The threat of piracy (Score 1)

YOu have to wonder.... why wasn't more given to the issue of piracy? A vicious cycle begins when a product is known to be overpriced... people find other ways of obtaining it. No matter what kind of copy protection or registration sceme the Microsoft folks could incorporate someone, somewhere, can crack it. If we have learned anything from Napster, it's that people will not pay too much for something they perceive as being over-priced. I'm sure there are people of the highest moral values (dare I say priests? nuns?) who use Napster. Not only that, but I'm almost certain that these same people have $400 to $500 software applications that they "obtained" from non-specific sources. The vicious cycle is this. Having to price an OS that has been accepted by many as the standard at such a ludicrously high-level will just increase piracy. People who would never consider piracy will now turn to it to obtain what they need. As the number of pirated copies grows, less legitamite copies are sold. This translates to reduced revenue, and more price hikes. The vicious cycle then continues, as Microsoft, unable to sell their product, keeps pricing themselves out of the market (anyone remember Apple? With their innovative products and horrid pricing?). I am not a fan of Microsoft. I was a grudging acceptor of my first PC. However, if the scenario that is painted in this article comes true, then I would make a stand that to keep things humming, Microsoft should be able to continue business as usual.