Game of Thrones Still TV's Most Pirated Show → Re: hbo

The only thing that tells me is that HBO has a pricing AND window problem, and also this is comparing worldwide pirating comparing to US viewers. Not really a fair comparison.

If I liked GOT I would pay for it (I have HBO), or any other show for which I don't have a sub--but in many cases they make this hard.

HBO is the worst because of their windowing and forced DRM, which IMHO is circa 1980. On top of that it is priced 2x of what Netflix is, but Hulu is certainly creeping up to ridiculous pricing. If you don't like a specific show, $15 bucks a month is highway robbery, and even then suspect.

I remember the macrovision boxes (descramblers) back in the day--what has really changed. Nothing...WAKE UP HBO.

Worldwide is he big clue here, If someone can pirate GOT now or wait several weeks or months for an in country channel to show it they are going to more than likely choose piracy.

It does not make it morally right but in the big picture its the content owner to blame because there is no reason ni 2015 to have regional barriers.

"If I liked GOT I would pay for it"

I would too. If I liked something I would pay for it so they would keep making it.

Or people are cheapskates. I think BMWs are priced too high. I'll go steal one. No it doesn't work that way.

HBO could charge $5 per month and Game of Thrones would still likely top the piracy charts. People feel they have a right to all content free of charge. If you don't make it free they will just steal it. Then again you can make next day viewing free and they will still steal it. As is the case with the fourth ranked show, Arrow. And The CW's future remains uncertain because so few people legally obtain their shows. Which is a real shame because they are the only free network willing to take on risky shows and will typically keep them going if the fan base remains dedicated enough.

You do know that the CW network is Free OTA!

It's funny how people can get it for free, but they pay (for OTA channels). I get over 35 channels in my area but people pay the "rebroadcast fee" on top of paying for the channels with their cable subscription. That "must carry" thing got out of control and if anything, hurt OTA broadcasting.

Then, there are those who, by human nature, feel they shouldn't have to pay for something they can get access to it.