Okay we are talking about a very intelligent and talented software designer here. He designs, builds, and sells software for a living. Is he expected to not be angry about a relative who steals softwares from honest software designers. I think that would be akin to expecting the parent of a child who has been molested by a relative to simply forget the "incident." The rapist is "just a person like you and me," is what you all are trying to get us to believe. Try telling that to the parent of a child victim and see what their reaction is.Some people think they need a "reason" to break contact with a family member. They feel guilty about it otherwise. I'm not a licensed family counselor, but I am a gambler and I'd bet money there is more to the relationship between these cousins than playstation games.
Part of the problem here is white collar versus blue collar crime. It's easy to detest an action and the perpetrator if there is blood or pain and a crime scene, or a missing car or tangible item. But white collar crime - in this case stolen software - is more difficult to get an emotional handle on unless you are the one who is directly harmed. Software theft is rape of the psyche, and less palpable to the observer, generally. Steal a car and get and you go to prison for 5 years or more and make restitution. Steal millions in retirement funds and you get a couple of years in a federal spa and get to keep the money in your offshore accounts. White collar crime is often invisible to the eye, intangible, often very complicated law, and therefore often ignored.
Victims are often wrongfully attacked rather than supported. WilliamK is, in this case, applying peer pressure on a thief to stop his pirating.
WilliamK I am sorry that your program was cracked and stolen and sold or given away by leeching 3rd parties. You have my sincere sympathy and support. I congratulate you for making the huge comeback that you have made in recent months. YOu have every right to be proud enough of your profession to defend it from piracy.
