An idea...

[bawbag]

Now that Sharereactor is gone, we've lost one of the most reliable (if slow) methods of getting files from the internet. When searching for files using the eMule client, the word "sharereactor" was a mark of approval.

We all know that downloading movies from the internet is illegal, but we also know that sharing movies is not immoral. If any of you saw the interview clip with Michael Moore, then you'll know what I mean.

If you buy a DVD of a movie you love, you take it round to your friends house, or loan it to someone in work. You share it. Also, for the most part, if we really like a movie then we shell out the cash. Speaking personally, I never grudge paying for an original DVD if I know it's a film I'll enjoy watching, or sharing with my friends.

Now for my idea:

I think we should turn the famous DVD Screener messages against them. Start a Sharereactor-type page sharing movies that have been Re-encoded with our own messages. Messages along the lines of "This file was downloaded illegally from the internet. If you enjoy this movie, please buy the DVD. Otherwise delete the file from your computer". Maybe coming across your screen 3 or 4 times per movie.

Yes, it would be annoying, and I understand that this will not make the files less illegal, but it does make them more moral. We need to hammer the idea into these big-shot execs that it's NOT about stealing, it's about sharing. There will always be those who steal, and there will always be those who can see no difference between stealing and sharing. But the rest of us are simply doing what we've always done. Sharing our movies/music/art with anyone who cares enough to stop and pay attention.

It's certainly not an idea that's going to change the face of the internet, and I have nothing like the resources to set such a page up. But the way I see it, every little bit needs to be done to keep the freedom of the internet alive. It's the last media platform we have left to speak freely on, and the corporations are slowly picking away at it, closing off as much as they can.

Then again maybe I'm just a stupid hippy! :o)

Bawbag.

[MacGyver]

how 'bout no scott..

[wonderboy2005]

in theory, its not a horrible idea, but all your going to do is piss people off. The MPAA isnt going to care if you throw a few pleas in there, infact, they would probably like it. either way though, people already know that downloading a movie is usually illegal, and they probably already know that if they really like the movie, they should support the creators. adding in text like this is only going to make people mad. they might buy more DVDs, but not for the reasons you want. they'll do it because they will get sick of the crappy beg-a-thon that scrolls across the bottom of the movie, not because they actually think the movie is worth buying.

[wingnut2600]

I can always tell that a topic such as "an idea" will be brilliant... I don't even need to read it. Then again, I have started a thread like this myself, so who am I to judge?

I think you should just go out and buy the DVD or see the movie in a theater. Unlike a CD, DVDs are packed with value and quality and are far lovelier than a VCD.

Who wants to watch a cam copy of a film? I know I don't... I go out and spend my 20 dollars to see a flick when it comes out during the cheap time... get my huge popcorn and big pop. there is something lovely about seeing a movie in a theater... The crowd's reaction, the red dots on the screen (DODDAMN THEM>>> THEY ARE THERE BECAUSE OF YOU!!! I HAVE TO SUFFER FOR SHIT LIKE THIS!!!), etc.

[cjules13]

I agree with your pre-amble, but not so much with the idea.

Although the idea isn't bad, I just don't think it will really work. I know I avoid screeners with messages like the plague... if I ever get screeners I try to get different rips until I find one that's clean until I'm convinced I found the best one...

There's lots of pre-release screeners out ther now, but there's also a lot of pre-release -clean- versions out as well. I haven't had a message screener (or even worse, the ones that toggle black&white) in awhile now...

Basically what I think is that the copies with your message in it would be ignored, while everyone downloads the clean versions.

And forget about cam versions, I don't think bawbag was talking about those. Cam and telesyncs are pure crap, and are not even worth watching for the best film. Like wingnut said, if that's your only option, go spring for the movie or DVD. The XViDs coming out nowadays are really fuckin clean though. 1.4GB gives you very acceptable, highly watchable VHS quality.

[shawners]

a cam copy with english subtitles, them speaking in french, with words above flashing to buy this movie has a guys head gets up in the movie and goes to restroom.. Lets just add more awfulness to the cam movies.