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

LAN party cds.

[Seor Jojoba]

I think if game publishers were smart they would be doing some simple things to cut down on piracy at LAN parties.

When you buy a game, you could get an extra "LAN party" CD that can be passed around and copied however you want. It could install game clients that will function as long as one licensed installation is on the network. I'm sure the publisher would rather be selling a unique copy of the game to each player, but let's look at the reality of the situation:

1. You go to the party and somebody says "Hey let's play Super Machoman Elite Team Force 3000!"
2. You don't necessarily want to buy this game, but you need to install something to play with your buddies.
3. Somebody hands you a disc and you install it. You maybe tell yourself that you'll uninstall it or buy the game later.
4. But do you?

The point of having a "LAN party" installer is not to make extra copy protection, which can obviously be circumvented. Just make it easier to make temporary installations that work only at the party. It will be more convenient for people to avoid pirating games that way. And as the licensed owner of game you can pass around a disc without fear of it getting pirated.

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!

Balance

[Lord Kano]

You need to balance common sense with your policies.

For example, if there is rampant out in the open piracy, it will reflect poorly on your event and could even possibly open you up to some claims of liability.

At the same time, you're not the BSA or SPA either, it's not your job or responsibility to make sure that no one has any pirated software on their machine.

Basically, make it known that piracy is not allowed. Anyone caught engaging in the act of software piracy will be asked to leave. And then stick to it.

If someone's screaming "Hey I got Episode III, who wants to grab it?" you give him the boot.

If someone quietly lets a friend grab his copy of Episode III without bringing it to anyone else's attention, there's nothing you can do about it.

LK

Or......

[TubeSteak]

The alternative is to declare that you're not responsible for any behavior etc etc etc and that will not be held liable for any illicit or malicious activity.

If the BSA or RIAA or MPAA comes a knockin', send them packing.

If the police decide to make themselves known, tell them that you're not responsible (as posted) and that copyright infringement is a civil (not criminal) matter.

You're not these people's parents, IANAL but you don't have squat to worry about.

If anyone complains, escort them off the premises. Worry more about your building's insurance policy than about being the thought police.