Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

Here's the result of the blackout.
[IMG]https://p.twimg.com/AjjL8MJCMAAwiQN.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

Next time someone tells you that movies are loosing money to piracy cite X-Men: Wolverine Orgins. One of the first movies to be leaked on torrent sites in high quality before the theatrical release.
[B]Budget:[/B] $150 Million
[B]Box Office:[/B] $373,062,864

[B]Rotten Tomatoes Rating:[/B] 37% approval on 246 reviews

#TrueStory

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/p8ImI.png[/IMG]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

With regards to "video piracy", it seems like the folks most worried about it have not really given much thought to consumer behavior with regards to video,which is different than their behavior in other products, such as software(where anti-piracy has a much stronger claim, imo, but not without caveats), and who and how much does the act of piracy really affect their industry.

In the realm of video consumers, you have the buyers, "would buy but won't pay (until the price drops a huge amount and the disc is out of print)", the renters, the "would rent but won't pay", and the the "never will try" . Which group(s) are the most of the downloaders coming from and how does their download affect the industry? When someone downloads a movie or tv show, were they going to shell out money in the first place? If yes, were they going to rent first or would they have bought it outright? The movie industry seems to have labelled virtually everyone as BUYERS trying to avoid purchasing an optical disk or going to the movie theatre. In this case, the downloaded file replaces the optical disk/trip to the movie theatre and enjoys multiple rewatches. But what if most downloaders are actually renters or "guys who wouldn't rent but evaluate"?(this is a hypothetical question) In that case, they are not skimping out on the paying for the optical disk or movie theatre trip, but rather the fee charged by services such as Blockbuster, Netflix, etc.

One thing that will happen for sure is that watching a movie has a transformative effect on the viewer. He'll either toss it or he'll like it. In the latter scenario, the buyer will want to buy or he'll be "keep and rewatch" the downloaded file. The question of whether the "transformed liker" is more likely to go and buy the "real deal" products or if they'll just sit on their ass and just rewatch the file.

So, the two big unknowns about the video downloader is 1. whether he's a buyer, a renter, or a "would rent but won't pay" guy and 2. what does he do after watching the video. Question 1 would help idenfitfy which companies actually might be affected and Question 2 would help answer just how much of an effect video piracy in its current form has on various companies.

I'm not closed to the idea piracy might hurt companies, but they'll have to prove it is the case first and that this is not a case of the corporate animal trying to amass [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_power"]market power[/URL](economics definition) for itself.

Oh, and for those who have "ethical issues" with pirates, note that [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism"]utilitarian ethics[/URL] usually reigns supreme in corporate culture. In layman's terms, the consequences are all that matters(Make spending power=good. Lose spending power=bad. Laws are just a means to achieve that end). The fat cats would screw their workers for chump change if possible. In video, the alleged piracy effects affects the money controllers(the top executives) first, the ones they're trying to garner sympathy for(workers, even the directors) second.

Note: This post is mainly an attempt to form description of the situation regarding "VIDEO PIRACY".

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[url=http://gizmodo.com/5878238/anonymous-deleted-cbscom]Anonymous Just Deleted CBS.com and Took Down Universal[/url]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

This guy is a piece of shit no doubt.

[url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120120/14472117492/mpaa-directly-publicly-threatens-politicians-who-arent-corrupt-enough-to-stay-bought.shtml]MPAA Directly & Publicly Threatens Politicians Who Aren't Corrupt Enough To Stay Bought | Techdirt[/url]


Former Senator Chris Dodd.

[quote]"Those who count on quote 'Hollywood' for support need to understand that this industry is watching very carefully who's going to stand up for them when their job is at stake. Don't ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don't pay any attention to me when my job is at stake," [/quote]


They think the American people are so stupid, they openly admit to buying our politician's votes.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=NC_Skins;877973]This guy is a piece of shit no doubt.

[url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120120/14472117492/mpaa-directly-publicly-threatens-politicians-who-arent-corrupt-enough-to-stay-bought.shtml]MPAA Directly & Publicly Threatens Politicians Who Aren't Corrupt Enough To Stay Bought | Techdirt[/url]


They think the American people are so stupid, they openly admit to buying our politician's votes.[/quote]

I've actually started to wonder if Dodd is pro-piracy. The stuff he says like calling the blackout "an abuse of power" seems like the kind of stuff you say when you're purposely trying to loose a fight. Now this?

Furthermore as a follow up to your story
[url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/23/idUS217169227120120123]Petition Asks White House to Probe MPAA's Chris Dodd Over Warning | Reuters[/url]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;877980]I've actually started to wonder if Dodd is pro-piracy. The stuff he says like calling the blackout "an abuse of power" seems like the kind of stuff you say when you're purposely trying to loose a fight. Now this?

Furthermore as a follow up to your story
[url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/23/idUS217169227120120123]Petition Asks White House to Probe MPAA's Chris Dodd Over Warning | Reuters[/url][/quote]

The MPAA loves to produce gems like the following. Something in their culture must be fostering stuff like THIS:
[quote]
"I say to you that the VCR is to the American film producer and the American public as the Boston strangler is to the woman home alone."[6][/quote]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It seems that the MPAA has some assumptions about consumer behavior:
1. Consumers would always buy their products brand spanking new before doing anything else, such as renting or buying from resellers.
2. Consumers do not have a budget constraint.
3. Everyone already knows about the most obscure of movies, hence extra publicity is unnecessary.
4. Consumers are risk-loving or risk-neutral. When it comes to film, when a flop is purchased, the consumer will just buy something different with no change to their behavior.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;877994]The MPAA loves to produce gems like the following. Something in their culture must be fostering stuff like THIS:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It seems that the MPAA has some assumptions about consumer behavior:
1. Consumers would always buy their products brand spanking new before doing anything else, such as renting or buying from resellers.
2. Consumers do not have a budget constraint.
3. Everyone already knows about the most obscure of movies, hence extra publicity is unnecessary.
4. Consumers are risk-loving or risk-neutral. When it comes to film, when a flop is purchased, the consumer will just buy something different with no change to their behavior.[/quote]

I don't know weather to love them for being so stupid and out of touch, or fear them for the exact same reasons.

On a sidenote if anyone can take a moment to sign the petition. 14,500+ signatures in around 2 days.
[URL="https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/%21/petition/investigate-chris-dodd-and-mpaa-bribery-after-he-publicly-admited-bribing-politicans-pass/DffX0YQv?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl"]WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:
Investigate Chris Dodd and the MPAA for bribery after he publicly admited to bribing politicans to pass legislation.[/URL]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;877999]I don't know weather to love them for being so stupid and out of touch, or fear them for the exact same reasons.

On a sidenote if anyone can take a moment to sign the petition. 14,500+ signatures in around 2 days.
[URL="https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/%21/petition/investigate-chris-dodd-and-mpaa-bribery-after-he-publicly-admited-bribing-politicans-pass/DffX0YQv?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl"]WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO:
Investigate Chris Dodd and the MPAA for bribery after he publicly admited to bribing politicans to pass legislation.[/URL][/quote]

Dumb they are, but power they have. Dumb and powerful are to be feared...unless it benefits you. ;)

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

Exactly my problem with video. If it has already been on TV, offer it to me. I don't mind watching commercials, I don't mind paying an online streaming fee (for all content, not 1 off's). Don't make it difficult for me when I miss one show in a series and want to catch it before next week.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

I thought this guy really hit the nail on the head with his video. Was pretty interesting:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0v_Ryet1l8]THE TRUTH ABOUT SOPA 2012 - YouTube[/ame]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=skinsguy;878154]I thought this guy really hit the nail on the head with his video. Was pretty interesting:

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0v_Ryet1l8]THE TRUTH ABOUT SOPA 2012 - YouTube[/url][/quote]


My brain hurts after watching that.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Daseal;878009]Exactly my problem with video. If it has already been on TV, offer it to me. I don't mind watching commercials, I don't mind paying an online streaming fee (for all content, not 1 off's). Don't make it difficult for me when I miss one show in a series and want to catch it before next week.[/quote]

Exactly. One of the easiest ways to loose interest in a show is to not understand whats going on in the newest episodes.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=NC_Skins;878173]My brain hurts after watching that.[/quote]

LOL! The jest of it is, companies like CNET (which is part of CBS) support SOPA because they complain that file sharing software such as early Napster, Limewire, Morpheus, and others cost these companies millions of dollars a year. However, these same companies who support SOPA made millions of dollars off of hosting and advertising for these same file sharing programs. So, in layman's terms, these SOPA supporting companies are hypocrites.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=skinsguy;878186]LOL! The jest of it is, companies like CNET (which is part of CBS) support SOPA because they complain that file sharing software such as early Napster, Limewire, Morpheus, and others cost these companies millions of dollars a year. However, these same companies who support SOPA made millions of dollars off of hosting and advertising for these same file sharing programs. So, in layman's terms, these SOPA supporting companies are hypocrites.[/quote]

I don't think it was a deliberate as they make it sound but he does have a point. I just imagine the board of CBS meeting about CNET and having a very detailed conversation.

CEO1: Okay next order of business, CNET? Do we own that?

Employee: Yes sir.

CEO: Great hows it doing?

Employee: Um, they made us millions of dollars last year.

CEO: Excellent. Keep up the good work.

Okay maybe it wasn't that simple but I don't think that CBS had this plan to create all this piracy software so they could go to Congress, call it a problem, and get bills passed that gave them more control of the internet. Rather they were making money and that pleased the higher ups so they just kept up with business as usual.

I'm guessing most of the supporters of SOPA in the studios and RIAA are older guys that like to count every download as a lost sale and then freak out when they see the number.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

One small thing, download sites like CNET do not actively teach people anything. If you're stupid enough to not use a program after downloading it, you have big issues.

Also, in order to promote, CNET itself have say 'COME USE ****ING KAZAA".

That said, it's funny they never took down the files and search.com helped people find mp3s.

Bittorrent is a godsend even for non-pirates. If you have a ****ton of seeds, you get superior speeds to downloading from the server and the hosters benefit from reduced server bandwidth usage. For sites that host huge, LEGAL files like isos for Debian or Ubuntu, Bittorrent helps them.


On a completely unrelatednote I wonder why regular theft for less than 100 dollars is not a felony. ;)

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=skinsguy;878186]LOL! The jest of it is, companies like CNET (which is part of CBS) support SOPA because they complain that file sharing software such as early Napster, Limewire, Morpheus, and others cost these companies millions of dollars a year. However, these same companies who support SOPA made millions of dollars off of hosting and advertising for these same file sharing programs. So, in layman's terms, these SOPA supporting companies are hypocrites.[/quote]

I wasn't referring to the guy in the video, but the information itself. It's mind boggling how politicians can continue to support this shit. So much "for the people". I've said it over and over again, welcome to the United States of Corporate America.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

Also, CNET wasn't purchased by CBS Networks until 2008.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;878192]
Okay maybe it wasn't that simple[B] but I don't think that CBS had this plan to create all this piracy software so they could go to Congress, call it a problem, and get bills passed that gave them more control of the internet.[/B] Rather they were making money and that pleased the higher ups so they just kept up with business as usual.

I'm guessing most of the supporters of SOPA in the studios and RIAA are older guys that like to count every download as a lost sale and then freak out when they see the number.[/quote]

They didn't create the software. CNET just hosts it on their site for whatever fees they charge to the software companies. But as SCP stated from the video, CNET also had an MP3 search tool right on their page (I remember this search tool and used to use it) where you could do a right click and download the file right off the website. Again, I say, hypocrites.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=NC_Skins;878211]I wasn't referring to the guy in the video, but the information itself. It's mind boggling how politicians can continue to support this shit. So much "for the people". I've said it over and over again, welcome to the United States of Corporate America.[/quote]

The problem is these politicians are not tech savvy enough to come up with proper government of the internet. For one thing, our government does not own the internet, so you can't govern something you don't own. Why the US thinks they have this ability is beyond me. Whatever route they go will wind up being some type of infringement on the US citizens' rights in my opinion. If they want answers to policing and "governing" the internet, why not look to the tech community. Those of us in the tech community are more in tune to the ways of the internet and technology than what these politicians are.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[I][B]wizardgynoid Wizard Gynoid [/B][/I]
Chris Dodd investigation petition to the White House has passed the 25,000 signature goal. Closes on Feb 20. Bury him. wh.gov/KiE
[B]18 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply[/B]

[B][I]PatrickRuffini Patrick Ruffini [/I][/B]
White House petition to investigate Dodd for bribery hits 25K signatures; will receive official response. bit.ly/xBa96D
[B]47 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply[/B]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=skinsguy;878276]They didn't create the software. CNET just hosts it on their site for whatever fees they charge to the software companies. But as SCP stated from the video, CNET also had an MP3 search tool right on their page (I remember this search tool and used to use it) where you could do a right click and download the file right off the website. Again, I say, hypocrites.[/quote]

Was the search tool, in the presented form in the video, was that tool still there after CBS actually bought CNET in 2008?

Anyway, while the vid had some interesting info, I really am not fond of video documentaries of any sort (whether I care about the agenda or not) since they hardly present enough info (and in a coherent manner) to see the whole picture. The are a stepping stone, but their thesis and logic to support said thesis, if that is their intent, is not to be taken without question.

Quite frankly, it's quite annoying to hear the guy say "hundreds of millions" without some sort of reference. He also seems to be using a colloquial form of vicarious liability to "expose" the hypocrisy of the top fat cats. While it indeed seems questionable that they twiddled their thumbs, they could have a legit they didn't know counterargument.

Besides, even without CNET, downloading p2p clients would still be possible since you could download from their official sites or mirrors/Bittorrent. That said, one could say that they could have used SOPA to shut down "enemy" sites to force users to go to CNET. It's one thing to have the law, it's another thing to go out and enforce it by filing for lawsuits.

But perhaps the fundemental flaw in his argument is that the software itself is quite legal and hence could not be taken down. You wonder why bittorent's creator hasn't had his hanging yet? Because one could say that he just made the software, but can't control users from doing legal or illegal acts.

Kazaa is an interesting and ironic case, since Kazaa LITE is an UNAUTHORIZED modification of Kazaa. Not only that,but Sherman Networks actually considered Kazaa Lite was a violation of copyright!!!

[quote=wikipedia]Sharman Networks considers Kazaa Lite to be a copyright violation. On August 11, 2003, they sent a letter to Google requesting that all links to the Kazaa Lite application be removed from their database. During December 2003 Sharman emailed the owners of all sites hosting a copy of Kazaa Lite, threatening legal action if it was not removed. Because of this, the program was for a while difficult to find on the web, and development of it stopped. As of early 2007, the program is again widely available. It also remains available on the FastTrack network itself, where it can be downloaded with Kazaa or any other FastTrack client. There are rumours that new versions of KMD will prevent Kazaa Lite from connecting to the FastTrack network[who?]. In March 2005 Sharman Networks again sent a letter to Google requesting that all links to the Kazaa Lite application be removed from their database.

As owner of the Kazaa Intellectual property and copyright, Sharman eventually sued Kazaa Lite's developers and forced the shutdown of any mirror website containing the file.[/quote]

Now, in the following hypothetical scenario, where:
1. SOPA is in effect
2. Kazaa Lite somehow gets hosted on CNET

Sharman could go through the SOPA process and then CNET will suffer the consequences of SOPA. For hosting a copyright infringing program, CNET could suffer a ton of collateral damage. And this scenario involves two pieces of software that irks SOPA supporters. Now even if you're in support of anti-piracy, does CNET deserve to be subjected to such collateral damage? It's tough to make such a case.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[url=http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/248586/sopa_and_pipa_what_went_wrong.html]SOPA and PIPA: What Went Wrong? | PCWorld Business Center[/url]

[url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/]How SOPA would affect you: FAQ | Privacy Inc. - CNET News[/url]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/01/23/if-you-thought-sopa-was-bad-just-wait-until-you-meet-acta/]If You Thought SOPA Was Bad, Just Wait Until You Meet ACTA - Forbes[/url]


Got a even darker cloud on the horizon.

[YT]N8Xg_C2YmG0[/YT]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;878314][url=http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/248586/sopa_and_pipa_what_went_wrong.html]SOPA and PIPA: What Went Wrong? | PCWorld Business Center[/url]

[url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/]How SOPA would affect you: FAQ | Privacy Inc. - CNET News[/url][/quote]

Excellent stuff. I would recommend anyone interested to read through the first link and then follow the links through to the pieces by Freakonomics.com and the gentleman from the Cato institute. Both do a good job explaining why piracy and its effects are seriously misunderstood...mostly through incorrect propaganda perpetuated by the content-industry, either in a deceptive manner or simply out of ignorance.

Most research shows that piracy has no effect on an economy as a consumer who would have spent money on content, who then downloads something for free, then has that "saved" money to spend elsewhere in the economy.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;878307]Was the search tool, in the presented form in the video, was that tool still there after CBS actually bought CNET in 2008?

Anyway, while the vid had some interesting info, I really am not fond of video documentaries of any sort (whether I care about the agenda or not) since they hardly present enough info (and in a coherent manner) to see the whole picture. The are a stepping stone, but their thesis and logic to support said thesis, if that is their intent, is not to be taken without question.

Quite frankly, it's quite annoying to hear the guy say "hundreds of millions" without some sort of reference. He also seems to be using a colloquial form of vicarious liability to "expose" the hypocrisy of the top fat cats. While it indeed seems questionable that they twiddled their thumbs, they could have a legit they didn't know counterargument.

Besides, even without CNET, downloading p2p clients would still be possible since you could download from their official sites or mirrors/Bittorrent. That said, one could say that they could have used SOPA to shut down "enemy" sites to force users to go to CNET. It's one thing to have the law, it's another thing to go out and enforce it by filing for lawsuits.

But perhaps the fundemental flaw in his argument is that the software itself is quite legal and hence could not be taken down. You wonder why bittorent's creator hasn't had his hanging yet? Because one could say that he just made the software, but can't control users from doing legal or illegal acts.

Kazaa is an interesting and ironic case, since Kazaa LITE is an UNAUTHORIZED modification of Kazaa. Not only that,but Sherman Networks actually considered Kazaa Lite was a violation of copyright!!!



Now, in the following hypothetical scenario, where:
1. SOPA is in effect
2. Kazaa Lite somehow gets hosted on CNET

Sharman could go through the SOPA process and then CNET will suffer the consequences of SOPA. For hosting a copyright infringing program, CNET could suffer a ton of collateral damage. And this scenario involves two pieces of software that irks SOPA supporters. Now even if you're in support of anti-piracy, does CNET deserve to be subjected to such collateral damage? It's tough to make such a case.[/quote]


I don't know if the MP3 search was there in 2008, I'm probably going to go out on a limb and say it wasn't. Yeah, the guy in the video kind of reminded me of somebody who had a little too much coffee in the morning, and I'm sure some of his points in the video are probably a bit suspect, but he does raise some interesting points I thought. Just like you said, the software itself is not illegal. It's just like those politicians trying to ban the use of firearms - those guns aren't illegal in themselves (well unless you own fully automatic weapons) it's the purpose in which you use them. Same for the software. From what I remember, it seemed like some of those file sharing programs were only hosted on CNET. I could be wrong, but I seem to remember going to that software's website and going to the download page, and often times the download page was actually CNET's download page.

But I think the main point I'm trying to drive home is simply that, one, CNET obviously looked like a very profitable investment for CBS to purchase, two, CNET was profitable because they made money off of hosting/advertising all types of software, peer to peer software included. And finally, it just looks bad to me when you're getting money from these companies and then want to turn them over to the authorities for piracy. Even when the piracy issue first came up with Napster, CNET still kept hosting other file sharing programs that did the same thing that Napster did (Morpheus, Kaaza, Winmx, etc..) You would just assume if they were really against piracy (which again is head scratcher considering they had their own MP3 search and download tool on their site) they would have removed all of those file sharing programs at once. But no, obviously there was some sort of profit to be made by keeping them on their servers and they did so for awhile.

Speaking of, I just went to CNET and they still have file sharing software that can be downloaded from their site, so again, I just find them to be big hypocrites. Check it out for yourselves:

[URL="http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=limewire&platformSelect=Windows&platformSelect=Mobile&platformSelect=Webware&tag=srch&searchtype=downloads&filterName=platform%3DWindows%2CMobile%2CWebware&filter=platform%3DWindows%2CMobile%2CWebware"]CNET File Sharing Software[/URL]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;878314][url=http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/248586/sopa_and_pipa_what_went_wrong.html]SOPA and PIPA: What Went Wrong? | PCWorld Business Center[/url]

[url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/]How SOPA would affect you: FAQ | Privacy Inc. - CNET News[/url][/quote]

Ah yes, I found the same article yesterday. It's funny how the motion picture association got started on the premise of.........stealing other people's ideas!!!

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=NC_Skins;878330][url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/01/23/if-you-thought-sopa-was-bad-just-wait-until-you-meet-acta/]If You Thought SOPA Was Bad, Just Wait Until You Meet ACTA - Forbes[/url]


Got a even darker cloud on the horizon.
[/quote]

Ridiculous!!!

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=skinsguy;878365]I don't know if the MP3 search was there in 2008, I'm probably going to go out on a limb and say it wasn't. Yeah, the guy in the video kind of reminded me of somebody who had a little too much coffee in the morning, and I'm sure some of his points in the video are probably a bit suspect, but he does raise some interesting points I thought. Just like you said, the software itself is not illegal. It's just like those politicians trying to ban the use of firearms - those guns aren't illegal in themselves (well unless you own fully automatic weapons) it's the purpose in which you use them. Same for the software. From what I remember, it seemed like some of those file sharing programs were only hosted on CNET. I could be wrong, but I seem to remember going to that software's website and going to the download page, and often times the download page was actually CNET's download page.

But I think the main point I'm trying to drive home is simply that, one, CNET obviously looked like a very profitable investment for CBS to purchase, two, CNET was profitable because they made money off of hosting/advertising all types of software, peer to peer software included. And finally, it just looks bad to me when you're getting money from these companies and then want to turn them over to the authorities for piracy. Even when the piracy issue first came up with Napster, CNET still kept hosting other file sharing programs that did the same thing that Napster did (Morpheus, Kaaza, Winmx, etc..) You would just assume if they were really against piracy (which again is head scratcher considering they had their own MP3 search and download tool on their site) they would have removed all of those file sharing programs at once. But no, obviously there was some sort of profit to be made by keeping them on their servers and they did so for awhile.

Speaking of, I just went to CNET and they still have file sharing software that can be downloaded from their site, so again, I just find them to be big hypocrites. Check it out for yourselves:

[URL="http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=limewire&platformSelect=Windows&platformSelect=Mobile&platformSelect=Webware&tag=srch&searchtype=downloads&filterName=platform%3DWindows%2CMobile%2CWebware&filter=platform%3DWindows%2CMobile%2CWebware"]CNET File Sharing Software[/URL][/quote]

They are now doing external linking for at least some of the "naughty" programs on the list and putting a big Editor's Note at the top of the list. They're catching on.

And they actually were sued by some artists for promoting LimeWire
[quote]
In 2011, CNET and CBS Interactive were sued by a coalition of artists (led by FilmOn founder Alki David) for copyright infringement by promoting the download of LimeWire, a popular peer to peer downloading software. [26] [27] Although the original suit was voluntarily dropped by Alki David he vowed to sue at a later date to bring "expanded"[28] action against CBS Interactive. In November 2011, another lawsuit against CBS Interactive was introduced, claiming that CNet and CBS Interactive knowingly distributed LimeWire, the file sharing software. [29]

# ^ Gustin, Sam, paidcontent.org (2011-11-16). "Alki David Drops CNET Lawsuit; Vows to Bring 'Expanded' Action". PaidContent.org.
# ^ Ernesto, torrentfreak.com (2011-11-15). "Artists Sue CBS, CNET, for Promoting and Profiting from Piracy". TorrentFreak.[/quote]

It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

Possibly dangerous but also could go a long way towards improving society. This is basicaly the end game of file sharing.

[url=http://techland.time.com/2012/01/24/next-frontier-in-piracy-downloading-physical-objects-to-your-3d-printer/#ixzz1kP0C9dOM]Next Frontier in Piracy: Downloading Physical Objects to Your 3D Printer | Techland | TIME.com[/url]

[I]Per the Pirate Bay:[/I]
[QUOTE]We believe that the next step in copying will be made from digital form into physical form. It will be physical objects. Or as we decided to call them: Physibles. Data objects that are able (and feasible) to become physical. We believe that things like three dimensional printers, scanners and such are just the first step. We believe that in the nearby future you will print your spare parts for your vehicles. You will download your sneakers within 20 years.
[/QUOTE]

It's like, imagine if you only had to pay for housing, medical care, and services? People would have more disposable income. Less people would go hungry. I haven't thought it out fully but it seems like a good thing. Then again if you can download guns and keys.

Read more: [url=http://techland.time.com/2012/01/24/next-frontier-in-piracy-downloading-physical-objects-to-your-3d-printer/#ixzz1kP0C9dOM]Next Frontier in Piracy: Downloading Physical Objects to Your 3D Printer | Techland | TIME.com[/url]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;878444]Possibly dangerous but also could go a long way towards improving society. This is basicaly the end game of file sharing.

[url=http://techland.time.com/2012/01/24/next-frontier-in-piracy-downloading-physical-objects-to-your-3d-printer/#ixzz1kP0C9dOM]Next Frontier in Piracy: Downloading Physical Objects to Your 3D Printer | Techland | TIME.com[/url]

[I]Per the Pirate Bay:[/I]


It's like, imagine if you only had to pay for housing, medical care, and services? People would have more disposable income. Less people would go hungry. I haven't thought it out fully but it seems like a good thing. Then again if you can download guns and keys.

Read more: [url=http://techland.time.com/2012/01/24/next-frontier-in-piracy-downloading-physical-objects-to-your-3d-printer/#ixzz1kP0C9dOM]Next Frontier in Piracy: Downloading Physical Objects to Your 3D Printer | Techland | TIME.com[/url][/quote]

Free copper pipes. Now, how do you print out the copper? Sounds more like sci-fi to me.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

Wow...imagine porn.......;)

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=skinsguy;878456]Wow...imagine porn.......;)[/quote]

Ha ha. I'm reminded of a quote from Frasier.

Sleeping with the Enemy (series 3)
Daphne: Oh, come on now, Dr Crane. It's not like men have never used sex to get what they want.
Frasier: How can we possibly use sex to get what we want?! Sex IS what we want!

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;878460]Ha ha. I'm reminded of a quote from Frasier.

Sleeping with the Enemy (series 3)
Daphne: Oh, come on now, Dr Crane. It's not like men have never used sex to get what they want.
Frasier: How can we possibly use sex to get what we want?! Sex IS what we want![/quote]


hahahaha!!!! Man I miss that show!!

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

This goes back to the Hollywood Accounting tricks I was talking about earlier.

[url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120124/04344817524/wil-wheaton-says-chris-dodd-is-lying-about-lost-jobs-says-mpaa-accounting-creates-more-losses-than-piracy.shtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter]Wil Wheaton Says Chris Dodd Is Lying About Lost Jobs; Says MPAA Accounting Creates More Losses Than Piracy | Techdirt[/url]

Will Wheaton, of Star Trek fame and more recently as a Recurring Guest on The Big Bang Theory where he plays himself.
[QUOTE]I have lost more money to creative accounting, and American workers have lost more jobs to runaway production, than anything associated with what the MPAA calls piracy. Chris Dodd is lying about piracy costing us jobs. Hollywood’s refusal to adapt to changing times is what’s costing the studios money. That’s it.[/QUOTE]


[QUOTE=NC_Skins;878330][url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/01/23/if-you-thought-sopa-was-bad-just-wait-until-you-meet-acta/]If You Thought SOPA Was Bad, Just Wait Until You Meet ACTA - Forbes[/url]
Got a even darker cloud on the horizon.
[/QUOTE]

If Chris Dodd thought the blackouts for SOPA and PIPA were an abuse of power wait until he sees how hard the world pushes back against ACTA. I mean to think of how involved people got in other countries over a piece of US legislation. Now imagine how hard those same people will protest when it their own countries become directly involved.

Ironically these antipiracy measures have been discussed for a while with a limited amount of talk towards implementation. People were sure back in November that SOPA was going to pass and it got annihilated once mass awareness was raised.

ACTA has been around since April 2010. The reason people don't care yet is because for now it's only a threat. Trust me once ACTA goes on the fast track heads will roll. It'll make the SOPA blackout look like a bottlerocket in comparison.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;878504]
If Chris Dodd thought the blackouts for SOPA and PIPA were an abuse of power wait until he sees how hard the world pushes back against ACTA. I mean to think of how involved people got in other countries over a piece of US legislation. Now imagine how hard those same people will protest when it their own countries become directly involved.

Ironically these antipiracy measures have been discussed for a while with a limited amount of talk towards implementation. People were sure back in November that SOPA was going to pass and it got annihilated once mass awareness was raised.

ACTA has been around since April 2010. The reason people don't care yet is because for now it's only a threat. Trust me once ACTA goes on the fast track heads will roll. It'll make the SOPA blackout look like a bottlerocket in comparison.[/quote]

Chris Dodd is an idiot. This is all going to backfire in his face. And I agree, the people won't go for this. I thought it was unconstitutional for the US government to go into secret treaties with other countries?

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120124/04344817524/wil-wheaton-says-chris-dodd-is-lying-about-lost-jobs-says-mpaa-accounting-creates-more-losses-than-piracy.shtml]Wil Wheaton Says Chris Dodd Is Lying About Lost Jobs; Says MPAA Accounting Creates More Losses Than Piracy | Techdirt[/url]


Even actors know the film industry is full of shit.


[quote]I have lost more money to creative accounting, and American workers have lost more jobs to runaway production, than anything associated with what the MPAA calls piracy. Chris Dodd is lying about piracy costing us jobs. Hollywood’s refusal to adapt to changing times is what’s costing the studios money. That’s it.[/quote]

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;878444]Possibly dangerous but also could go a long way towards improving society. This is basicaly the end game of file sharing.

[url=http://techland.time.com/2012/01/24/next-frontier-in-piracy-downloading-physical-objects-to-your-3d-printer/#ixzz1kP0C9dOM]Next Frontier in Piracy: Downloading Physical Objects to Your 3D Printer | Techland | TIME.com[/url]

[I]Per the Pirate Bay:[/I]


It's like, imagine if you only had to pay for housing, medical care, and services? People would have more disposable income. Less people would go hungry. I haven't thought it out fully but it seems like a good thing. Then again if you can download guns and keys.

Read more: [url=http://techland.time.com/2012/01/24/next-frontier-in-piracy-downloading-physical-objects-to-your-3d-printer/#ixzz1kP0C9dOM]Next Frontier in Piracy: Downloading Physical Objects to Your 3D Printer | Techland | TIME.com[/url][/quote]

If everything is free then no one will make anything, innovate anything, do anything.

Re: Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
 

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