Piracy/who wants to do my homework?

[Vegerot]

Okay, so today I was talking with a friend, and I just happened to mention piratebay.orgit happened over email, actually., and then one of the teachers flipped because I was discussing an "illegal" topic in school. So now I have one week to make a presentation about piracy; which then I will have to present it to the whole school. I'm kinda pissed about this, especially because next week is interim week, basically a week where we do nothing and just chill. So while nobody else will have homework, I will. Since literally all I was told was "a presentation about piracy" (and also to I was suggested to have connections to legality, religion, and morality, but I don't have to) it's very open ended. My "presentation" could be a powerpoint, speech, anything I want. and also what I should write about is open ended. So I'm thinking that I should totally take the opposite side, pretty much I'll make a presentation about what piratebay is also talking about, like "there's no illegal stuff about it" also I'll mention the stuff piratebay says to back itself up, etc. Honesty, it's their fault for not giving me specific instructions. And just hope that my plan, doesn't, well

[nil]

Well, piracy is kind of immoral, some people justify it by saying "I don't have access to a credit card" particularly if they're young or don't make money, or "I will pay for something if I like it" or what not.

For music and movies, you could try to make the claim that piracy doesn't badly effect sales since much of money is made from concerts and theaters - in fact, it could generate a good effect since friends can tell friends about good media, which say leads them to going into concerts. I wouldn't be surprised if some pirated media is better quality than whatever is offered legitimately. But then again if you're caught downloading illegal media, you could be screwed.

For software, piracy makes software inconvenient to use (enter in serial keys, developers have to maintain bad keys, DRM) and piracy could badly effect sales. Chances are though if the software is good, it will succeed in sales anyway. Piracy should have less of an effect as computers move into these central distributor type systems though, like iOS app store, steam, mac app store, etc. iOS app store is really best example since it's more closed. Otherwise, these types of systems should allow a good app to be found easily.

So I think when talking about piracy, it is important to consider how much piracy affects sales (although do remember people can make up statistics). If you have a paying job, you're also less likely to pirate stuff to begin with. I guess you'll just have to research stuff.

This is such a classic internet thread.

[Pielogist]

1. Stop being mad.
2. Write the presentation.

Keep a reasonable and calm tone. You can be passionate, just don't get mad. The moment you get mad is the moment you lose. And don't support piracy just to stick it to your teachers, if your motive is not straightforward, and you do not fully believe your thesis, you won't give a good presentation. State what you think. If it's 'piracy is good', then sure, make that your thesis. If it's 'piracy is bad, but not that big of a deal', then of course, that works as well. Don't be a hater, instead be a hero with a cause. As long as you keep calm and act rationally, no one can accuse you of doing bad. If you approach this like a teenage rebel, you'll be treated like one and you'll be punished. So approach this like a mature adult, and people will listen, and consider what you say. Your teachers might not agree, but they can't put you down for calmly stating what you think.

If you wanna win this, you should do some research into piracy. Find facts + statistics + current arguments of both sides about it.

protip: don't quote piratebay. Seriously. Those guys are pretty unlikable. If you really like, you can say what they say, but don't say that they were the ones who said it, mkay?

[Sparky]

Veg, even though I don't understand what caused this, see this as an opportunity to present creative solutions to a general social dilemma. Here are my tips:

1. Consider what you are studying in class and its morals that you learn in your heart. Cite parallel circumstances between the people about whom you are studying and today's social problems, in this case, stealing, cheating, defrauding, piracy, theft, desiring what your neighbor has, envy, greed, etc. These social problems are not new to the invention of the internet or computers, but have been around all throughout recorded history. So feel free to use examples from what you are already studying in school. Also, since I know you are learning some things about the Bible, consider what Jesus Christ said, "Be on your guard against all forms of greed. A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15). (And just a bit of a hint, you could actually take any words and actions of Jesus Christ / God and make those words your entire thesis statement, then present a discussion about their meaning, usefulness, application, wisdom and results throughout your paper. If you do this, consider speaking with your local minister or priest too.)

2. Your general essay-writing path should proceed as this: first, state the problem as it is perceived by all involved (portray perspectives from the "pirates", content authors, and publishers) and include their values in this situation, trying to be genuine to their social roles and perspectives -- you may want to consider your initial research only as learning the general values of the person who wrote what you're reading -- and also include your background, perspectives and experiences regarding this topic so that you maintain transparency to the reader and present your biases clearly and honestly from the start so they may make no assumptions about your values in this matter; second, if possible, find and cite written documents and arguments presented by each person who is seeking to further their (legal) position in the topic, as this will give you both insight into their values and material for you to quote while presenting their values in the discussion -- but don't pass judgment on anything yet; third, consider related issues in different fields such as copyrights, contracts, legal documentation in general, how the legal system generally works and the types of evidence it will accept (ie, must be written documentation about everything, generally), and include any strengths and flaws you see in the system; fourth, considering the values of all those involved, develop your thesis through creatively thinking of a great solution to the problem which is feasible, honest and enlightening -- come up with an ideal that is also possible to implement either by just the publishers and content authors, or by consent of all those involved. (The system is broken, so you fix it by thinking of a creative solution to the problem!) If you find flaws in your idea, don't disregard the thesis but rather present both the advantages and disadvantages and requirements of your new (or not so new) idea. You should therefore determine to discuss your idea rather than simply try to promote it or otherwise immediately pass it off as the best possible solution when it might only be the best possible solution yet only in certain circumstances...

* Note that the "it is up to me to fix (you, or) this problem" is a very political sentiment which can lead to radicalism and egomaniacal, proud and spiteful behaviors if you are not careful and have not already determined to carefully eliminate pride from your heart beforehand. The problem is as prevalent as pride itself, and this can lead to very bad things. Instead, consider the issue from a loving perspective in that you seek to understand the perspectives of all those involved and wish to peacefully come to a consensus. And in the mean time, tackle pride in your personal mind and point it out when you can to yourself so that you will identify and avoid it in every way you can.

3. School is tough in many ways. Disregard the common demeaning perspective of what you are asked to do (be it sit in detention or give a presentation that you don't really care about (yet) ) and see it to the best of your ability in a calm and clear way as a license to exercise your creativity while being given the opportunity to express your creative, insightful and enlightening ideas. You may want to just chill during interim, and you certainly don't have enough time in 7 days to write a collegiate paper, so simply take my aforementioned advice and do your best. Talk to people about their social roles, talk especially to your parents about their opinions, but take everything as it is at this point, as opinions, until you give your own through the proposed solutions in your paper.

[Smythe]

Veg, even though I don't understand what caused this, see this as an opportunity to present creative solutions to a general social dilemma. Here are my tips:
Also, since I know you are learning some things about the Bible, consider what Jesus Christ said, "Be on your guard against all forms of greed. A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15). (And just a bit of a hint, you could actually take any words and actions of Jesus Christ / God and make those words your entire thesis statement, then present a discussion about their meaning, usefulness, application, wisdom and results throughout your paper. If you do this, consider speaking with your local minister or priest too.)

I think this would actually work, though for different reasons than you i think.
If you're in America, using their Almighty Saviour against them should work wonders, and be a hell of a lot of fun when they try and dispute it, to which you can say "So you would go against the word of Jesus Christ, our lord and saviour?"
In short, twist their own beliefs against them and have a good laugh while you do it.

[nil]

Unless your school is religous, I would not mention anything religous whatsoever.

[Sparky]

...and so smythe attempts to twist my own words against me too?

nil stated the obvious point which is politically correct but I find to be only nitpicking to avoid the 800 pound gorilla; of course I only see flawed reasons in support, such as "it's not something that your audience can or will appreciate." But they don't appreciate anything until you explain it for them ... that is, unless you speak to their own values and relate to their experiences. Speaking to an audience of high school kids would be different from speaking to an audience of dentists, because each has different specified values and has a different expectation of what you might be communicating to them. So if you talk about anything religious, it must be supported just like any other statement and fit within the discussion seamlessly through a degree of understanding from as many perspectives as you can.

ANYWAY, consider:

- values (distinguish between values, necessities and desires)
- genuine research
- not jumping to conclusions
- participant observation
- merits of sharing ideas
- how to effectively communicate
- helping people without hurting anyone else

You won't have much time to discuss all these things, but to at least mention them may suffice to inspire further civil discourse upon the matter. You want to inspire people to help each other, to work together and cooperate in doing good and creative things. You might also consider that socialist societies do not inspire individual success -- but don't take it from the perspective of self-promotion, but rather consider from the ideal perspective perhaps such as people being free to do good and creative things without hindrance.

For example, in order for us to mod Halo right now, we need to technically break the EULA. What you might suggest after presenting the situation and how people continue to seek to communicate about working with this game is that Microsoft should include in their EULA provisional clauses for those who modify the game so that people can legally be creative with what has already been released commercially. US copyright law has provisions for "parodies" to be made, but as far as "derivative works" which would mean using content from Halo Full, the EULA typically prohibits.

You should question who is suffering, in what ways they are suffering and why, then formulate a plan that prevents suffering altogether. With piracy, it deals with money (ie, accepted compensation), stealing, creativity and the general rule of loving your neighbor as yourself (that is, obeying the Ten Commandments, one of which is quite specifically "do not steal"). Consider people's values and question the value of money, because as Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's" and "You cannot serve both God and Money." So yes, you can take the words of God because that is the 800 pound gorilla of the matter which you cannot educationally avoid (that is, without looking stupid) and consider it a part of your research, because that is what it is.

Piracy is not necessary in order to be creative.

Seeking to understand a person's values pursues answers to the ageless question, "What is important?"

[Vegerot]

Well, piracy is kind of immoral

I think so too. The only time I've pirated something that wasn't music (ps I don't do that anymore since I downloaded Spotify) was Halo for Mac. But I had just bought the PC version beforehand so Microsoft can get their greedy money, so that kinda cleared my conscious. The only reason I want to do this is because I was upset.

Unless your school is religous, I would not mention anything religous whatsoever.

It is a religious school. But it's jewish so I wouldn't know how well Jesus will help me

[Smythe]

...and so smythe attempts to twist my own words against me too?

Not against you specifically, i was actually agreeing with you, though not twisting your words, merely using them from another, just as viable, perspective.

[Sparky]

...and so smythe attempts to twist my own words against me too?

Not against you specifically, i was actually agreeing with you, though not twisting your words, merely using them from another, just as viable, perspective.

A perspective directly opposite to the values from which my words were based. I strongly advise to seek understanding of values before you use what other people say. Mine are goodness, truth, righteousness, decency and in general everything worthwhile. What are yours?

And what are the values of the person who started this topic? What are the core values of each person involved to whom he will be speaking?

It is worth presenting the question, "What is important?" (In your pursuit of understanding of Judaism, Vegerot, you should seek to understand also how Jesus Christ continues the epic of Jewish history as is distinctly evident by the words of those who spoke in the Torah -- so really a more complete telling of the story would be the Bible, I'm saying. It really does bear investigation, and in fact, if you want to cut to the chase, just start reading the words of God through Christ and you'll be on the path to understanding both the Torah (which is basically the Old Testament of the Bible) and the matters of life where understanding and eternal life is found through the narrow door and the narrow road.) That is something that will take more time than a week.

Best wishes. You might see this as dealing objectively with a subjective matter, so try to remain positive and encouraging in demeanor.

[Vegerot]

Before I say this, Sparky. Don't reply to this post unless you're coupling it with something that'll help me with my powerpoint (and yes, I've decided it'll be a powerpoint, with me narrating it). I don't want to turn this into ANOTHER Christianity topic. Just for the sake of on-topicness.

While what you're saying makes sense, the only problem is is that MY RELIGION (that's something that you really lack in doing, you keep on saying this is true, that is what so-and-so said, etc. but you have to say in my belief. Because in other people's beliefs that may not be true) doesn't believe that the Bible is a continuation of the Torah, rather it is a something that has strayed from what's real. I believe that Navi'im is a continuation of the Torah, and Ktuuuvim comes after that.

[Smythe]

...and so smythe attempts to twist my own words against me too?

Not against you specifically, i was actually agreeing with you, though not twisting your words, merely using them from another, just as viable, perspective.

A perspective directly opposite to the values from which my words were based. I strongly advise to seek understanding of values before you use what other people say. Mine are goodness, truth, righteousness, decency and in general everything worthwhile. What are yours?

Values?
World is fucked up, what i said could be taken in humor, thus might help to brighten ones day.
/nuff said.

Anyway, use the arguments not for piracy, but against the attempted control of it, plus the detaining of the guys from Megaupload and Pirate Bay.

[Amy]

Just do what they want you to do and no one will get mad. /communist.

But uh at first, I thought that this was kind of teachers making it a big deal for nothing...but then i read the fine text. Talking about illegal things on recorded things such as EMAIL is the worst idea you could ever have.

It probably would have been much different if you spoke about it to your friend verbally, so I don't know why you smalltexted the email part... But yeah, don't write anything on your school email, that's like pretty stupid. It's probably not even a good idea to text someone you don't completely trust about an illegal thing if your schol is uptight, because that is recorded and the 'friend' or his/her parents could show anyone. I know that from experience :\. Oh and facebook. Watch out for that. Main reason I don't have a facebook is cause the easiness of monitoring it by teachers. ;_;

also PS, did anyone see Sparky's name and go INB4 GOD MOTHERFUCKER, or was it just me?

[Smythe]

also PS, did anyone see Sparky's name and go INB4 GOD MOTHERFUCKER, or was it just me?

It would be safe to say thats a given nowadays.
On an unrelated note, how weird is the word nowadays?

[Amy]

nowadays

Oh god tell me about it. Just look at it...it looks like its slithering around with too many letters attached to it.