What I find interesting in this thread is the apparent contempt for anyone who would purport to not use any pirated (unpaid-for copyrighted) software. The label of "Mother Teresa" and the claim of a "mundane life" stinks of elitism in the face of a full lack of holier-than-thou from anyone else, which has existed to a large extent in other threads.
While I appreciate Franko for his software contributions to the Amiga community, and I have agreed with some of his positions and comments elsewhere, I find it difficult not to conclude that this thread was an opportunity to exorcise a little butt-hurt over other copyright threads. The implication appears to be that anyone who claims not to pirate is in actuality a rampant pie-rat who is too ashamed, scared, or otherwise unwilling to admit to the practice. The poll and ensuing comments have served to shift the balance of morality away from strict adherence to the habitual violation of copyright. If I am mistaken then I welcome elaboration and offer an apology.
As morals are subjective, the issue will fall into a stalemate as it does in just about every other thread. In the process, however, I find it unnecessary to sling mud at either side and make accusations of anyone's particular mental states or lifestyle.
Having said all that, I stand firm in my assertions: yes I have used pirated software in the past for reasons which vary from the unavailability of a trial installation to political opposition, no I do not currently use software which knowingly violates copyright or licensing, including upstream violations, such as the infractions of DVDFab or the violations of Microsoft, Oracle, Google, et. al. With the availability of alternate software and sources for the various platforms I run -- which include Solaris, Windows, Java, Amiga, TI, Commodore, Atari, Sega, Nintendo, amongst others -- it is highly unlikely that I will find it "necessary" to run illegitimate software again in the future.
This does not mean I am better than anyone else, nor do I stand in judgment of others or their lives. I am simply different than someone who is compelled by whatever motivation to commit acts of piracy. My opinion on the matter stands firm with the law, no matter how obnoxiously complex or ill-conceived because I believe in a system in which we ourselves have the power to make necessary changes. I do not believe that while possessing the power to influence legislation to better serve their wont and desire, "large companies" hold absolute power, which is instead reserved to us, and yet at the same time I do not believe a diametric opposition exists between "us" and "them." But espousing upon that is a topic for another thread on another day.
