Grudge

Class

Cracker

How do you think the US government's actions concerning piracy will change over the next year?

I think it will be business as usual for quite a while as information is gathered, and then there will be a big series of busts. There are far too many people that could be covered in this act, so I think it will be just the big operators that are arrested, such that everyone else becomes scared (as has been seen numerous times in the BBS scene). As for how far and for how long they're going to press it, it's hard to say. Everyone is essentially guilty. I think you'll find that a small number of people will end up being prosecuted, in well publicized token trials. One of the key things to remember is that the US has one of the lowest piracy rates of the world, so what they think they'll achieve I have no idea. I think the US is one of the last countries that needs an act of this kind.

Who will be the first to be convicted under the new laws and how will this group of people react?

I expect that the only people affected are going to be providers (ftp and web site operators) and US based groups. I think a lot of the current people in those categories may retire, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that there always seem to be plenty of people to replace those that get busted.

What effect will these convictions have on the rest of the scene?

To the average user, none. There will be plenty of things to download from the web and I expect the only difference may be a slightly reduced transfer rate for US pirates (with fewer sites located in the US and more in other countries!).

How is the warez scene going to be different a year from now because of the NET act?

I think there will be a few major changes to the scene in a years time. Firstly I expect that US based groups will die, either from members retiring or being busted. European based groups will flourish, and I expect established groups such as Hybrid will be placed in a very dominant position. In terms of supplying, I think there will be an increase in time before games are released. I doubt there will be very many people who will be risking the current supply methods that are very effective in the US. European groups may have to wait a few extra days before games arrive there. I don't see cracking as being a problem, since the majority of crackers are based outside the US. So essentially everything will operate as normal, but with a greater emphasis on Europe. Supplies may be a bit slower, but the games will get cracked, and distributed.

Will there be any positive effects on the scene?

I think one positive effect (in my eyes anyway) will be the return to anonymity. Currently it is a very social environment, and everyone really knows what everyone else is doing (and who is responsible for what is done). Anonymity may allow some affected people to stay in the scene, and will also greatly reduce the chance of people getting busted. I think it will add to the fun, as you'll never really know what the other group is up to (or capable of).

How will the NET act effect you personally?

I am one of the many billions of people for whom the net act will mean absolutely nothing. It may mean that I lose a few friends, but personally I don't care if my games come from the US or elsewhere, it makes littledifference to me.

What advice would you give to people in the warez scene about the NET act?

I wouldn't be concerned at all if you are just interested in downloading games. If however I fell into one of the categories mentioned earlier (ftp/web site operator or US group member) then I would retire. Or at least switch from being an active member to a passive one.