Bob Loblaw's Law Blog.

Unpopular Opinion Time

The Department of Justice shut down Megaupload today.

We, as internet users, are currently in the midst of trying to convince people who do not understand the internet that the use of copyrighted information by third parties is beneficial to them, us, and the world as a whole.

It does not help our case by complaining that we can no longer illegally download movies and TV shows off Megaupload.

It is true that I download TV shows from Megaupload, especially British television series that are not readily available in the states.

With the closure of Megaupload, we should be pointing out that there is obviously a market for watching old or not-readily-available TV that is not being filled by the corporations. Thus, they should do something about filling that need, which would be beneficial economically for them and entertainment-wise for us. Offer them for free, slap on some ads, go through hulu for a small premium, do something. 

But in the meantime, we should not be complaining that we can no longer illegally download copyrighted material.

The end. Feel free to point out where I am wrong.