The software and digital entertainment industry claim that piracy is a problem capable of destroying their business models. As a result they have pushed for legislation greatly expanding the definitions of piracy and allowing for the enforcement of anti piracy laws with stiff penalties. However, it seems that piracy continues regardless of the continuous efforts of the Recording and Motion Picture associations.

In an effort to determine what drives a hardcore digital pirate to commit these heinous crimes, I sought out a very prolific digital pirate for an interview and under the conditions of anonymity; he answered some of my questions.

1. Why do you pirate digital goods?

“Piracy is pretty much a hobby for me. Yeah, I could argue that it saves me money, but I probably would never have bought most of the stuff that I pirate anyways, so in essence, no harm, no foul.” There is also the part of me that says, screw those fat corporate pigs. They’re always trying to rip us off anyways. Companies are always putting out crap and overcharging for it. Then you have the Sony’s of the world. Not only are they putting out overpriced crap, they are also putting out software that damages its users.” But in the end, its pretty much just a hobby.

2. Do you realize that what you’re doing is wrong and amounts to stealing?

“Yes, and it’s actually part of the allure. It has a Robin Hood feel to it. Trust me, I won’t shed a tear for multinational companies. I think these big companies are a problem. They often operate in completely immoral ways and are obliged to by their stock holders. I see it like capitalism gone haywire.” For theses reasons, I actually feel good about what I’m doing. Yes, it is illegal, but from a moral standpoint, I feel completely justified.

3. Are you some kind of left wing activist?

“No, I’m not all that politically active, but the way I see it, any system gone to extremes is bad. Whether it’s right or left is irrelevant to me. Extremism is a no win situation, and the way I see corporations going around doing what they please by buying off politicians doesn’t sit well with me. It’s extremely corrupt.”

4. What will you do if you get sued?

“I have a pretty good feeling that I won’t get caught, so I haven’t even thought about it.”

5. If you could say something to a big music exec, what would it be?

“Well I certainly don’t feel like I can make fun of the guy. I mean these people are making more obscene amounts of money all the time. I don’t buy CD’s or DVD’s with copy protection, but it’s a drop in the bucket. They are making millions out of people who don’t know any better. So, I guess I really don’t want to say anything to him or her or it. I’ll go about my business and you go about yours.”

6. Do you think there is a solution to any of these problems that you see?

“Not really. Seems like there is no shortage of stupid people to keep the money machines rolling along. Contrary to what the companies say, piracy is a very small problem for them. As a matter of fact, I think they are actually making more money because of piracy. Settling law suits for a few thousand dollars a pop must be bringing in some hefty sums. I don’t have much faith in our justice system. So, it would take a popular movement to shut down RIAA extortion. I don’t see that happening. And if it does, it won’t be until things get even more outrageous. But I have hope. They are so greedy, that they might just take it too far. Far enough so that people finally say: “enough.”

7. So I get the impression that overall, you’re pretty pleased about being a pirate. Is this a fair assumption?

“Sure it is. Every time something new finishes downloading it’s like a little mini Christmas. I wake up in the morning and go over to my computer thinking, hmm let’s see what came it today. See, I have so much stuff coming in at one time, that I lose track. So when I go in to look at what is finished, it’s often a surprise. Yes, it’s quite fun.”

At this point, I thanked the pirate for his time and concluded the interview.

Then, the pirate interrupted me and wanted to add something. Here is what he said:

“Maybe I’ll sound like a grumpy old man, but whatever. Technology seems to be headed in the wrong direction. All this copyright, intellectual property, bullshit is just getting out of hand. The other day I heard that a company wants to patent seeds and make it illegal for anyone to plant them without paying them a royalty. I can’t tell you how this incensed me. Who the hell do these people think they are? I may not be around to see it, but one day, this whole house of cards will come down. I hope I’m there so I can laugh. I bet a lot of these pukes don’t think it could happen to them, but like I said before, if they continue to push things one day they may push too far and perhaps all these patents and copyrights won’t be worth a rat’s ass some day. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I think that people will get wise. Yeah, it may take years. Yes, things may need to get progressively worse. I think that one of the main things that need to happen is for corporate abuse to extend beyond technological areas. Once this happens many more people will become aware of what’s going on.”