What a joke...software companies claim open source = piracy

[jmadero]

Software industry lobbyists claim open source promotes piracy

[GNU-Fan]

Yes, that amused me as well.
They must be really scared.

It's interesting how some lobbyist try to keep their business model alive.

[rokytnji]

Cry Havoc. Then lets hope they buy our software.

Open Source use Promotes a Piratical Mindset (just made that word up ). I can imagine the Vietnamese looking at each other and saying, "these white devils are at it again"

Some bought (you know who) govt. Officials might try to run with this. The target audience. I don't think they will buy a used car from these greasy salesmen.

[MikeTbob]

Cry Havoc. Then lets hope they buy our software.

LOL or in other words, throw everything against the wall and lets see what sticks.
I can see where they think that because we get our OS and apps for free, we should get everything for free,,but that's just an ill advised train of thought. Maybe they are trying to encourage us to download illegal stuff so that they can put us all in jail..

[Rubberman]

But free software? That must be a Commie Plot!

[hazel]

But free software? That must be a Commie Plot!

Actually free software is almost pure Adam Smith capitalism. For example, I can sell Linux if I add enough value to it to make it worth people's while to pay, but if I charge more than that added value is worth, one of my customers will start selling it on for less and the price will come down again.

In the world of proprietary software, capitalism doesn't work any more because the concept of intellectual property creates monopolies and prevents competition.

[Rubberman]

Boy Hazel, I guess I should have used the "tongue in cheek" smiley :^) instead of

Anyway, I absolutely agree with you.

[GNU-Fan]

lol, Rubberman, I don't think anyone here assumed you were serious about that -- smiley or not.

[Rubberman]

lol, Rubberman, I don't think anyone here assumed you were serious about that -- smiley or not.

Hey GNU-Fan, can't a couple of folks each other without feedback from the crowd?

[benjamin20]

you cant compare software to government economic systems. it just doesn't apply. in order for you to get a free chair, i must loose a chair. but in order for you to get a free copy of a piece of software, i must loose the time an energy require in order to transfer that copy of software too you, which is nowhere near the same loss vs gain.

software isnt a physical commodity, its an intellectual property, its more comparable to an idea than a chair.

oh, and the biggest thing to promote software piracy is microsoft. nothing inspires piracy more than a 300$ price tag.

linux users are probably the most familiar and concerned with legality o their downloads.