The real problem is with how is easy it is to copy digital media and them propagate it all over creation. “Got a new DVD? Pop it in your computer and use this $50 software to rip it. Now upload it to your site and get enough traffic to start charging for ads Congratulations! You’re now an internet entrepreneur.”

Piracy has become a big problem in the last 10 years because it is ridiculously easy to copy digital content if you have the physical media. Video sites that allow downloading of existing, licensed content for a monthly fee make the problem even worse because they eliminate the ripping process and provide the user with a pristine digital master that they can copy an infinite number of times.

I think that the real solution lies in creating technology that allows for reliable, real-time streaming of content at a reasonable price to any media device in the house. That way the content is available immediately, but its locked down and not easily copied. Consumers will also have less incentive to pirate because they don’t feel like they’re being screwed by ridiculous prices.

Add some good quality content to that model and the business could start to thrive again.

Our mutual friend in New Orleans is making more money than he ever has in his entire life.

There is an itchy trigger finger right now within all genres of entertainment to manipulate content as a result of the current market conditions. Anytime you do something like that, you run the risk of de-valuing your product and sending a negative message to your customers. That’s my opinion. Thanks for the comments.

Even if you go to Europe, it’s incredibly expensive and time-consuming to sue a pirate. How many companies have been able to brag about shutting down a tube or pirate site in Europe in the past year? Two or three have been able to get some money after the fact – and probably not as much as they lost to piracy.

Terri Redor
http://www.thefloatingworld.com