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Originally Posted by Professor S
Um, so you're putting the onus on the creator to make a product that people will choose not to steal, and not the thief that unlawfully takes property that is not theirs? A creator and owner of property needs to rely on the good nature and approval of the thief to expect a return for providing a product or service? I'm all for competition, but competing with your own free product is absurd on every level.
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Just three observations...
1) The definition of
property. While I don't dispute that downloading is stealing, I will argue that defining what you stole becomes somewhat subjective. For instance, we both probably would agree that if I strolled down to the dealership and stole a car that would be stealing. However, what happens if I go to the dealership and make a copy of the car? It seems that much of the moral burden is on the original uploader. But what the heck, I'll play devil's advocate a little and argue that most uploaders are just trying to get content out there. I don't think torrents are killing comics, I think comics are killing comics. This current generation reads less and has less money. Why read the comics when you can go see Spiderman in theaters. To further add complexity, what about libraries? My public library (ranked number 1 in the entire United States, if that matters) allows you to check out comic books. Surely, checking out a comic book is no better than torrenting, right?
I am playing devil's advocate a bunch here. I hate downloading stuff, even music...(not so much movies because I go to the theaters like 3 times a week. Fuck the MPAA). Being poor and all I always try to support local stuff and lesser known artists/musicians/movies/whatever. I'd rather wire some money through Paypal to a struggling artist than steal their stuff....
Which brings me to points number 2 and 3. I cannot fault people for downloading Marvel or DC. Especially stuff that is out of print or hard to find. Much like my opinion about paying for the Beatles' music (that shit should be public domain by now! Fuck Paul McCartney! If you feel bad send Ringo a check!). But I do think it's kind of a good thing...making the artists step it up. Nowadays quality does help sell stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Professor S
If this is the moral paradigm that the internet is teaching us, I am for creating restrictions on it's use. All "sharing" and torrent sites should be made shut down immediately or esle our artist and creators ill cease to create. We're submarining our own cultural development so we can save a buck.
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Shut down the torrents? Good luck.
I'm inclined to disagree though. I think the Internet is the next step in creativity and expression. It gives people with limited resources a public domain to become popular - IF they have quality to appeal. Since the creation of the Internet how many indie Comics and indie Musicians have you been turned on to? Without the Internet think about where you knowledge of comic culture or music culture would be.
I do agree with you though...support the artists. That's the bottom line and it should be.