conditions, ie a licence, there is a legal 
AND a moral responsibility to obey that. No matter how much we abhore the 
practices of certain really big companies, they do have their rights too.

Respecting this because it is the right thing to do is a part of Ethics..

My 5cents worth..

Garry

> Seriously, for people to understand the issues involved, the correct
> terms need to be used.  Calling copyright infringement "stealing"
> reinforces the attitude that restrictive copyright practices are ok,
> and that it's also ok to have harsh penalties for what are really
> victimless crimes.