Online Piracy - is it really that bad?

Piracy, the smelly fish in the internet market
The topic of Internet Piracy tends to bring up many harsh words and criticism, often leading to separation of friends, ending of marriages, and spit ridden coffee. Even more drastic is the prosecution, imprisonment, and tarnishing of ones record. While the statistics are bright as day with proof behind the illegality of piracy, I believe there are ways that both parties, corporate and personal users can be satisfied.

The argument
Supporters of Software Piracy argue that it enhances a companies outreach, allowing more users to participate in their products, effectively introducing more users to the product. In turn, most folks will proceed with a purchase. HBO said recently that online piracy of their popular production Game of Thrones  was "a compliment that doesn't hurt sales". More impressively, a recent study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre found that piracy does not negatively affect music sales, rather it promotes and online purchase of the content. Lastly, a study by TweakGuides reveals that users who enjoy a title that features a "free-to-play" or reduced cost play model will be more likely to purchase downloadable content or upgrade accounts to a higher, more expensive tier level.

But does it matter? It is my own personal opinion that companies need to understand that folks often like things for free. Moreover, they enjoy trying things before they dig deep into their wallets and make a purchase. Companies should always offer users something for free, and know just where to stop their trial to keep customers wanting more. If prospective patrons can get a taste for an application, they're sure to make a purchase. If I can play a game to a certain level to be left with a cliffhanger, I'm sure to buy the whole game. If I absolutely love a bands demo, I'm more than likely going to buy the whole album.

Short and sweet, give customers enough proof that the product they're interested in is worth the cash. Otherwise, you just appear as a greedy corporation or band that wants to get rich.


Resources
http://bgr.com/2013/04/01/hbo-online-piracy-analysis-408449/ HBO Quote
http://www.ibtimes.com/online-piracy-does-not-negatively-affect-digital-music-sales-may-actually-help-music-industry ECJR Quote
http://www.tweakguides.com/Piracy_1.html Game Piracy