Piracy isn't cheap!

[Spartacus]

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15559


I have often wondered why the game industry doesn't use the music industry model of going after individuals who pirate games. I thought putting people caught stealing MP3's on TV to publicly admit to being a thief and explain the criminal and financial consequences for their actions was pretty effective. If the game industry would track IP's and randomly prosecute individuals under a zero tolerance policy, the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.
I applaud these actions, but I would prefer to see some sort of restitution ordered to defray the cost to the public for their incarceration.

[Sothy]

i say if someone emulates Galaga they should be shot in the face with acid. Also wild dogs should eat their genitals

[Icarus Moonsight]

Mien Weiner-schnitzel! MIEN GOTT! NIEN! Das ist schlet! MUTTER!

[Family Computer]

i am not huge into piracy (i do download the occasional movie or TV show to watch on my computer while I am in Japan), but I said do what you want to do as long as you keep it to yourself and don't profit off it.

[kaedesdisciple]

Yes, because tracking IP addresses is reliable and the real hardcore pirates (the ones that should be tracked down) would NEVER think of how to circumvent it. If you buy that I have this wonderful bridge here...

[yok-dfa]

the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.
You seriously think that downloading a game (which *at most* would cost the publisher maybe around $50) should be punishable with a year in prison and a $110,000 fine? That's a sure way to get people to sympathise with your cause...

[Griking]

Yes, because tracking IP addresses is reliable and the real hardcore pirates (the ones that should be tracked down) would NEVER think of how to circumvent it. If you buy that I have this wonderful bridge here...

So you're suggesting that the non hard core pirates that this kind of sting would catch should just be forgiven?

They may not be kingpins but they are still catching people breaking the law.

[kaedesdisciple]

So you're suggesting that the non hard core pirates that this kind of sting would catch should just be forgiven?

They may not be kingpins but they are still catching people breaking the law.

And they have tried to convict some people who have never committed the crime at all. What I'm saying is it's not always incontrovertible proof of the crime. We need a more reliable method of tracking the criminals, big or small.

[XxHennersXx]

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15559


I have often wondered why the game industry doesn't use the music industry model of going after individuals who pirate games. I thought putting people caught stealing MP3's on TV to publicly admit to being a thief and explain the criminal and financial consequences for their actions was pretty effective. If the game industry would track IP's and randomly prosecute individuals under a zero tolerance policy, the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.
I applaud these actions, but I would prefer to see some sort of restitution ordered to defray the cost to the public for their incarceration.

you think downloading mame shoudl get you 110,000 fine and a sentence? MAME isn't even illegal!

[MoreEbolaForYou]

I do not subscribe to your theory, sir.

[Vectorman0]

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15559


I have often wondered why the game industry doesn't use the music industry model of going after individuals who pirate games. I thought putting people caught stealing MP3's on TV to publicly admit to being a thief and explain the criminal and financial consequences for their actions was pretty effective. If the game industry would track IP's and randomly prosecute individuals under a zero tolerance policy, the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.
I applaud these actions, but I would prefer to see some sort of restitution ordered to defray the cost to the public for their incarceration.

He was busted for trafficking games. That's distribution, which is the equivalent to those warnings you see at the beginning of DVD's warning about $250,000 fines.

It's not comparable at all, in any way, to downloading one or even dozens of games.

[blissfulnoise]

While most people would see me as pretty hardline regarding software piracy (and to a much lesser extent, emulation); I do think there is a great deal of worth in permanently archiving software from a historical perspective. Especially in projects like MAME given how unique, and fragile, the arcade medium is and how quickly games are abandoned commercially.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

I agree with blissful 100%. Without MAME a lot of those games would e lost forever. People that pirate say... new copies of Halo 3, or leak pre-release games on the internet- that's a different thing altogether, and I guess they should be punished.

[Wolfrider31]

First off, the evidence about whether downloading music/film/television adversely affects record sales is flimsy at best, and there's just as much evidence that the process actually helps recording artists (especially independant ones). Usually, people who download large amounts of music are also those who spend considerable sums of money on shows/albums etc.

The argument that if you have 80 gigs worth of music on your iPod you would have bought all that music is absurd. That 80 gigs equals over 2000 individual CDs. At a cost of 20 dollars a pop, the music industry is arguing that, had you not downloaded the music you would have spent 40,000 dollars on CDs.

Come. The. F***. Off. Of. It. Do you know anyone whose EVER spent 40,000 dollars on music? How about 4000? 400? Yeah, exactly. Oh, and by the way. All those 12 year olds that the RIAA sues? Do you think the money from those lawsuits is funneled back to artists? NOSIREE! The RIAA has no funding mechanism to return these "lost profits" back to the poor starving rock stars who can barely eat because little Sarah downloaded 50 Cent.

This is a way of making money. Period. The RIAA and the MPAA intentionally SELECTS people who are of limited means (college students and low income families) who don't have the money to hire proper representation. Remember the story of the RIAA who sued a mother because her kids downloaded music? She actually fought it and argued that she had nothing to do with it, so the RIAA didn't have a case. The court agreed with her and threw it out. Know what the RIAA did? Sued her three children seperately. SUED. HER. CHILDREN. They finally dropped the case when the courts informed the recording industry that the state required them to pay for caretakers. Yeah. *Claps*

And by the way. Piracy /= file sharing. Piracy is the illegal reproduction and sale of a copyrighted producted designed to resemble a legitimate product. Filesharing is the act of distributing content over an internet connection. Different things entirely and in most countries that are not the United States, is protected under fair use laws.

Attacking filesharing is mostly about protecting territory. The music industry has an iron grip on how radio stations and the like play music. (Through legally binding "set lists") If independent artists start being recognized, they represent competition.

Oh and by the way. Did you know, if you ARE an independent artist and are lucky enough to get your music on a radio station you no longer own your own song? That's right boys and girls. You have to join the RIAA and request the royalties from YOUR OWN WORK. And joining the RIAA? That ain't free kids.

[neogamer]

I agree that games should be archived for historical purposes, but let's be honest, that is not what 99.9% of MAME users are trying to do!

The game companies themselves should be archiving these games for historical purposes and most are.

Sorry to say, it's not up to us (as gamers) to archive anything ILLEGALLY. If you want to do it LEGALLY, by all means do it!

But please don't hide behind the excuse that you (meaning you in general-not you personally) need to download anything illegally to archive it. That's just utter BS!

[neogamer]

I agree that games should be archived for historical purposes, but let's be honest, that is not what 99.9% of MAME users are trying to do!

The game companies themselves should be archiving these games for historical purposes and most are.

Sorry to say, it's not up to us (as gamers) to archive anything ILLEGALLY. If you want to do it LEGALLY, by all means do it!

But please don't hide behind the excuse that you (meaning you in general-not you personally) need to download anything illegally to archive it. That's just utter BS!

One more point: We do need to define archiving before this debate goes any further.

Some define archiving as re-releasing the games. Others define it as a complete restoration to the original games already in existence. How do you guys define it?

That may be the problem.

[Sothy]

I do agree anyone who illegally downloads a 50 cent mp3 should be jailed.
Also if they legally download a 50 cent mp3.
Also if they listen to it on the radio.

[neogamer]

First off, the evidence about whether downloading music/film/television adversely affects record sales is flimsy at best, and there's just as much evidence that the process actually helps recording artists (especially independant ones). Usually, people who download large amounts of music are also those who spend considerable sums of money on shows/albums etc.

The argument that if you have 80 gigs worth of music on your iPod you would have bought all that music is absurd. That 80 gigs equals over 2000 individual CDs. At a cost of 20 dollars a pop, the music industry is arguing that, had you not downloaded the music you would have spent 40,000 dollars on CDs.

Come. The. Fuck. Off. Of. It. Do you know anyone whose EVER spent 40,000 dollars on music? How about 4000? 400? Yeah, exactly. Oh, and by the way. All those 12 year olds that the RIAA sues? Do you think the money from those lawsuits is funneled back to artists? NOSIREE! The RIAA has no funding mechanism to return these "lost profits" back to the poor starving rock stars who can barely eat because little Sarah downloaded 50 Cent.

This is a way of making money. Period. The RIAA and the MPAA intentionally SELECTS people who are of limited means (college students and low income families) who don't have the money to hire proper representation. Remember the story of the RIAA who sued a mother because her kids downloaded music? She actually fought it and argued that she had nothing to do with it, so the RIAA didn't have a case. The court agreed with her and threw it out. Know what the RIAA did? Sued her three children seperately. SUED. HER. CHILDREN. They finally dropped the case when the courts informed the recording industry that the state required them to pay for caretakers. Yeah. *Claps*

And by the way. Piracy /= file sharing. Piracy is the illegal reproduction and sale of a copyrighted producted designed to resemble a legitimate product. Filesharing is the act of distributing content over an internet connection. Different things entirely and in most countries that are not the United States, is protected under fair use laws.

Attacking filesharing is mostly about protecting territory. The music industry has an iron grip on how radio stations and the like play music. (Through legally binding "set lists") If independent artists start being recognized, they represent competition.

Oh and by the way. Did you know, if you ARE an independent artist and are lucky enough to get your music on a radio station you no longer own your own song? That's right boys and girls. You have to join the RIAA and request the royalties from YOUR OWN WORK. And joining the RIAA? That ain't free kids.


This may surprise some of you, but I tend to agree. He is right in what he is saying, as much as I don't like the foul language! You can research this all you want and you will come to the same conclusion.

The music industry has been "shooting themselves in their own feet" for years. They actually need to go back and modify their business plans and help artists and quite attempting to dominate control in a business they are steadily destroying.

[Push Upstairs]

I have zero pity for the RIAA and their tactics. I have to stop myself from shaking my head whenever I see another article about the recording industry that basically says "sales are down 2% this year because of piracy".

I would hope that the gaming industry would use the RIAA and their tactics as a guide on how to *NOT* combat the threat of piracy.

I'm not a fan of piracy, but i'm also not a fan of blaming piracy for all problems either.

[studvicious]

i say if someone emulates Galaga they should be shot in the face with acid. Also wild dogs should eat their genitals

Or kill two birds with one stone and get acid spitting dogs who have a taste for genitals. Sweet delicious genitals.

[CosmicMonkey]

http://anthropik.com/wp-content/uploads/Jack%20Sparrow%20on%20Ship.jpg

[Iron Draggon]

This may surprise some of you, but I tend to agree. He is right in what he is saying, as much as I don't like the foul language! You can research this all you want and you will come to the same conclusion.

The music industry has been "shooting themselves in their own feet" for years. They actually need to go back and modify their business plans and help artists and quite attempting to dominate control in a business they are steadily destroying.

I agree too... I only own roughly 500 CD's, and I stole at least half of them...

what really needs to happen now is that being a musician, singer, songwriter, etc. should be about as profitable as being a poet... in other words, your best hope for getting rich from it should be the musical equivalent of getting a job writing greeting cards for Hallmark, or to die... that would take care of the whole gangsta rap problem right there... quit making it so lucrative... songs are nothing more than poems set to music anyway... so why is there so much big money in songs, but no big money in poetry, unless you died a real long time ago?

[gum_drops]

... so why is there so much big money in songs, but no big money in poetry, unless you died a real long time ago?

Because just like athletes and actors companies can make huge sums of money off of the "image" of a certain singer/rapper. In terms of cross branding, advertising, cd sales, tours, merchandise, the whole gambit.

Take 50 Cent: games, clothes,shoes,music,movies, and probably more I am unaware of. Its not just in the US either, there is a large global cash-in on such celebrities.

[neogamer]

On the subject of archiving...

the new issue (October I believe) of Game Informer has an article of archiving the rich history of video games.

I only had a chance to glance at it, but because the subject was mentioned in this thread, I thought I would just mention it.

I'm sure some of you already read that mag on a regular basis and can post more about it.

[Wolfrider31]

This may surprise some of you, but I tend to agree. He is right in what he is saying, as much as I don't like the foul language! You can research this all you want and you will come to the same conclusion.

The music industry has been "shooting themselves in their own feet" for years. They actually need to go back and modify their business plans and help artists and quite attempting to dominate control in a business they are steadily destroying.

Whoops. Sorry, I usually am better at controlling my tongue than that. *Sheepish*

[noname11]

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15559


I have often wondered why the game industry doesn't use the music industry model of going after individuals who pirate games. I thought putting people caught stealing MP3's on TV to publicly admit to being a thief and explain the criminal and financial consequences for their actions was pretty effective. If the game industry would track IP's and randomly prosecute individuals under a zero tolerance policy, the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.
I applaud these actions, but I would prefer to see some sort of restitution ordered to defray the cost to the public for their incarceration.


you dont seem to live up to the image of spartacus. Im pretty sure if the real one were with us today, hed be working for the RIAA

[Spartacus]

Personally, I don't feel that pirating anything is acceptable. Because I have a particular fondness for games, I often wish the industry would do more to protect themselves, that's all. It's their business and ultimately their responsibility, but for the life of me I can't seem to Google the title of a game anymore without running into dozens of sites that openly offer it for download. I swear it's like people will steal anything that isn't nailed down!
Modern day Robin Hoods? Civil libertarian freedom fighters? Historical archivists? I call bullshit on that! Societal parasites - that's all they are.
The worst excuse are those claiming they never would have bought it anyway, so it's not like anyone was harmed by them having it for free. If someone takes my wallet and tells me he's not stealing because he never was going to work for a living anyway, I'd still call him a thief! And want him arrested!
But, if everyone's doing it and getting away with it. I guess some people would feel pretty dumb to be paying for something they could be getting for free. Rationalization- it's a beautiful thing! LOL
Anyway, like I said, I applaud whenever I hear of a bust like this happening. I just wish I would hear about it more often.

[otaku]

never stolen a game though I've played roms via gametap and also of really oldschool stuff like atari but that shit should be considered public domain to be honest.

I'll admit to not having bought any music in literally five years only time I buy music is if I can't find it online (rare!) I pay for movies though (rentals mostly) unless its something I can't get ahold of. I get most of the books I read (alot) from the library (still have a nice collection though) and hmm that just about sums it up.

I can't afford all the shit I want not on the salary I pull in I prefer to buy though so that the money can be used to make something else

[blissfulnoise]

Modern day Robin Hoods? Civil libertarian freedom fighters? Historical archivists? I call bullshit on that! Societal parasites - that's all they are.

This is a misguided statement.

I doubt you'll find anyone on these boards who encourages (at least openly) piracy of actively available commercial games, let alone the sale of them. So don't paint all software piracy with such a broad brush.

While movies and music are not totally analogous to video games in terms of copy protection (mainly given the medium(s) used to enjoy them), there is a very similar worth in preserving the content for social, educational, and even artistic reasons.

The MAME project is one of the most ambitious, and worthwhile, undertakings our hobby has ever undergone. There is no reasonable way that people would still be able to experience the games that it supports without it. Many dozens of important classic games would be all but lost if it were not for the MAME team.

This isn't even to say of our ability to experience games from other parts of the world, and even actively attempt to translate them for entirely new audiences to enjoy.

While I do draw the line rather deep, emulation should be given a wide birth given its relative harmlessness and how much it has improved the hobby of classic gaming.

At one point, not that long ago, I might have entirely agreed with you; own it, or don't play it. But that's a bit too extreme, and anyone really passionate about games should think hard before taking that stance.

But, again, the mass (or even individual) piracy of modern game platforms and/or games that are readily, easily, available for purchase is not something I support or condone.

[NinjaJoey23]

I never would have started buying classic games had I not had them via emulation.

I download a lot of music. Not generally via torrent, but through p2p programs, usually only with people I know. If I like a band enough, I buy their album. I have no remorse.

It is true that IP tracking isn't usually enough of a smoking gun to get someone. Alot of times, they will contact your ISP, get your e-mail address, and send you a threatening e-mail. Then, if you respond with an admission, they've got you. I've heard about this happening numerous times. They have the burden of proof, and what better proof than an admission? BTW, most of the lawsuits you're seeing are from major uploaders, or people making money off of this stuff.

I also have no sympathy for the music industry. Most artists whose albums are widely downloaded have made enough money to retire now. I go to plenty of shows. I buy albums at shows. I buy shirts and other merch. But, when I want to check out a new artist, I'm not going to buy their album before I hear it. That's irresponsible spending.

[Wolfrider31]

never stolen a game though I've played roms via gametap and also of really oldschool stuff like atari but that shit should be considered public domain to be honest.

I'll admit to not having bought any music in literally five years only time I buy music is if I can't find it online (rare!) I pay for movies though (rentals mostly) unless its something I can't get ahold of. I get most of the books I read (alot) from the library (still have a nice collection though) and hmm that just about sums it up.

I can't afford all the shit I want not on the salary I pull in I prefer to buy though so that the money can be used to make something else

But that's thing, there are other "legitimate" ways to access media for free or close to free. If your argument is "Well, if you don't pay for it don't play it," then does that mean you should not lend games to friends? Or borrow games from public libraries? Even when you rent them the developers don't get the money for it (at least not indefinitely).

What about selling older games? I know many members of this community oppose digital downloading because of the damage done to the ability to buy used. But the developers don't get that money. So when I buy a used copy of FFXII on Ebay, should I feel guilty? Should I have paid full price? What's the difference between me downloading the game, burning it and playing it on a modded PS2? (I actually have a store-bought copy of 12, just for the record) The developers didn't see any extra cash either way. Why do we demonize one and not the other.

[Flack]

The worst excuse are those claiming they never would have bought it anyway, so it's not like anyone was harmed by them having it for free. If someone takes my wallet and tells me he's not stealing because he never was going to work for a living anyway, I'd still call him a thief! And want him arrested!

This is quite possibly the dumbest argument against piracy I have ever read. Are you honestly saying that if I download Pac-Man for the Atari 2600 I have gone into someone's wallet and made $30 disappear?

Really what it would be like is if I enjoyed looking at money and if somehow I was able to make a copy of the money in your wallet without you knowing about it, a copy that I was unable to spend anywhere.

This weekend I read an article about the whole 50 Cent vs. Kanye West sales battle going on. I downloaded both albums, and listened to each one for around 1-2 minutes to see what the big deal was. If you can convince me that this is the same as robbing either of these people at gunpoint and stealing money out of their wallets, I'll give you mine.

[Flack]

But that's thing, there are other "legitimate" ways to access media for free or close to free. If your argument is "Well, if you don't pay for it don't play it," then does that mean you should not lend games to friends? Or borrow games from public libraries? Even when you rent them the developers don't get the money for it (at least not indefinitely).

What about selling older games? I know many members of this community oppose digital downloading because of the damage done to the ability to buy used. But the developers don't get that money. So when I buy a used copy of FFXII on Ebay, should I feel guilty? Should I have paid full price? What's the difference between me downloading the game, burning it and playing it on a modded PS2? (I actually have a store-bought copy of 12, just for the record) The developers didn't see any extra cash either way. Why do we demonize one and not the other.

I've been arguing about piracy since the early 1980s, no doubt longer than some of the people posting in this thread have been alive. In my experience, the following is true:

1 - Everybody thinks pirating is wrong.
2 - Everybody pirates something.
3 - Everybody justifies what they do as being okay but condone other pirates.

#1, If pirating is "making 1 copy of a copyrighted material", then I think most people agree pirating is "wrong."

#2, almost everybody has pirated something. I'm not saying to what degree, but even people who say "I buy EVERYTHING" probably own a copied music CD somethere. That brings me to #3;

#3, everybody justifies what they do, but thinks other people are worse. Everybody has their own personal line in the sand. Whenever you hear someone say, "I think piracy is wrong, except for $x" then you can pretty well assume that person performs $x. I've heard people say that copying software is wrong, except for Microsoft products because those jerks already have enough money. Or it's okay to only download music to review it, or listen to it once, or only if they used to own the cassette tape, or only if it's for a road trip, or whatever.

And of course, it's never the same as the "real" pirates, another line that everybody draws just past what they do. "I only download old games." "I only download Abandonware." "I only download games to see if I like them -- if I do, I buy them." "I don't give them to others." "I don't sell them." "I delete them after 30 days." I've heard it all.

[Griking]

One more point: We do need to define archiving before this debate goes any further.

Some define archiving as re-releasing the games. Others define it as a complete restoration to the original games already in existence. How do you guys define it?

That may be the problem.

According to Webster;

Archiving - To file or collect in or as if in an archive
Archive - 1 : a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved; also : the material preserved -- often used in plural
2 : a repository or collection especially of information

Note that neither of these definitions reference actually USING (playing) the item being archived. So unless you have your collection of Mame roms simply to store for history's sake you're most likely guilty of software piracy. Besides, I don't believe that there's a provision of piracy laws that allows copying games for preservation.

[neogamer]

According to Webster;

Archiving - To file or collect in or as if in an archive
Archive - 1 : a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved; also : the material preserved -- often used in plural
2 : a repository or collection especially of information

Note that neither of these definitions reference actually USING (playing) the item being archived. So unless you have your collection of Mame roms simply to store for history's sake you're most likely guilty of software piracy. Besides, I don't believe that there's a provision of piracy laws that allows copying games for preservation.

There we go-that solves that!

[Moo Cow]

According to Webster;

Archiving - To file or collect in or as if in an archive
Archive - 1 : a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved; also : the material preserved -- often used in plural
2 : a repository or collection especially of information

Note that neither of these definitions reference actually USING (playing) the item being archived. So unless you have your collection of Mame roms simply to store for history's sake you're most likely guilty of software piracy. Besides, I don't believe that there's a provision of piracy laws that allows copying games for preservation.

I believe Congress did let it be archived, but not publically accessed, but I'm not certain.

Also, replying to the post about how you had to appeal for royalties, the courts ruled that the artists owned the songs.

[Jimid2]

I have often wondered why the game industry doesn't use the music industry model of going after individuals who pirate games. I thought putting people caught stealing MP3's on TV to publicly admit to being a thief and explain the criminal and financial consequences for their actions was pretty effective. If the game industry would track IP's and randomly prosecute individuals under a zero tolerance policy, the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.
I applaud these actions, but I would prefer to see some sort of restitution ordered to defray the cost to the public for their incarceration.
There is so much wrong with this post that it's hard to know where to start. First, copyright infringement IS NOT THEFT!! Nobody "steals" MP3s or ROMs, though many people (including, probably, the original poster) infringe on Copyright....

Why the Game Industry doesn't use the "music industry model" of using scare tactics, bully-boy lawyers and outdated laws in an off-kilter legal system (one that requires someone accused of copyright infringement by a private party to defend themselves at their own expense - read: spend thousands and thousands of $$$ - or be found summarily guilty is hardly a balanced and fair system) to beat up on people with little or no means of defending themselves on the basis of nebulous and often outright fabricated "evidence", probably has more to do with the game industry's desire to avoid the public relations disaster that is currently building against the RIAA and its associated labels as the amount of evidence, precedence and judicial impatience with their self-righteous manipulation of the legal system continues to snowball... Lastly, everyone with half a brain knows that the "losses" reported by the RIAA or MPAA for piracy are stupidly inflated... Just because someone downloads a copy of the latest Britany Spears radio drivel for their iPod in no way can be equated with a "lost sale" - most of the people grabbing this stuff in bits and pieces would never buy any of it anyway...

[motley6]

First off, the evidence about whether downloading music/film/television adversely affects record sales is flimsy at best,


You are kidding yourself if you think that mp3 downloads haven't effect music sales.

[gum_drops]

Personally, I don't feel that pirating anything is acceptable. Because I have a particular fondness for games.

What does a fondness for games have to do with someone using a MAME emulator. Your particular fondness for games is succeeded only by your fondness for making idiotic statements.


the word would get out that downloading a ROM, ISO or MAME isn't worth a one year sentence plus a $110,000 fine.

Historical archivists? I call bullshit on that! Societal parasites - that's all they are.


Do you realize that this site has an emulation link. Look over on the left hand side. Oh gosh, lookie here, you can also download roms from digitpress at videogamearchive.com.

By posting on and supporting a site that hosts emulators and roms you are indirectly contributing to emulation. So you can either stop visting digitpress, Or you can join the rest of us "parasites" and continue posting here.

If you do continue to post I suggest sending off a PM to one of the parasitic admins and see if they will change your id to hypocritacus.

[misfits859]

Somebody better go on and call in the riot squad for this thread...

:deadhorse:

[NinjaJoey23]

dude I can hook u up wit good torentz, hit me wit pm

lulz

[cityside75]

Does anybody believe that things like XBox Live Arcade or Wii Virtual Console would even exist if emulation hadn't taken off in popularity? Not to mention all the compilation disks that have come out in the last few years. So this form of "piracy" has actually opened up new revenue streams for the game companies as emulation demonstrated an unfulfilled desire of the gaming public.

Then there's the irony of people like me that have a ROM of the game and buy the Live Arcade game anyway so we can play it on the TV or with a preferred controller.

[Cryomancer]

I'll start buying things again when entertainment gets good again. That's mostly regarding music/film/tv though.

Hell, I already tend to spend literally my last dime on videogames and dollar dvds everytime I have money as it is.

[Spartacus]

Do you realize that this site has an emulation link. Look over on the left hand side. Oh gosh, lookie here, you can also download roms from digitpress at videogamearchive.com.

By posting on and supporting a site that hosts emulators and roms you are indirectly contributing to emulation. So you can either stop visting digitpress, Or you can join the rest of us "parasites" and continue posting here.

If you do continue to post I suggest sending off a PM to one of the parasitic admins and see if they will change your id to hypocritacus.


I support this board by giving cash. $20 here, $50 there. It may not be much, but this board has never asked for a donation that I haven't responded to immediately with whatever I could spare.
If you choose to support the board by sucking on the DP ROM teat, then that's your way.
If this board doesn't allow anyone who doesn't have a hard drive full of ROMS and spindles full of CDR's to express their opinion about piracy, then an admin can notify me. In the meantime, I don't feel I need to ask anyone to change my ID.

[Bluteg]

I steal music, games, cars, kidneys whatever. OP you suck!

[devils advocate]

What does a fondness for games have to do with someone using a MAME emulator. Your particular fondness for games is succeeded only by your fondness for making idiotic statements.



Do you realize that this site has an emulation link. Look over on the left hand side. Oh gosh, lookie here, you can also download roms from digitpress at videogamearchive.com.

By posting on and supporting a site that hosts emulators and roms you are indirectly contributing to emulation. So you can either stop visting digitpress, Or you can join the rest of us "parasites" and continue posting here.

If you do continue to post I suggest sending off a PM to one of the parasitic admins and see if they will change your id to hypocritacus.



Wow.. You're a real winner buddy.

[Joe West]

everybody wants to hang the guy, who get a game which cost 60.00,cause he cant aford to buy it, why not go after the companies that make the equipment
that lets you burn and copy, rip music, and other stuff.....with out the equipment, THERE'S NO PIRATES......................

[devils advocate]

everybody wants to hang the guy, who get a game which cost 60.00,cause he cant aford to buy it, why not go after the companies that make the equipment
that lets you burn and copy, rip music, and other stuff.....with out the equipment, THERE'S NO PIRATES......................



I see where you're going, but that is silly as well......

Do we go after glove manufacturers for aiding and abetting robbers.... And O.J?lol

How about computer mfgrs for electronic embezellment??

Let's not even open the can of worms that is guns vs. gun deaths.

[devils advocate]

everybody wants to hang the guy, who get a game which cost 60.00,cause he cant aford to buy it, why not go after the companies that make the equipment
that lets you burn and copy, rip music, and other stuff.....with out the equipment, THERE'S NO PIRATES......................

And honestly, even if no company manufactured the equipment necesary, someone would.... A pirate is a pirate.

Really, it all comes down to ones value of the law, and where that value coincides with your personal morals.

I choose not to pirate, because I know that it is breaking the law. I don't bother trying to justify it, nor do I waste my time preaching against it nowadays.

For me, I morally can't steal a physical property, and IMHO the way the laws are currently set in regards to copyright infringement, it is the moral equivalent of stealing. So I don't bother.

I don't waste time telling friends what to do, nor do I bug them if they play burnt cd's etc in my house. They can make their own choice. But, I wouldn't call "unfairness" or such, if some of those who were high users werewcharged.. Again, see my personal morals. I would give them my lawyers number and say "good luck, Connies excellent, a good price, and won't need a retainer". LOL

Each to their own, but I say no bitching if you're charged, and no complaining about the costs involved. Also, the "I didn't know" stuff doesn't wash. Ignorance is never a good legal defense.. Better make sure you have down syndrome or something to help that defense.....He he.

As far as mames go... I won't pretend to know lots about them.. I own piles of consoles, and tons of carts. I have no need for it. I'm so backlogged in games, that I'll never catch up... But, if they're not right protected why not use them? Maybe someone else could fill me in on the legalities? If they're rights are held, I suppose I'll go with my original attitude.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Wait a second devils, are you being for real, or are you just playing the, well... um, you know...