Since I’m a “junior member” (another miracle of computers) so thought let’s start a thread, (feeling 50 yrs. younger…or 5, not sure), anyways ..
…The other day, I went out to buy a CD-for the first time perhaps, and paid Rs. 25/CD. Believe it or not “You name it, they have it”.
Not to mention all were pirated version. I wonder (seldom happens) the Govt. is losing millions of rupees (“lakhoan Rupey” as we say in this part of the world) in terms of taxes because of so called “intellectual or copyrights” so should I buy?
It was a moral question but then I thought if we remove all these CDs from the shelves then will there be anybody who can pay around Rs. 5000/- for any version of Windows or any other software for that matter.
And how can we spread computer virus (computer as virus) in the country where a person is getting as low as US$ 2/day???
So shall we or shall we not???
Isn’t it a perplex situation? or I’m just making it…
come on mate..if you have never used copied software before, or swapped music online and then burnt CDs. The intellectual property rules need to be redifned as the ones written decades ago for pen and paper just don't apply anymore..buy one and then copy ten more for the needy..and distribute it for free..
i did a research project on piracy and copyrights...just submitted the final paper for that last week fri...and the research itself lasted the length of the whole school yr...
and i couldn't have said it better than outlaw...some rules need to be changed...some new ones have to be made...as well as better architecture for software platforms and the internet has to be implemented...
those of u who are interested, you should read
"Codes and Other Laws of Cyberspace"
"Future of Ideas: The Fate of the Commons in a Connected World"
both by Lawrence Lessig who was also appointed as the special master in the Microsoft Antitrust lawsuit in 1997
and u should also read "Copyrights and Copywrongs: The Rise of Intellectual Property" by Siva Vaidhyanathan
both authors have some pretty interesting views on this issue
I would just hate to live in the world where the privacy of myself and others could be jeopordized due to carvnivores and some big-brother watching over my shoulder, but when it comes to software, I am all for open-source and free re-distribution. It's about empowering others in skills and knowledge..
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*Originally posted by outlaw: *
I would just hate to live in the world where the privacy of myself and others could be jeopordized due to carvnivores and some big-brother watching over my shoulder, but when it comes to software, I am all for open-source and free re-distribution. It's about empowering others in skills and knowledge..
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Speaking of copyright, a friend of mine wants to borrow this new hardcover bestseller book I have just finished reading. Do you think if I lend him the book for reading, will it violate any copyright laws of the writer?
Gosh, with these copyright laws, as defined by the music industry and software folks, one can never be too sure.
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*Originally posted by KKNIAZI: *And how can we spread computer virus (computer as virus) in the country where a person is getting as low as US$ 2/day???
So shall we or shall we not???
Isn't it a perplex situation? or I'm just making it...
Cheers,
Kaleem
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Microsoft see it that way too. If you note their anti-piracy actions across the world, in low-income countries like Pakistan they don't act against these stores that sell pirated software to normal people.
Instead, for example in Pakistan, Microsoft focus on insuring that Government offices and companies use legal software, and they have been pressing for investogations into the legality of government and corporate software. They only go after personal software in higher-income countries.
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*Originally posted by mAd_ScIeNtIsT: *
If you note their anti-piracy actions across the world, in low-income countries like Pakistan they don't act against these stores that sell pirated software to normal people.
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You must be kiddin. When I was in Pakistan a couple of years ago.. there were almost once a week chappay at Hafeez Centre, which is Lahore's premiere location for software CD's. The police will come and arrest small shop-keepers selling software CD's. And Microsoft and Oracle guys would accompany the chaapa teams. Plus Microsoft and Oracle lobbied in Islamabad for the government to stop piracy by enforcing shop-owners in Lahore and Karachi to not sell copied CD's.
The one shop-keeper whom I had met a few times, was telling me, that everytime they had to submit zamanat of Rs 10,000 rupees to get out. But he was dheet too. He'd come straight back to his shop and start selling again. After a few months of this cat-and-mouse, the police finally stopped.
They say "Bevaqoof-oan K Surr purr SEENG nahin hotey woh apni Hurkatoan se Pehchaanain jaatey hain".
So "moderators" (always the best ones-metaphorically speaking, are the moderators) fell for it. Although I have never burnt any CDs but I did use the pirated ones and my point was shall we allow it or not or be soft on it, at govt. level?
Moral question wasn't to buy a pirated versions but to give Pakistan (Pakistan First) a financial loss in terms of taxes (Wouldn't give monkeys about Microsoft).
In the recent past there has been a lot of of Hue n cry over copyright in PK and as one mentioned these guys are storming into the markets/offices with Police and levying heavy fines particularly in Khi, where I live and LHR as well.
I am all for Free-everything and don't like these corporates dictating what to do and how to do but if it happens then how we, in Pakistan, (certainly not your concern) spread computer education.
On the other hand, coming to what Khanzada said
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Wellcome to the new world, Robin Hood
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Johnny Bravo! Thanx for your hospitality in comforting me in this URBAN JUNGLE.
Yours truly,
Robin Hood
Speaking of "Bevakooves", agar un K surrr purr SEENG hotey toa, surely, XTREME, BARASINGAA Hota.
This post is not about buying and selling CDs but copyright laws which aptly fits in GENERAL rather BAZARTALK. I don't know, somehow, I always found one BARASINGA wherever I go.
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*Originally posted by KKNIAZI: *
....The other day, I went out to buy a CD-for the first time perhaps, and paid Rs. 25/CD. Believe it or not "You name it, they have it".
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WHERE IN PK IS THIS COOL PLACE? WHEN I GO ABROAD I'LL MAKE SURE I SHOP FROM THERE!
Go to any shop they will give you but if you are looking for a lot then either go to UNICENTRE on I.I. chundrigar rd. Khi or Saddar (PCs ka Lunda bazaar) as they say it.
