🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <10592@spool.cs.wisc.edu>, tonyrich@titanic.cs.wisc.edu (Anthony Rich) writes:
> Don't get me wrong:  I am definitely NOT promoting piracy here!  I'm just
> summarizing the arguments I've noted so far:  both FOR, AGAINST, and
> OTHER.  Add/delete/change as you see fit.
> [...] 
> Arguments for legalizing piracy:
> --------------------------------
> 
> 1.  Software should be free.
> 
>     Pro:  Software is access to information, and there are precedents
>           for the concept of free information availability (public
>           libraries, directory assistance).

Bad analogy: neither public libraries nor directory assistance are free.
While you may not pay up front for each use of either of them, there
was some cost for setting up and maintaining them.

In the case of libraries, the cost is usually covered by local taxes...
you might not pay to get in, but it's because they already got your
money.  Even if you're not talking benefit of what you paid for.  (The
fines are a side benefit, of sorts.  :} )

Starting up a new public library is pretty expensive, btw.  Once the
initial building and book acquisition costs are covered, running the
operation isn't so bad.  Imagine if librarians were paid well.

(In the case of private libraries, the cost is coughed up by some
individual or corporation, etc.  Wonder where *they* got the money
for it?)

In the case of directory assistance, the cost is covered by other phone
company income.  (Although some phone systems do charge directly these
days.)  You're still paying for it, you just don't see the charge on your
monthly bill.

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  The only drawback with morning is that it comes 
    at such an inconvenient time of day.
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