Re: [freenet-chat] Freenet not "File Sharing Software".

[Aaron P Ingebrigtsen <krepta@xxxxxxxx>]

On Sun, 25 Feb 2001 09:53:45 +1100 Revenant <revenant@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
writes:

<SNIP>
> > What the crap are you talking about?  The Web IS A FILE SHAREING 
> SYSTEM!!
> <SNIP>
> 
>   Well obviously.  That's why I put the term in quotes.  In the 
> media
> and the common mind, "File Sharing Software" is synonymous with
> Napster.  They envision tools for trading of files as the 
> playground
> of pirates.

Well we will all have to work very hard I guess to knock some sense into
the common people and get them to understand that Anything that allows
you to trade files is "File Shareing Software" and that just because you
can share files that doesn't automaticaly mean that you are hurting
anyone in the process.

Not ALL illegal activity is actualy harmfull to anyone.  If I am unable
to afford a program, and therefore cannot buy it even if I want to, then
how am I hurting the software maker by stealing it?  I'm not.  At least
not if I pay for it as soon as I can.  And who's to say that I don't
fully intend to pay for it when I am actualy ABLE to?  The only harm
would be if you never intend to purchase the program, in other words, you
don't ever want to pay the man for his work.  That would be harmfull to
the guy who put in a whole lot of talent, knowledge, and effort, and
probably money into makeing the program.  I'm all for software developers
being able to make a living, and even a proffit, off of their work.  I
just don't think that there is only one way of doing it. :)

If I do steal a program, I fully intend to pay the asked price as soon as
I am able to.  Unless it is abandonware, in which case I wouldn't be able
to buy it even if I DID have the money, 'cause the makers either don't
even exist anymore or aren't selling the thing anymore.  So, stealing it
would then be totaly OK in my mind. :)

Stealing software isn't anything like stealing money or physical
property, it is a very different thing.  There is no lost revenue from
software theft if the thief isn't able to pay for it.  The developer
wouldn't have gotten any money from the guy anyway.  If the thief IS able
to pay for it, but chooses not to, then it would be the same as stealing
money from the developer. :)  But if the software is distributed Freely
by the developer then all money given to the developer would be Donated
Gifts. :)

> 
>   I've _never_ heard Freenet discussed in the media as an 
> alternative
> to the Web - it's always in conjunction with Napster.
> 
>   Freenet needs to be making it clear that it _is_ an (in many ways
> superior) alternative to the Web _not_ just a tool for trading 
> illegal
> files.  I would in particular be emphasising the ability for equal
> opportunity of expression (i.e. no ludicrously high web-hosting 
> fees).

I totaly agree with you. :)
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