Great point. Want vs. affordability is key in this. It’s understandable in situations related to medicine or other important areas, but not on entertainment.

I agree with you. Many people are ignorant about originality & how its invaluable. I read with disbelief an interview with Pepsi Uma, where she ignorantly blasts the high cost of original paintings. And goes on to say how they are not even beautiful.

Not only do people underestimate originality, they also have a very plebian soul.

Arun,

I agree with you on the drugs & a few other exceptions. But what about simple things like books & music? A novel by Agatha Christie costs Rs 150 – that’s a very small price to pay for hours of enjoyment. If people can’t afford it, they can rent it for Rs 10 in a library. Why look for a “free” e-book on the web?

The problem is, people don’t know why they have to pay for something when they can simply copy. This is what is reflected by the plagiarizing movie makers & their shameless acts.

And people want things that they can’t afford. They won’t let the law stand between them & their object of desire. That’s pretty bad.

Plus, there’s a certain brag value in saying that you saw “10,000 BC” on the very 1st day. What if you couldn’t get the tickets – there’s a guy video-taping it in the theater. S/he will sell it for Rs 100. Scant regard for the law. That’s the problem.

Sorry for not responding earlier.

I see your point about Indian movies plagiarizing western movies, but that uses the principle, the movie industry is stealing it so why can’t I. I am not sure I agree with you on this. We do want to have the movie industry, even if it’s for the few original versions that they dole out. It’s not fair to take the low-road on piracy and use the plagiarism as an excuse for doing it, right!

The comparison to pharmaceutical industry is interesting. I am sure you are aware that it takes 8-12 years for a drug to come out (from the research stage to going through clinical trials before it’s ready for circulation). Over 50% of the drugs that go through research and trials die in the vine. Given that scenario, where do bio-tech and pharma companies get their money from to sustain a 8-12 year research cycle. They have to earn it on the few drugs that go out under prescription.

Now, you bring up an interesting point about life-saving drugs and manufacture of generics in India. In a socialist world, yes, all drugs are available as generics to everyone. But then, Pharma companies will bottom out within a year. Who will then spend the money on researching for newer drugs. In a capitalist society, survival of the fittest is taken as the prime motto.

Unfortunately, capitalist approach doesn’t help in ailment like aids. That’s why, I like the approach that Bill Clinton’s organization has taken up – to negotiate with pharma companies to provide life saving drugs at a much cheaper cost (similar to generics) in low-income countries, while giving the ability for the organizations to make their money in richer countries.

Unfortunately, I am not sure if the same corollary exist in the piracy business. Those of us who watch movies or listen to music or get software etc in the piracy market, are the most well to do ones. It’s not because I don’t have the money that I watched the pirated movie or bought that pirated CD. It’s in spite of it.

If you have alternate suggestions on how to curb piracy, I’d love to hear it. Let’s not accept that it’s a nuisance and it will exist forever.