Comment Re:Stealing is assuming you'd buy it (Score 1) 530
There's a problem with the argument, but I don't think you've quite hit the nail on the head.
Your two examples are of actual physical goods being stolen -- they are totally different than music -- you do not deprive anyone else of their ability to listen to a song by having it on your computer. However, once you steal a cigarette, whether you smoke it or not, no one else can smoke that cigarette.
So what's actually wrong with the main thread's argument? Well, try this on: How do you determine who would or would not buy a product? I think that's a relatively intractable problem.
You've either got to make it free for everyone or charge everyone -- there is no fuzzy "well but I wouldn't have really bought it" middle ground.
I say we make it free, cut out the evil RIAA, and let artists make money on concerts, appearances, endorsements, etc.
But hey, that's just me.
Your two examples are of actual physical goods being stolen -- they are totally different than music -- you do not deprive anyone else of their ability to listen to a song by having it on your computer. However, once you steal a cigarette, whether you smoke it or not, no one else can smoke that cigarette.
So what's actually wrong with the main thread's argument? Well, try this on: How do you determine who would or would not buy a product? I think that's a relatively intractable problem.
You've either got to make it free for everyone or charge everyone -- there is no fuzzy "well but I wouldn't have really bought it" middle ground.
I say we make it free, cut out the evil RIAA, and let artists make money on concerts, appearances, endorsements, etc.
But hey, that's just me.
