For context, I want to run a small personal gig (offering stuff on Patreon). Nothing too fancy.

In order to do that, I would need to use the Adobe suite, Windows, some audio and video effects, all requiring a commercial license.

In theory, I start to make money. How would Microsoft and Adobe know that I don’t pay for their software?

If I use some audio effects, how would their owners even be able to tell / find my work? We’re talking about basic sound effect, like rain, door knocks etc.

I’ve always been confused by this

    • SchizoDenji@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      >User posts a support query for paid software in a piracy sub.

      >“Why not use FOSS instead?”

      Every single time.

      Not everyone has the time and resources to relearn a new piece of software when they already have their workflow sorted out. Nobody asked for FOSS alternatives, it’s a piracy sub.

      Besides, shit like GIMP isn’t even half as good as photoshop.

      • Cyborganism@lemmy.ca
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        1 year ago

        Calm down dude.

        Also, I wouldn’t mind people pirating Photoshop for personal purposes, but if you’re going to do this for your business and make a profit off their software, you ought to pay for it.

        That’s my opinion.

        • SchizoDenji@lemm.ee
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          1 year ago

          There are plenty of artists who use pirated software to create shit but haven’t got into trouble, the trick is to block the network requests and strip the Metadata.

          And MS/Adobe would not go for a small patreon artist because they know that if they go too far, people will be pushed towards their competitors, which they don’t want since their business model hinges on being the most widely used software and thus not allowing any competition to grow.

    • wootz@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Not to be a dick, because I agree, but this doesn’t really answer the question.

          • Cyborganism@lemmy.ca
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            1 year ago

            I’d rather pay for stuff if the creators really deserve it. Like independent video game developers for example. Or I’ll donate to developers who give away their work as well.

            If we pirate everything, don’t be surprised if smaller players disappear and only the big ones remain and take advantage of their position.

    • java@beehaw.org
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      1 year ago

      How about answering the question that was asked:

      How do companies know if I use cracked software or assets for my personal gig?

        • java@beehaw.org
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          1 year ago

          Sometimes, I search for information on how to resolve Windows-related issues because I often assist my relatives and friends with their computer problems. It can be quite exhausting when I come across online discussions on platforms like Reddit or StackOverflow, and instead of finding relevant answers, I encounter responses from individuals suggesting a switch to Linux or something like that. These responses are unrelated to the original question.

          So consider your attitude before making simple suggestions “in good faith”. There’s nothing good in it. What you’re doing is not helpful and toxic, even if the toxicity is subtle.

          • BlueSquid0741@lemmy.sdf.org
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            1 year ago

            Have you also considered though that this is how knowledge spreads. For every 100 people who read this they might say “here we go again with the FOSS…”, but a handful of people might say “GIMP? What?” and go check it out.

            Open discussion instead of strictly direct question and answer is important.

            • java@beehaw.org
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              1 year ago

              I’ve made the switch to FOSS. When faced with tasks that would only require two clicks in Photoshop, I turn to online searches like “how to do X in GIMP.” However, the results are often in the form of either a 10-minute video or a 10-step article. I’m not engaged in professional work. While I partially agree with your point of view, I find it the suggestion to “consider GIMP and Inkscape” superficial in this context. I could accept it if the person I was responding to had shared useful links or information to aid in the transition: sets of useful plugins, free tutorials, and other resources aimed towards those, who are familiar with Photoshop. Any software is just a tool. The OP’s objective is to accomplish tasks, so it’s natural for them to stick with familiar tools instead of learning new instruments. Consider another thing: if they are professionals in the field, they must have practice and deep knowledge of tools like Photoshop, not GIMP.

            • java@beehaw.org
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              1 year ago

              I’m chill and polite. I’ve precisely explained what’s wrong with the answer, I wasn’t talking about you. So if you have no counterarguments, just stop arguing. There’s no need to act childish and to try to undermine the other person.