I agree on that piracy is not at all okay, and I rarely visit the 2000 Watts forum myself. .. But it is equally, if not more than hugely bothersome to know that Sony is up on this forum's neck like that (and others for that matter) now. Piracy has always been an issue. Why is this warning being issued now, though, by Sony, and Not when the Cascio tracks have been getting people into almost bloody fights on here? Why now?.. This smells more than fishy.
And while I'll respect this decision personally, I can't help but frown at this warning and how it comes across: merciless. How have members that haven't even been warned previously about this (this openly and directly and gravely) been banned for life? And how will the next (who may have not found the time or simply haven't found this thread in time) be banned for life from then on? Isn't there any possible way for them to regain their memberships on here at least in a month time?
People on here are gonna be living in fear from now on, so why not remove the 2000 Watts section altogether? It would be finally secure. It seems like we're being closely monitored by certain corporations that brought much damage to Michael Jackson and this is horrible.
Also, the 'obvious reasons' aren't that obvious to all, Gaz. What do you mean by you will be from now on working directly with the legal team of the Sony corporation? So that this piracy issue is taken care of properly (and that's to e respected, the timing will always be suspicious, though, but at least that), or in other matters as well?
And the instant 30-day bans to members here for misbehavior and other minor issues (in some cases, at least) - is that Sony-related as well? Sorry to be that curious, maybe even sarcastic in places, but I've been a member here since 2008 (this forum has been mostly wonderful with active moderators prompt with their responsibilities, and I've made some friends for life here, no words to describe the benefits it has brought to me) and I've seen almost nothing of the sort, for instance, when Michael was alive...Now, thankfully, it's not the case anymore, though. ...
I'm hoping that my message in a hopefully still democratic (but very much controlled, seemingly) forum will not be deleted. I love this place and it has helped me tremendously. But I, as well as some other members here, cannot help but be disturbed by the fact that members have been banned for life and probably will be banned for life still, with almost no incredibly big prior warning -- although such warnings had been issued before, but not this way. Again, the fake Cascio tracks being shared didn't fall into that category? ...The whole 'Michael' madness? And again, this colaboration with Sony (yes, pertaining to this issue) is something that would make some people, rightfully so, too, very uncomfortable, and there are plenty of motives for that. ..
Sorry, I had to say all this. Like Love is magical said, this is all too frustrating and sad how certain things seem to be developing on here and how are dealt with. This 'do-it-or-die' totalitarian thing. And by saying all that, again, I am not at all -At All - rioting against the prevention of piracy, which is more than understandable. The above conflicting issues are standing out, though, and it is very sad that some decent, if not wonderful members will be gone from here for good. I shudder and dread and loathe to think that Sony are going to be extending their control on wonderful forums like that (this one is the only lovely forum about Michael I could think of now). I'm also wondering what else will be considered 'safe' (not referring to piracy anymore) in the future by Sony. ... ..Shudder at the mere thought of this.
*sigh*
ps: it's very likely I may misunderstand certain things also due to the late hours from here, so I'm more than open to clarifications. I basically reiterated, though, that this control by Sony is not being met/can't be with an open mind. ...
