I have seen it from both sides, I have seen piracy in a way that only few people have. I have been among the scene and I have become friends with many crackers and suppliers. I know the scene buzz, that strange energy that motivates pirates to excel in something highly immoral and illegal. The dedication in the scene is so strong that it is hard to hate these rebellious computer geniuses.

I respect anyone who invests so much energy and resources into something as bizarre as computer piracy. But I also know the other side of the story. As a professional writer, several of my own works have been pirated. It hurts. You feel as though someone has stolen so much from you. It is hard to rationalize the loss, because it is so nameless and cold. Pirates work under pseudonyms hidden within cryptic group names.

However, after being so close to piracy, I now know that nothing is done maliciously. While previously I would have happily seen a pirate in jail, now I am not so sure. After seeing pirates at work, seeing their dedication and effort, I can only marvel at their skill.

Currently, there is a great divide between those on the side of piracy and those against. For years, software developers have been creating protection methods and designing technology that they claim is undefeatable. Pirates are simply curious; they find pleasure in tinkering with things. Software hackers were the children that took apart small toys...