Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

== A Nuanced View of Digital Rights &amp; Piracy ==

Not all situations where customers choose piracy are equal. Here’s a hierarchy of scenarios that I’ve ordered from most to least “justifiable” or “ok” to make the point. When you hear the words ''“piracy”'' or ''“copyright infringement”'', '''they are often used to paint anyone who does not accept being bent over by companies that wish to re-define what it means to ''“own”'' something; if not take away the concept of ownership completely.''' Do not accept the premise of assholes, or laws, that pretend that each of the following scenarios below are the same.

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=== Legitimate Ownership Issues ===

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==== 1. Degraded Physical Media - No Replacement Available ====

You paid for physical media that has degraded. The content is no longer for sale anywhere, and you need a way to access what you rightfully &amp; legally purchased. It is still protected by copyright, but you are literally incapable of purchasing it again due to lack of availability that is not your fault.

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==== 2. Degraded Physical Media - Replacement Available ====

You paid for physical media that has degraded. While you could buy it again, you’ve already paid the creators once for lifetime access.

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==== 3. Lost Digital Purchase - No Repurchase Option ====

You purchased digital media that was accidentally erased/lost, and it’s no longer available for sale anywhere.

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==== 4. Lost Digital Purchase - Repurchase Available ====

You purchased digital media that was accidentally erased/lost. While it’s still for sale, you’ve already paid once for what was advertised as a “purchase.”

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=== Corporate Deception &amp; Control ===

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==== 5. The “Purchase” That Wasn’t ====

You '''PURCHASED''' digital media; using the commonly understood definition of PURCHASE that existed from the 14th century that 99% of customers understand - permanent ownership. but it stopped working because someone you never met decided ''“fuck you”''.

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==== 6. Bait &amp; Switch Streaming ====

You paid for a streaming service specifically advertised with certain content. That content was removed with no refund option, &amp; now requires a second subscription to a different service to access.

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==== 7. Rental vs. Purchase Confusion ====

The distinction between rental &amp; purchase was unclear or deliberately obscured so you’d think you were '''PURCHASING''' something.

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=== Technical Restrictions &amp; Quality Issues ===

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==== 8. The 4K Lockout ====

You paid for higher quality content (like 4K) but received lower quality (720p/1080p) or same resolution but with radically reduced, horrible bitrate, due to artificial DRM restrictions that were buried at the end of a bs 30 page EULA; if made available to you at all. Your hardware is fully capable, but artificial limitations put in place by the content distributor keep you from using what you bought &amp; paid for.

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==== 9. DRM Workarounds While Supporting Creators ====

You purchase physical media to support creators but use a pirated copy to avoid DRM restrictions or long shipping delays.

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=== Random Shitty Scenarios ===

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==== 10. Region Lock Issues ====

Content is completely unavailable in your region with no legal purchase option, even though you’re willing to pay.

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==== 11. DRM Protest Without Support ====

You reject DRM-restricted content but also choose not to purchase available DRM-free options when they exist, turning a blind eye.

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==== 12. Selective Support ====

You support creators directly but won’t acknowledge how distributors &amp; other parts of the content creation pipeline process add value (paying for studios, people who support the recording &amp; making of content, etc.)

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=== Indefensible Positions ===

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==== 13. False Justification ====

Using DRM and middlemen as excuses while never actually supporting creators in any way.

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==== 14. Empty Protests ====

Claiming DRM opposition while pirating even when DRM-free options exist.

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==== 15. Simply being an asshole ====

Taking content with no intention to ever support creators; even the ones you truly enjoy, even when you have the money to pay for it, while using a litany of excuses to justify the behavior.

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==== 16. "I just want free stuff." ====

No justification, no excuse, no attempt to support creators—just pure entitlement.

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