Warez and Bootlegging: The Era Needs to Stop

Warez, according to Wikipedia, is defined as "copyrighted works traded in violation of copyright law." Warez and bootlegging, to many, are very hesitant subjects. To those of you who know what these subjects are, you probably are wondering why I would even choose to write about them, if they are, in fact, such unspoken things. Well, to tell you the truth, I've been fascinated with the subjects for quite some time - no, I'm not at all saying I've had any active participation or involvement in bootlegging or warez; rather, have found them intriguing as they not only have been developed further and further, but have grown more and more important to the proper authorities.

Bootlegging, the illegal spreading of copyright infringed songs, albums, applications, games, movies, tv shows (warez in general). The means of spreading of the material is the fascinating factor...as more and more methods have been developed as not only time has passed, but as the FBI/DoD/government in general have begun "cracking down" on those who break the law in this manner. Most of you who either break the law, or have at one point broken the law, have probably had the all too common attitude of "They'll never get me...I'm too smart" or "They'll never get me, the odds are too small." Most likely, yes, you're right...the odds are too small. Or are they? Hundreds to even thousands of people each year are arrested or sued for bootlegging. Both the uploading or downloading of this illegal content is considered highly illegal, and can land you several years in prison or, if you're lucky, tens of thousands of dollars of fines.

So, yes... many people have been arrested for both the sending and downloading of illegal files. In addition to that, FBI and other government agencies are beginning to seek out the source or root of the illegal files; that is, the illegal or underground organizations that are either filming the movies in the theatre, "ripping" the album, or stealing the programs, etc. This has been, mostly, a successful attempt, yet it is sad to know that no matter how many people are taken down, there will be two more that pop up in their place.

I hope that through both this article, and your newly found understanding of the absolute evil and wrong of copyrighted material, you will cease any activity you have with it. Again, I do not type this as a participant, rather, an observer who is very bothered by the ultimate impacts of copyright infringement as well as the participants of this illegal activity. Through reading this, the author cannot and will not be held responsible for any of your actions; also, it is important that you, as a reader, have acknowledged that bootlegging and warez is completely illegal, and will not be tolerated by any country and their government. Thank you.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bootlegging

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warez

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-warez.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazaa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limewire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacking

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer-to-peer_file_sharing