Survey of the Centre for Information and Communication Technologies

Does the country have to close the shops that sell pirate software?

The centre for information and communication technologies "Metamorfosis", announced the results from the survey called " Does the country have to close the shops that sell pirate software?" which it conducted on its web-site in the period between 16 February and 219 April 2004. The question was answered by 773 visitors, 493 of which, or 64% said that they should not be punished by closing, 237, or 31% said that they should be closed. 28 visitors or 4% are not certain what has to be done and 2% do not know what to answer.

It is impressive that as much as 64% of the public thinks that the shops that sell pirate software should not be punished by closing them.

Metamorfosis has published some of the visitors' comments on its web-site:

"We know that it would be most logical to pay the real price for a software, however, having in mind the economic situation in Macedonia and the level of poverty, it is a real success to buy even a copy" - Milan from Toronto.

..."If the Windows software were sold for 25 to 30 dollars, I would buy it, but if I have to pay 160 to 250 dollars for Windows, or 180 to 250 for Office, that would be too much for Macedonia and the salaries of the people there" - Emil from Skopje.

"In my opinion, to pay 15 euros for a CD with my average salary of 150 euros, which should cover the costs for food and education of three children - is too much, so I would be pleased with copies only to stay educated as a family about all that's new" - Elizabeta Tevdoska, Skopje. 
 

D.M.