Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Consider this: If you use a bootleg copy of a program then you won't need any other programs in that same category. So if you use Excel you won't need another spreadsheet, and if you use Fetch you won't need another FTP program.

Extending this logic, if you use a bootleg copy of software from Microsoft, who has a huge cash position and is not going to go out of business any time soon, you actually put pressure on competitor's of Microsoft.

Since you aren't buying their software either, and they are probably not as rich as microsoft you are in essense doing Microsoft's dirty work by artificially capping the demand for a particular product category. A smaller market for a given segment will scare new players away and may convince current players to fold up their tent as well. It might not be worth it to be in that business if there is no way to gain marketshare - especially in a mature market.

This pirating - in this case - strengthens Microsoft's current market position - which will eventually lead to less players in a segment. Since software is not an expiring commodity it doesn't really hurt them that much and it keeps them out of hot water with government agencies who frown upon anti-competitive behavior. (read: they don't have to be a bully because you're doing it for them)

So while you may think they're being nice with a "try it before you buy it" attitude they are indirectly putting pressure on their competitors to go away. Then you won't have any choice.

When that day comes you'll probably get the death penalty for pirating MS software.