Not too long ago, we reported on how producers of the film “Hurt Locker” were saying that they would sue tens of thousands of file-sharers for downloading the movie. Apparently, a producer since sent a rather inpulsive (to put it lightly) response to someone who threatened to boycott their works over the litigation tactics.
Note: This is an article I wrote that was published elsewhere first. It has been republished here for archival purposes
The fiery exchange was posted on BoingBoing where someone from Toronto sent a letter to a producer of “Hurt Locker” as a result of the news that the producers would be suing tens of thousands of BitTorrent users.
“I wish to register my disagreement with these tactics,” the letter said, “and would like you to know that as a result of these actions I am boycotting your films. The majority of the people you are suing were not seeking to make money from their downloads, and will be financially devastated by a lawsuit or settlement. While it is completely understandable that Voltage Pictures wishes to defend its intellectual property, this is an inhumane way of doing so.”
Apparently, it sparked quite a fiery response.
“I’m glad you’re a moron who believes stealing is right.” Nicolas Chartier continued, “I hope your family and your kids end up in jail one day for stealing so maybe they can be taught the difference. Until then, keep being stupid, you’re doing that very well. And please do not download, rent, or pay for my movies, I actually like smart and more important HONEST people to watch my films.”
This is why it’s always been difficult to debate people like this who believe that copyright should be a tight as possible. Rather than responding with maybe some sort of logical reason, they’d rather hurl insults which suggest that they act like a 5 year old when their mother refuses to buy them candy. Copyright maximalists have been known to just employ non-productive responses in any kind of debate at times. There have been those in the past that at least respond with some reason (even if almost all of it is either misguided or misleading most of the time in our opinion), though such responses have been increasingly rare and going in favour to people like this. Some might even go so far as to say that people like Chartier is giving copyright maximalists a bad name over things like this.
If someone wants to be shown any form of respect, they need to give it first. Clearly, that’s not happening here. It’s extremely difficult to respect someone who calls his fans “morons”.
If Chartier wants to have any sort of debate degenerate in to nothing more than a shouting match, that’s clearly up to him, but many people will know about the exchange and quite easily boycotte his productions as well. I know I certainly won’t even consider seeing anything produced by him after all of this.
But really, can’t we at least grow up a little first?
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Google+.
