forde@EGLIN-VAX.ARPA ("MAJ ERIC S. FORD") (03/23/88)
It would seem software piracy is becoming a little like masturbation: most every one does it, at least once, but it's impolite to talk about. Those who feel the guiltiest about it complain the most about those who guiltlessly continue. 'Piracy results in higher prices' is equivalent to 'If you keep doing that you'll go blind!'. Well, profit, not piracy, creates higher prices; "if it sells it must be worth what we're charging" and so it goes. Can I do it till my video blanks? Piracy is wrong, but pontificating about it is boring. If this topic must continue, let's get some humor in it so I don't feel like my reading time could be better spent watching Ernest Aingsley! A disinterested, non-piracy-promoting, bored boarder. ------
TMURPHY@WPI.BITNET (03/24/88)
Profit not only creates higher prices, but gives the incentive for the items being sold in the first place.