>Hiya Ed ---
>
>I've been watching this thread and I agree with you 100%. I would not want my software pirated for any reason and I think software publishers, regardless of size, should be granted the same courtesy.
>
>If a project I am working on requires an ActiveX or some other piece of software, I require that the client purchase it as part of the contract.
>
>Trust and honor are very important concepts in our industry.


I agree.

As far as I am concerned, someone pirating software can try to justify his actions and rationalize as to why they are acceptable. But software publishers are well aware of the different options available to them as far as limited-featured versions, time-limited demos, etc., etc.. And they have made the decision that they have made in terms of marketing and distributing the software and people pirating the software have no right to overturn this decision and apply their own rules for using the software.

If a piece of software doesn't have a demo version of some type, then you really have to decide whether you want to take a risk and buy the software. Or you try to find other people who use or have used the software and get their input, find reviews of the software, read the list of features, etc. etc.. But it really is unacceptable to break the law and make an illegal copy.

Joe