Insults and “ad hominem” attacks should be avoided, period. In this you are right, Skarden. Both sides have indulged in this kind of sport, and this is the main reason for which I don’t take one side AGAINST the other.
Two examples.
Anti modders equate mods with cheats. In my opinion, this is a very weak argument. If my goal is to cheat, I would hack the game, and take advantage in absolute silence. The last thing I want and need is a place like AAA that attracts attention and raises suspicions.
Modders equate Oleg silence with an approval. In my opinion, this is a very weak argument too. Oleg’s silence may be explained differently. For example, he may consider a waste of time and money to sue AAA.
As for the “double standard” you are talking of, I think it comes from the very nature of the web. Being a place in which law enforcement is almost impossible, we all tend to ignore law, and talk of moral categories. In my opinion, this generates a lot of confusion. Your example about speed limits can prove it easily. In my country, if you over speed, you are fined. It’s an administrative offense, not a criminal one. If you break other people IP or copyright it’s another matter. That is a criminal offense, and you risk jail.
Different countries have different laws, and the web seems to have none. This places all of us in a difficult position, and we should make any effort to keep our debate within civil boundaries.
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