September 27th, 2007
Canadians compare pirated software to being rear-ended and stalked! WTF?!
I'm in Vancouver. I am a wee bit tired after an early morning web cam interview with Kevin Smith, a late-morning geekfest with Leo Laporte and Tod Maffin, and a long flight last night. But, despite my lack of sleep, I am pretty sure that I have read the silliest press release of all time (from a well-known agency that reps Microsoft).
I have never been rear-ended in a car or stalked, but I'm pretty sure that both are A LOT scarier than having pirated software affect my computer. Someone please tell me this is a joke? Someone please tell me that I didn't just get this? Ever since I read this, I have felt sad, angry, and exposed. I would pay money to get some background info on these stats.
Here is the press release...
March 14th, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (24)
Posted by: Tyson Williams | around 9 months ago
This is too funny! Sounds like MS is getting desperate since Windows Vista has been a big flop so far. I guess they don't know you are Mac person anyways.
Posted by: TheKipper | around 9 months ago
I think most people are unaware of what these terms actually mean. To the notice a "computer crash" means they lose all their files and the computer becomes completely unusable (though often easily fixed). I think "pirated" software also has a negative connotation to those not well aware of the term. Most novices either don't realize installing someone else's copy of a program isn't legal or see this as simply copying or sharing and not pirate activities. They believe pirating is only done in china or by hackers. These results, if real, are skewed by the people they asked and the terms they used, plain and simple. Finally, either most pirated software does NOT contain malware, OR installing multiple copies of a program is NOT pirating. The companies need to get there facts straight. Installing Office on (gasp!) BOTH my home desktops IS NOT PIRATING. Arrrr!
Posted by: TheKipper | around 9 months ago
*sigh* "notice" should be "novice" in that last post.
Posted by: Tod | around 9 months ago
lol! I got that one too. Crazy. Great to see you and Leo this morning. :-) . . . tod =-) Tod Maffin http://www.todmaffin.com +1.604.618.2861
Posted by: Liam K | around 9 months ago
Like kipper said, the questions were clearly skewed. Coincidentally, I did a little survey of my own. I conducted it among the respondents of Microsoft's survey, and found that 32% of them are idiots, 23% of them don't even know how to turn their computer on, and 45% of them don't even own a computer. Or a car. Now, a far more important issue - Amber, who won the debate?
Posted by: Sina Motamedi | around 9 months ago
Pirated software will eat your children!!
Posted by: SteveintheUK | around 9 months ago
When fixing other peoples PC I usually find that all the malicious code that causes multiple popup windows to open is always the same two pieces of software, and thats IE and MSN. As soon as a new system is installed and setup to use Firefox and don't install MSN most of the problems go away and don't come back. Now MSN is licensed by Microsoft and IE is Microsofts own software, so can we feel Sad? Angry? Exposed? because of those programs? When are Microsoft going to sort out the malicious code that they keep including in their system software, or the software that they give license's to? If I have to use a PC then I only use Firefox. I keep trying to uninstall IE, but it just keeps reinstalling itself all the time, now isn't that what a virus does? As Tod said above, the most important issue of the today, did you beat Leo to a pulp in the debate? Hope the video comes online soon, can't wait to see it or Webnation 14 when it finally pops up on iTunes in the UK. Hope you had a safe trip back to T.dot.
Posted by: Leila Boujnane | around 9 months ago
They surveyed aliens who were trying to pass for Canadians? No? I am on the floor laughing. This is making it hard to type. I will stop now!
Posted by: Thomas Purves | around 9 months ago
Ha, because licensed Microsoft software has never crashed anyone's computer...
Posted by: Ravinheart | around 9 months ago
Wow, as you said a rep from MS was part of this thing and nothing like taking so much out of context to say what they want to. and they wasy they say "Pirated software often contains virus and malicious code" nothing but a scare tactic. Typical.
Posted by: Mike K. | around 9 months ago
That's hilarious! You know what makes me feel as though I've been rear-ended? Every time I have to re-activate my legal copies of Windows XP and Vista on my test machines (after reinstalling)! Thankfully I'm predominantly a Mac user so I don't deal with that crap on my primary machine. I actually made it out to the LCD vs. Plasma debate the other day - lots of fun!
Posted by: Justin Y. | around 9 months ago
Fear tactics is right. Remember when cigarette packs first came out with the "scary" warning labels about smoking including pictures? Did those work? I remember trying to collect 'em all. Now, if I can only get "rear ended" pirated software, my colletion would be complete! Amber, you should have busted out an SED prototype TV and really owned the debate!
Posted by: Matt | around 9 months ago
Amber, you know me (kinda') and I consider myself a decently smart person. This "survey" is a joke. 52% of Canadians can't tell the difference between pirated and legal software? What's the problem? The fact we download via Demonoid, Torrent Spy or buy it in a mall in Markham with a photocopied cover in B&W, kinda' let's us know that we're getting "pirated" software. Last I checked, Best Buy didn't sell pirated software. I bought a DVD movie in Kensington Market once. It had only been in the Theater 4 days. I thought it was the real DVD! NOT! Take care, Matt Yantha
Posted by: Jeff Rhodes | around 9 months ago
Being in a car accident is way worse than problems with your computer. I think you analysis is correct. Definately a joke. Jeff
Posted by: Chris Jacobson | around 9 months ago
I wonder if they made those stats up? lol
Posted by: Peter | around 9 months ago
Apart from the questions being skewed as it was pointed out before: I'm actually kind of surprised to hear that only 51% of all Canadians would be angry if their computer crashed (assuming this includes data loss here). Also, it would be fun to know how many percent of the users would be angry if NON-pirated software crashed their computer. Probably a lot more, non? ;)
Posted by: Jan Karlsbjerg | around 9 months ago
My eye first caught this line: <blockquote>If pirated software wiped out your computer, how would you feel? Sad? Angry? Exposed?</blockquote> and what I <em>thought</em> it talked about was how you would feel if somebody wiped pirated software off your computer, as in if a service tech took it upon herself/himself to delete stuff from your computer that she/he thought looked pirated. Yeah, that would make me feel sad, angry and exposed. Does anyone remember the episode of the British "Yes, Minister" where Humphrey explains how to do surveys so they get the results you want? Talking about compulsory military service for young men, he asks two different sets of questions leading toward either a strong "yes" or a strong "no", for example: 1) Should young men today be taught discipline and the value of hard work? or 2) Should the government train all young men in how to fight and kill?
Posted by: frederic | around 9 months ago
can we vote on the picture at the top left of your blog? I preferred the previous one :) There is something too glam about this one :)
Posted by: Chris L. | around 9 months ago
I hope this is a joke, cause I'm laughing hysterically at this.
Posted by: Ryan | around 9 months ago
Kevin Smith's podcast is great, though a little vulgar, but thats why it's so great! So when will that interview be out, is that on the new Webnation you posted?
Posted by: Keith | around 9 months ago
Wow... unbelievable, a survey sponsored by one of the largest software companies in the world would try to convince us that it's "normal" to be terrified of pirated software. This really doesn't surprise me all that much. (Pessimist? Maybe.) But I guess that's what happens when you do your survey over 100 people and call it the "opinion of all canadians". *sigh*
Posted by: otis cooper | around 7 months ago
We build computers and deal with many small companies that get pirated software. Though its not right, they seem to have no problems using it.
Posted by: EDI | around 6 months ago
Amber you are too too cute I have allot of experience with pirated software dating back at least 10 years. I have had numerous data losses and exposed myself to hacks during the last decade trying to save a few bucks on solid programs. My input is you get what is coming to you for certain. I advise people to move on and just purchase what they need :)
Posted by: Philip Roy | around 9 months ago
I think it's hilarious. I like this bit... "If pirated software wiped out your computer, how would you feel? Sad? Angry? Exposed? " I almost feel like saying back... "If pirated software worked well and you hadn't had to pay anything for it, how would you feel? Happy? Elated? Financially better off?" No...I'm not advocating pirated software...I'm saying that they are trying to fight the use of illegal software use via scare tactics...and ignore the fact why I'm sure most people do it. Their aim is very skewed. I’d love to know if they get any responses.