|
Is Software piracy really all that bad?
Posted by: LDK on Mar 19, 2010
Software companies seem care free when it comes to pirates. I am refering to a few select individual companies like adobe and autodesk.
A photoshop liscense costs about R7500 - R9000
A 3dsmax liscense costs about +- R15000
When using this software to edit your photos you took on your holiday, create a small animation for a co-workers presentation everyone looks at the end result and goes wow... you smile and feel good knowing yes your work is indeed wow. But at the back of your mind you know the software used was illegal.
So you think, lets purchase a liscense and then you fall on your back when you notice the price. But if its for recreational purposes, is it really that bad to not own a liscense? After all you are making zero profit and the product in question gets free advertising.
So shouldnt those companies be paying such pirates for advertisement? Lets take a scenario. Joe uses Photoshop. He does a zero profit project for a friend who takes the picture, logo whatever to a printing company. The printing company sees this and asks how this was made.
They are so amazed they purchase the product that was used. Much like a golfer buying the best clubs because there are those who believe its not your skill but your clubs and balls brand names that make you a great golfer. So if the pirate never "stole" the product the printing company would never have purchased it.
Look. Do not get me wrong, i strongly believe if you make a profit using certain software, then pay your dues. But if no profit is made, what is the harm?
|
