The Internet provides people with more information and connections than ever now. Basically if you want something, it's at your fingertips. For example, if you like a song and simply google it, chances are you can download it in the first couple links provided. Additionally, it's free. So if it is illegal, why is it so easy? Programs like BitTorrent and Limewire are among the top programs used to pirate by connecting with other users who already have the music or programs and simply transferring it between computers. Internet piracy is not limited to just music however, with movies and software programs such as Photoshop growing in popularity.
Most who pirate claim that it is so easy, they don't even give a second thought to the problem. The fact that the product is digital rather than physical also contributes to the idea that it has less importance. Companies are trying to make it so their products are easier to attain legally, but are having trouble keeping up. For example, iTunes released DRM-free music a while ago because people were angry they couldn't share their music. Most people are happy to pay for music as long as it is the most convenient method.
Another issue with piracy is the "astronomical" loss that music artists and companies are losing due to their products being given away. Record companies are a rip off to artists in my opinion. The money they lose is nothing compared the the 80% of profit they get compared to the 20% given to the artist. One artist who fought this was Radiohead with their most recent album "In Rainbows." They quit their record label and released their CD online with a new concept. Pay as much as you want for it. Essentially, it was free if you desired. Sales showed that on average, most people payed around $9.99 for it. The profit for the artist was a great deal more than what it would have been should they have been signed to a record label. This inspired a slew of other artists to do the same in hopes of changing things.
The biggest group of offenders as of now seems to be college students. Despite the government and other threats of being caught, the rate of piracy has barely flinched. Napster was the biggest crackdown on Internet piracy I remember with the dismemberment of the company and numerous people charged and sued for stealing. So is Internet piracy rebellion or just convenience? When the subject is brought up among friends the reactions are very different. So what is your reaction to this problem? Is it right or wrong? Have you done it? Will it ever be solved? And how could people be deterred from piracy besides fear of punishment and greater convenience of products?
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