Should you buy ‘pirated’ movies/music?

They are a common sight on Jamaican streets as they walk through the plazas. They often have stacks of CDs and DVDs spread on a tarpaulin or in a backpack.

Who are they?

They are street vendors who sell copied or ‘pirated’ versions of original movies and music. Their prices are affordable as you can choose from a range of $100 – $300.

Their price is well below the average cost of the original version of a DVD or CD which ranges from approximately $1500.00 to $3000.00

In this economy, it has certainly become increasingly hard to find money to splurge on entertainment so this route might seem attractive to some consumers.
It is also tempting to reason that no one is really being hurt when illegal DVDs and CDs are bought.

Since the advent of the computer it has become much easier to access information so much so that copyright issues are overlooked by consumers. The artists who have released their music on the Internet for free download however no one wants their work to be copied and distributed without their consent.

Those selling the copied materials also don’t see any problems with selling these copied materials.
They tend to claim that their entrepreneurial spirit should not be attacked as they are providing a service to consumers.

These vendors assert their right to do whatever they can in order to survive.
They resolutely defend their right to sell something that they believe is not owned by anyone and so it can be distributed in any way they see fit.

Are they correct in their reasoning or are they really stealing?

Stealing

Would you knowingly buy something you knew had been taken from the owner without their permission?

Well why would you buy copied material that the merchant does not have permission to sell?

Recently I heard in the news about arrests being made by the police of persons who copy and sell pirated CDs and DVDs. I wondered if everyone knows that it is against the law to buy these materials and that those who are caught selling or buying them face stiff penalties and even can serve jail time.

The sale of these copied materials are also sometimes used to finance criminal activities.

Certainly we would have no idea what our money spent on buying pirated DVDs and CDs are financing but it bears serious consideration as we would not want that on our conscience

As the police tightens their net on those who persist in this illegal activity it is a good idea to avoid purchasing copied material that breaches the copyright act.

What’s your take on the issue?

Tags: consumer, Piracy, safety