Threshold for Piracy?

bigwayne writes "A continuing source of internal discussion, among the organizers of Zion LAN, is the topic of how strict we are to be concerning software piracy. It just seems common sense that a LAN party would be a perfect place to share music, software, movies, and do other reprehensible acts. However there isn't much, outside discouraging the act itself, that we can do to actually stop these things. One strong argument is that the legitimately obtained software we provide shares the same distribution method that the illegally obtained software does, and I wonder if this creates a double-standard far outside of any legal situation it creates. Another part of this also concerns our particular situation (our LAN is being hosted by a non-profit charitable organization), in that we'd be ethically remiss if we sat idly by and let such things happen, unmitigated. So, where do we stop passively caring about piracy, and when do we start cracking down? Are the circumstances of a LAN party such that trying to stop it is overambitious?"

Comments

Re:Invite the RIAA, MPAA, and the BSA

[FidelCatsro]

I thought the idea was to keep crime out of the place not invite it

Re:Have some faith

[Apreche]

In other words, set a policy, don't hunt for them, but if you happen to come across one randomly then shoot it. You don't want them to take your booty, arr!

Zero Tolerance for Piracy!

[Minna Kirai]

There can be no excusing pirates. If any piracy is suspected, immediately contact the Coast Guard (or similar maritime enforcement agency in your respective country) and report the perpetrators.

Piracy is easy to recognize:

• UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA - Article 101
  
  Piracy consists of any of the following acts:
  
  (a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed:
  
  (i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft;
  
  (ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State;
  
  (b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft;
  
  (c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).

Remember, kids: Just say NO to violent crimes on or near the ocean!