So, a lot of times when I miss an episode of a show, I'll download it via bit torrent, and usually burn it onto a dvd to watch it on my tv in the living room or bedroom. A lot of shows stream recent episodes for free, and I don't want to watch it on my PC, but since they're streaming it for free I didn't think much of downloading an episode here or there. I don't download lots of things, maybe 1-2 hours worth of television a month.


Well yesterday my ISP forwarded me an email sent to them by an agent acting on behalf of an unmentioned television program explaining that someone at my IP address was downloading and/or distributing copyrighted material and that the ISP should take corrective action immediately. So my ISP forwarded it on to me, and tacked on a message saying that I need to cease these actions immediately, and respond to them letting them know I received the message or my internet access will be removed.





Kinda freaked me out a bit. I mean, I know technically it's illegal, but it's not like I'm downloading TBs of material everyday, running torrents 24/7 or intending to distribute massive amounts of material. I try to watch the shows live when I can, sometimes I miss one, and I want to be caught up before the next week. I guess I'll just revert to watching them streaming via the internet now, as I don't really want my ISP to boot me, or something even worse like being susceptible to prosecution...


Hell, I didn't even really think it was monitored that closely. Anyone else ever have something similar happen?

 

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Admit it, it was pron.

 

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It was the office s05e04.


EDIT: If it had been pron, I would have a whole other set of issues, because it was my wife who first saw the email from the ISP.

 

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first off, I do it too, so let me call myself a hypocrite or whatever first, but here is what just fascinates the heck out me with the whole deal...


"Kinda freaked me out a bit. I mean, I know technically it's illegal, but it's not like I'm downloading TBs of material everyday, running torrents 24/7 or intending to distribute massive amounts of material."


It's like we all "justify" breaking the law for whatever reasons. I often hear people tell me they wouldn't pay to see a movie anyways so nothing wrong with DL it for free.


IT's freaking ILLEGAL!!! now I understand there are varying degrees of Illegality and thus different lvls of punishment, but it just amazes me how so many people seem to think stealing movies/music/software is OK because other people do it, or the various other reasons.


so why cant I shoot someone? or rob a bank? I have my reasons too!!! I know.. I know.. I'm just sayin


I think we are all brainwashed and spoonfed, and no one wants to think that at all. we are all very unique and special people....right? haha. whatever.

 

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I know what you're saying Eric, and you're right, and I shouldn't be surprised that I got called out for doing something that I knew was illegal.


However, I consider this example slightly different than those you cited. I would consider downloading a movie that I would otherwise have to pay to see, stealing. I don't do that. I used to in college, but my conscious prevents me from doing it now, same with music (i.e. the Napster days). I do consider that stealing, and I don't do it. In this particular case, however, I was downloading a show that is being streamed on their website to the public, for free. Granted, by downloading the show, I'm skipping the advertisements that are posted on NBC's website, thus costing them money that way, but the fact that they're streaming the show right now on their website, gave me reason to assume they weren't about to enforce copyright laws on this material.


For the most part, I was just surprised they were actually monitoring it at all.


EDIT: Just to clarify, I'm not arguing that what I did wasn't illegal or that I didn't know it was illegal, just that I'm surprised they're monitoring this activity, given the circumstances.

 

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I getcha. no worries. I didn't specifically mean you, just close to what you brought up.


So your surprised at the ISP for monitoring usage?


Not to be a smarta(* ( probably too late anyways..) but do you ever read slashdot.org or arstechnica.com ? if not then you might want to check them out from time to time. News about these sorts of things is pretty prevalent.


Back on topic..sorta. what your saying kind of reminds me of how people use to record songs of the radio ( just like streaming media..no?) and no one really , well, not so much in the US from what I recall ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Taping_Is_Killing_Music ) cared or could do much about it.


I wonder if there was a way to monitor radio usage like internet usage maybe we would be in a different place legality-wise today.


And heck, even if they weren't streaming it, you could Tivo or Videotape (yeah.. I'm old ) it anyways


If only a handful would "record" the streaming media, and then physically hand it out to friends then it would seem much more like a black market, and wouldn't be as widespread as we are a pretty lazy nation. it remains too easy to do it from home on our own as it is now.


Or like when I hear people talk about an empty seat on a plane should be free since the plane is going there anyways.

it just doesn't add up.


Again, not eaning to rant here, and not directed towards anyone but the whole world really,haha.

I'm long past the point of making any sense or even having a point. My writing instructor would probably grade this a D- if not an F.


So yeah, they are watching us. be careful man

 

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I think the bigger problem here is that your wife would be upset over it being porn

 

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Who is your ISP?

 

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The Office is Porn?


/heads off to Piratebay...

 

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Heck I dont even check the email from my ISP.....

 

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