Psychology of the Software Pirate

Psychology of the Software Pirate

By The Beast

DISCLAIMER: If you... Well, there's nothing you can do that is listed in this file, so forget it.

Note: I am normally completely sarcastic, and have a good sense of humor, but I'm putting it aside for this file.

"Shshshshploooooort" -- Jimmie the wonder-porpoise

Many of you out there won't like this file because it speaks the truth... Something that almost all pirates can't face. The ancient Caste system of India has been put into heavy use in the American pirate scene, with a subdivision seen nowhere else in the world. I must stress, this is not a humor file, it is more or less an analysis. All of you are pressing <ESC> right now, "I really couldn't care less about what this stupid guy thinks." That's what I'm talking about, the attitude problem.

That's merely the beginning. In the caste, every level treats the one below them like a pile of shit. The lowest level, kids who just got their modem, tend to try and rag the upper levels. Of course, they soon become the upper-lower level and realise that this is not the real world, people are treated with respect or treated like garbage for almost NO reason whatsoever.

Your basic pirate can be divided into four different levels, starting from the bottom:

1....Kid who has just discovered free software, and gets all he can by using his modem and copying from other pirates. What we call a leech.

2....Has discovered that leeching is bad, and tries to patch up his old ways by changing his name, heavily uploading, or other things. This is the most heavily populated level, basically underclassmen or mid-schoolers.

3....Knows the ways of the pirate caste system like the back of his hand, has hundreds of pirate friends he's never met, and rags others at the flip of a switch. Knows how to program very well by now, and types well. Seniors, and most college students fit into this category, the second highest caste level.

4....The long-time sysop or cracker, usually well-known. Exactly like level 3, but with a personality to match his inflated head. Does not associate with other pirates unless they are a level 4... Seldom speaks to level 3s unless the level 3'er has something of value to him. Seldom rags others, to keep his reputation, but commonly teases or lightly rags level 3'ers because they are a little lower. Never even speaks the name of a level 2'er or 1'er.

There are, of course, other minorities that have the traits of more than one level. If you don't fit into one of theses categories, don't be offended, you will eventually. All across the nation, pirates are the same, even if isolated. Isolation does happen, even if it is limited by the fact that most pirates have modems. The habits that are inherent most all pirates seem to form, even if long-distance pirates are not affecting the change.

When meeting another pirate, any pirate that fits level 2 or higher will normally act like an asshole to the other one until he finds out that the other pirate is actually a HUMAN BEING. This applies ESPECIALLY to sysops when speaking to a new user or someone on their AE. They normally have the "Why should I talk to you" attitude, which pisses me off.

If you are offended by this file, don't be. People aren't expected to automatically get along with others, especially if there is a personality conflict. What I am saying, is that the pirate system needs major reform. Of course, if you are heavy into felonously illegal activities, it is fine to be untrusting, but not to the point that you are an asshole.

This file is merely opinion, and if you don't agree, that's fine, I don't expect you to. I'm not trying to force my thoughts upon anybody, I just think we should all let each other know each other's opinions.

Boy that was tough being serious for so long, I need to take a rest. Later.

The Beast