There's no doubt the reasons I pay for shareware and commercial software are rooted in my hypertrophied conscience. But, while I think software developers *should* be compensated for all their time and effort, I think there are several other important points to make about this.
First, the developer probablly really needs to income, and s/he has earned it if a quality product comes to distribution. Second, wasn't the whole premise of shareware to allow one to "try before you buy?" But if one continues to use the product, one tells friends and acquaintences. Sure, some of them get pirated copies, but many, if not most want their own copy *and* the documentation, not to mention the ability to get updates. You get the idea, I'm sure.
A recent, related example is Napster. Did you know that when Napster was at its peak, CD *sales* got to an all time high. Not only that, but once it was shut down, CD sales plummeted 40%!!! What's that tell us???? And just how might this figure into Microsoft's strategy of free software? Does it not significantly increase he installed base and thus MS's overall market position and strength?
For me, the bottom line is that worrying about software piracy is a classic example of being penny wise and pound foolish, as well as very short sighted. Sure, pirated software means the producer makes less on direct sales, at least at first. BUT... in the long run, the ability for people to share software, lets many people try it who otherwise wouldn't or couldn't. Those same people, if impressed with the product/s, will eventually want their own copy... their own manual, access to tech support, notification of updates, etc., etc. And they're going to tell their friends, who tell theirs... and in the long run the software maker will sell more units than they ever could have if people had no way to try the product for free. Obviously, I'm of the mind that the whole piracy debate is a tempest in a teapot.
My question, at this point, is to the software vendors. Do you want to make as much money as quickly as you can, or wouldn't you rather work towards establishing a broad base of good PR and customer support that can sustain your business into the future? DUH!!!