Nerve Endings Firing Away

One of the largest file-hosting site, Megaupload was abruptly shut down by U.S. officials. Technically, it was not a ‘sharing’ site or as we have come to understand ‘sharing’ over the Internet since a minority uploaded files for the majority to download. The site charged users a fee to upload large files anonymously although I’m not sure how anonymous can you be if you are using a payment gateway.

Admittedly, most of the content was pirated movies, music, etc. but I’m sure Megaupload can argue that they just allow for hosting large files and do not monitor what content users choose to upload. Like the DMCA states, the copyright holders are free to file a claim and ask their content to be removed, like it is done with YouTube. But until the lawyers and judges get to parse this difference, the site will be down and is probably gone forever. But like previous attempts, the pirated content will simply move elsewhere. There are already several sites that offer services similar to Megaupload and the U.S. will have to continue playing whack-a-mole.

Instead, if the entertainment industry simply focused on enhancing convenient legal ways to obtain content and price it right, people would be more sympathetic. We recently ditched cable and subscribed to Hulu Plus in addition to Netflix and potentially subscribing to season passes on iTunes. Yesterday, we sat down to watch ‘White Collar’ on Hulu Plus and opened the app on my iPad to mirror it on the TV (since the app doesn’t offer AirPlay, go figure). However, we got a message that the episode was available on the web only so if both of us wanted to see it we had to either hunch in front of the 15″ computer screen or hook up my laptop to the TV, both inconvenient solutions. Other shows, like the Daily Show, however were available to view on the iPad. Also, we later realized that the episode was available on iTunes…for free! WTF. No wonder people turn to illegal solutions because the legal ones are so convoluted and inconsistent.

As Steve Jobs would say, focus on providing the consumers with a seamless, enhanced, and beautiful experience and they’ll be willing to fork out their hard-earned money for your products. And yes, stop making movies like ‘Jack and Jill’.