Article by Cameron Spink

 

One of the big things that have changed in the last decade is the idea of paying for an item. When it comes to games, TV shows, movies and music many young adults do not purchase these items legitimately. Instead they torrent them and use a variety of excuses as to why they do it.

 

The Price is too high. In Australia there is reasonable concern regarding the prices of much of the media being sold. Of course, movies cannot really be claimed any more under this bracket as $15 will usually net you a 12 month old Blu-Ray movie. TV shows tend to be more expensive but drop favourably within a couple of years of airing. PC games are reasonably priced on the online store Steam and JB Hi-Fi/EB Games have big markdowns on other console games.

 

When using this excuse most people point to music being too expensive on iTunes. Apparently we are about 160% of the price of the American variety. Much like with cameras and books. Yet the price of international music markets does not excuse pirating albums off torrent sites.

 

Delay. For TV shows this is a major issue, for other entertainment formats, it is not. Many shows air in America several months (if not years) before they reach Australian shores. So young Australians turn in droves to downloading illegitimate content. Again, there is a justifiable concern behind this excuse but it is not large enough to warrant torrenting.

 

It is hopeful that these delays will desist (though I do not confess to having any "inside line") but it may well be worth us practicing a little patience. The delay between TV shows being released on DVD over in America and Australia are negligible.

 

It is a victimless crime. Such a term seems to put emphasis on the first word "victimless" and not the second "crime". Even then it can be established that, in a way, there is a victim. Regardless it is a crime and should not be participated in lightly.

 

It is not theft. Well, it kind of is. Trying to redefine it because nobody is getting deprived of anything is getting very legalistic. As Christians we cannot point to little details to justify our actions. Taking somebody else's created materials without permission is wrong.

 

We must be aware of these excuses and confront ourselves if we are using unauthorised entertainment. As fun and enjoyable as games, shows, music and movies are we need to realise that we do have a moral imperative to not use illegally obtained entertainment.