[the_af]

I think stealing is only part of it. A lot of it is actually availability: the mainstream industry simply can't or won't compete on availability and convenience, which explains why piracy is rampant.

If you could pay a fee and get whatever show/movie you wanted, whenever you wanted, without region restrictions, and in the original language, I think we would see a drastic reduction of piracy. Some people will download pirated movies just because, of course, but I think we would see a drastic reduction of piracy if paid content was just more convenient.

In other word, distributors need to shape up. Of course, it's easier to blame consumers and try to enforce stricter DRM instead of improving the quality of service...

[emsy]

Unfortunately, this argument doesn't get the attention it deserves. A clickhoster account can cost more than a Netflix account, yet people are willing to pay for it, even though they might not end up using it to its extent. In Europe many people would gladly pay to watch GoT when it's released. Customers don't care for marketing rights, they just want to watch the show when it's released.

[qeorge]

I don't disagree that a lot of people would stop pirating if there was a legal alternative. However, in my experience, most adults will simply chose an alternative rather than resort to piracy (which is probably watching a different show, but it could also be simply not watching TV).

I'm in that camp, now. I'll just pick another show which is available on Hulu/Netflix/Amazon, or I'll play my Xbox, or I'll take a walk. Not a big deal.

[pyre]

There are exceptions to your rule though. You can't always get streaming service out in the boonies, or other remote locations.