Thursday, January 8, 2009

downloading tv shows

A friend’s status in yahoo! messenger reflected his disbelief that Edu Manzano, Chairman of the Optical Media Board, said that it wasn’t a crime to download shows, so long as the downloader does not profit from them. I knew how he felt because that was my reaction when I heard the same thing a few days before. The alleged rationale for allowing such act was that these were for public viewing anyway, so, no right was violated.

Despite the benefits that I gain from that argument, I still find it somewhat un-economical. These shows are eventually compiled and released via optical media such as the DVD or VCD. Legalizing the act of downloading them through peer-to-peer programs would countermand the profitability of such endeavor. Moreover, the production outfits of such shows earn from royalties and syndication rights so, I think it’s a little anti-thematic if the target viewers will be able to download the shows and watch them at their pleasure and convenience.

Although I find it weird, this post is not a complaint but rather, a general musing of a torrent-lover who was shocked but relieved all the same. Mininova, here I come!!

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