LIKE most consumers, Christians generally are indifferent to the issue of piracy. A minority may struggle with the ethics of buying counterfeit CDs or photocopying books, but for most of us, owning and using imitations are a way of life, with nary a thought to the question of legality. Has the recent government crackdown on pirated software and VCDs prompted Christians to re-think their attitude towards the issue of intellectual property? It appears not, judging from the replies offered by some Christians when asked for their views on piracy. All names have been changed.
Aileen, Part-time Seminary Student
It’s not a big deal. I don’t consider it a big sin to buy and own pirated materials. I think the bottomline for most people here is affordability. The originals are so expensive. Think about the poor seminary students who really need the books but cannot afford the originals. Or someone who needs a particular computer programme that costs a few thousand dollars as compared with a pirated version that costs a few dollars. I think it’s okay if he gets the pirated copy. But those who can afford the originals should buy the originals.
Susan, Research Writer
Personally, I won’t get involved in any grey areas, so I don’t buy pasar malam VCDs or computer programmes, or photocopy books or burn CDs for personal use. If I really need something, I will buy or borrow it. I make sure I can afford it; if not I just do without it. But I won’t judge those who do this. They are accountable to God.
Patrick, Civil Servant
Of course I buy pirated stuffs, especially software. How can a normal person afford all the originals for personal use at home. For example, an original Microsoft Office 2000 costs about RM2,500. You can get a copy at the pasar malam for RM10.
If I get caught, sure, I’ll plead guilty. But the prices of the originals are ridiculously high. In America, you don’t have a problem with piracy because the prices of the originals are affordable to the masses. Bill Gates (of Microsoft) should lower the prices of his programmes for the Third World countries.
Hui Ngoh, Executive Secretary
I feel uncomfortable buying a pirated VCD, so I don’t do it. But if somebody’s watching a show on a pirated VCD, I’m okay watching it. As to photocopying books, I’ll only do it if it’s stated in the book that we may photocopy it.
Keith, Researcher
Praise the Lord for alternatives.
Kwan, Seminary Student
It’s all a question of stewardship. If a man can spend a few thousand dollars to take his family for a holiday, what is a few dollars to take them to watch a movie?
Jim, management consultant
I agree with the reader who said in a newspaper that we’ve been taught from young to be frugal, to save in whatever ways that we can. Before buying something, most of us will shop around for the best price. If the price difference of an original VCD and a pirated version is not much, maybe I will consider buying the original. I suspect some people purposely buy the pirated ones as a protest to the exorbitantly-priced originals.
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