[Professor S]

Originally Posted by KillerGremlin

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.

Actually it's not subjective at all. There are two types of property, real and intellectual. Real is protected by patent law, and intelectual is protected by copyright law. It's been this way for a very long time. If you take someone else's intellectual property without payment or permission it is legal and moral theft. There is no grey area.

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.

No, I can fault people because they are taking what is not theirs. They are thieves and stealing is immoral and illegal. How can you NOT fault people for performing moral and legal wrongs? Any explanation for this behavior is simply an excuse to make one feel better about being a theif, not a rational argument.

Shut down the torrents? Good luck.

You think they can't or won't do it? There are already draconian ideas floating around world government. In the end, we will all end up getting punished for the immoral and illegal behavior of those who steal intellectual property.

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 agree with all of this, but most of these creators OFFER their product for free to get exposure. There is a difference in offering something and someone taking it upon themelves to to TAKE it because they can.

And non of what ou have said has made a thief cease to be a thief.

I do agree with you though...support the artists. That's the bottom line and it should be.

Agreed. I just don't think that should be optional when it comes to acquiring the fruits of their labor.

And Teuth, I agree with most of what you've said. Still doesn't excuse theft. That said, the industry needs to make adjustments to respond to the current realities.