So what I'm doing is illegal?

[cali]

My kid set up my computer so I can download movies for free with bittorrent. I've been having a blast, but I gather what I'm doing is illegal. Should I worry about being prosecuted for it?

[HopeHoops]

1. Pay no attention to those black SUVs outside your residence.

Those dish antennas on the roof are for ordering at the drive through window - yeah, that's the ticket!

[Mari333]

2. Id be more concerned about downloading unwanted viruses onto your PC

I did that myself and paid dearly for it . :)

[Madrone]

3. You should worry.

Although the first thing that will happen is that your ISP will get a letter "demanding" your service gets cut off - courtesy of one of the MPAA's hired thugs. You should get a warning from the ISP - but once you get on the MPAA's "notice" list they'll get more aggressive if they see you continually.

New movies are especially watched.

You definitely don't want a lawsuit - you don't have the resources. You don't want your service cut off either, I'm sure.

Be careful and don't get greedy.

And definitely, if you really like the movie support those who made it by purchasing it.

[cali]

4. thanks. that sounds like good advice.,

I think I'll just delete the program.

[Madrone]

6. Like many other things ... it's a gamble.

You know if you get Netflix you can watch unlimited (of what they have available), streaming movies for free, in addition to the ones you order on dvd?

Hulu.com also has a number of free movies available for streaming that you can watch, in addition to all of the hundreds of tv series.

There's a LOT of content out there.

[EndersDame]

8. I download music and save my $$ for concert tickets TShirts buttons and posters

[Madrone]

10. I hear you.

I download, find new artists, and buy the cds. :) More money gets to the artist your way though.

I also occasionally hear of some independent artist/filmmaker that ends up finding out one of their works is being downloaded and instead of freaking out they take the approach that it's good for exposure and do something on their website to accept donations if you downloaded it and like it. Ink is a new movie that that's happened with. I've downloaded it and intend on making a donation whether I like it or not - just to help foster their attitude. :)

[Nuclear Unicorn]

5. Get PeerGuardian

if not anyone plugged into the torrent you're downloading can see you.

[Madrone]

7. They can see you w/ Peer Guardian too.

If you're connected to a swarm, you can be seen. Peer Guardian only blocks certain known IP ranges. It is also my understanding that for that reason those doing the monitoring don't use the known ranges - they use their personal home accounts, etc. I've heard that it may be better than nothing, but is ultimately a false sense of security.

[NJmaverick]

9. This might be of interest to you

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_sharing_and_the_law

[CBGLuthier]

11. you get in more trouble for sharing than for downloading

There are ways to avoid sharing the files, especially once you have it downloaded.

I have gotten two cease and desists from my ISP both generated by HBO and complaining because the content was being shared, not because I downloaded it, which I did of course.

There was a time when music could get you in serious trouble but they no longer sue individuals for downloading music. But they can complain to your ISP.