Like I mentioned before people can justify it in many convincing ways. It doesnt change the key facts does it? A software developer makes a piece of software a price is decided and that software is sold. It is illegal (for want of a better word) to pirate that software! That is the way it works. I agree with what you say but that doesnt change that fact does it? Thats why I don't justify it! I do what I do and that is that! I to could use the same arguements as you but I dont.
When I said "The fact is people do it because they can, plain and simple." I ment in general, obviously every individual has their own story, point of view.
As for allowing you a future career thats awsome but software developers dont owe the youth of today anything, and surely you could have gained the same skills in say college/university. Please dont see that as a attack im just saying its never going to be right to pirate because there are laws in place against it and trying to justify it is pointless becasue it will never be "ok".
If you dont agree with a law you campain to change it, you dont just break it surely?
Oh really, I could have gone to university and learnt to use software which, at the time, was only taught on MSc engineering degrees requiring not only a previous undergraduate degree but also a solid Mathematical background? Don't worry, I went to my university and local college open days on many occasions, looking and hoping (dreaming?) for "a way in". But that route would have been pretty difficult, considering the fact that I left home and school at the age of 16 and had to work full-time on a minimum wage, just to afford my rent and food. I spent every hour of my free time (after work) practising my trade, on a pirated copy of 3D Studio Max - THAT was my university and pretty much my only option for learning what I needed to learn to enable me to develop a portfolio which I was able to show to employers as a substitute for my lack of formal education. Again, maybe the middle class folk could afford to do things the "proper" way - but for many of us in life "the proper way" is not realistic and why should we just give-up without a fight (even if it does mean breaking a few copyright rules).
Btw, I remember a comment made in an interview with some guy from the marketing department of Alias Wavefront (developers of Maya 3D, which at the time cost around 14k) published in an old copy of 3D World magazine. He was basically asked his opinion on piracy and how it affected sales of Maya. He pretty much openly admitted that Alias purposely made it EASY for Maya to be cracked and hinted that it should even be a policy of Alias to secretly release unlocked versions for those who could not afford it. His basic reasoning was that companies largely do not pirate the software they use and employees and their familiarity with certain software is what dictates which software companies purchase. More pirate users = larger userbase = more company licences. (with respect to productivity s/w, at least)
I don't see your comments as an attack, I just see you as quite narrow minded and myopic in your steadfast adherence to "laws" which, in many cases, make no sense or reason to those of us living in the real world.
here's just a few of the world's most ridiculous laws which I expect you to abide by without question or independent reasoning:
- Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England, but only in tropical fish stores. (Of course!)
- The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is capitation. (Wonder how they enforce that one?)
- In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. (The husband’s lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired. COOL)
- In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens her mother must be in the room to witness the act. (I shudder at the thought. How many of us would be virgins today?)
- not long, here in the UK, it was "illegal" to be homosexual and you could be hung for the crime.
