We stand in an unusual and unprecedented place in history. We face a global economic crisis and are simultaneously in the latter stages of a technological revolution that started with the internet explosion of the 1990s. Because of present circumstances, we have the potential to fall into a piracy cycle that will hurt both the industry and the consumer. I'm hoping that this column will, at a minimum, expose the potential issues concerning this cycle, so that people can consciously avoid taking a dangerous path. We're already seeing increased talk about piracy and actions against "pirates," but I don't think we're anywhere close to hitting rock bottom.

Obviously, a down economy means people are more concerned about their money, have less money, and, in many instances, have lose their sources of income all together. On the opposite side of the table, the loss in spending leads to a loss of revenue for companies, which leads back to job loss. So how does piracy fit in? Many people may turn to piracy to get the content they no longer can afford, or take the opportunity to take something for free to save their money. On the converse, companies in the intellectual property realms, like game developers, may see the opportunity to increase some revenue through enforcement actions against pirates. And here's where the cycle begins.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/lg...d-the-economy/