Get your boxes in order

Everyone seems to have an opinion on downloading music and TV shows, everything from "Information wants to be free" to "Skipping commercials with your TIVO is theft." Some of the views are self-serving, some are rationalizations, and some people have strong opinions based on what they believe is right and just.

Here's the thing a lot of people are missing, though: Breaking the law does not count as civil disobedience unless you go out of your way to do it publicly. Obviously I'm referring to people who upload and download music, movies or software without permission from the copyright holders. Some of them are just in it for the free tunes. Some of them think the law is wrong. But the ones who believe copyright laws have gone too far damage their case when they quietly violate the law, expecting to protest the law if they are caught.

Think the law has tilted too far in favor of the copyright industry? Great, so do I. Have you written to your congressman? If not, then don't complain about the law when you get busted. It makes it look like you're just trying to stay out of jail -- which you are -- and supports the MPAA and RIAA next time they try to get copyright extended.

Before you end up in a jury box, you should really try the ballot box. Time for me to get off my soapbox.