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hallow victory
By wvh on 1/2/2009 10:36:20 PM , Rating: 2
The reason why software is so easy to counterfeit and it's such an easy target, is because its value is so arbitrary. If Microsoft would charge, say $5 for Windows or $10 for Office, it would be very difficult to counterfeit and still make profit. One major reason MS is so rich is because it can practically charge whatever it wants for a simple digital copy. Because that's what you get, really. Just like music CDs – it will become increasingly difficult to convince people to pay up for something when they can make an exact copy for free themselves. I don't think this system of copyright can go on as is without serious reconsideration, as even the full extent of the law has not, does not and will not deter a lot of people from making such a copy. Let's face it, the main reason why so many people buy Office is because they fear the law. But the law in a democracy should follow the people's opinion (with time as an averaging and delaying factor), and very few people think that giving up $200 ($250? I ain't got a clue about current MS prices to be fair) MS tax per computer is a fair deal, even if most agree software/music should be paid for.

This is a hallow victory.

Frankly, I wouldn't want to be a (public) software house or music company at this point in time.

RE: hallow victory
By Lexda on 1/4/2009 2:15:12 AM , Rating: 2
Right, because the public should be able to demand whatever they want from private corporations. A democracy protects everybody, including corporations. You say a digital copy is cheap. Well, yeah, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th copies cost just as much as the disc they're pressed on. But do you know how many millions the first copy cost to produce?

Bottom line is that MS can charge whatever it damn well pleases, and if you don't like it, use OOo. You're not obligated to use and buy MS Office. If you don't think paying what they ask for is a fair price, use our wonderful capitalist economy and tell them by not buying the product; eventually they'll get the hint and lower the price. I'd rather not devolve into communism and socialism, kthxbai.


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