Having a number of deadlines being sprung upon me. I was forced to investigate and explore different avenues of technology in order to get the job done. I've always been a fan of the idea of eBooks, but never really explored professional incarnations, let alone paid for any. Truth be told, reading The Silmarillion on a pdf was about as far as I'd been.

Yet, a Google search and five minutes of my time later and there I had a freshly downloaded copy of the book I needed. It was actually cheaper than the 'real' Amazon alternative despite the currency exchange and I had no waits on delivery nor had to spend a minimum in order to get free delivery. I would consider that a bargain!

As with all new forms of media delivery and convenience. More extravagant and draconian methods of Jewishness are unfortunately enforced. Pennies make the pounds after all, and no one likes knowing that they could've made more money if only they clamped down even harder!

Striking the balance is of course the primal issue and one that has been quite obviously and reflexively shunned by those 'in power'. They hold the cards and are free to do as they please. Regardless if it's Steam, movies or music downloads, when intellectual 'property' (I'll spare the whine about how ridiculous this concept is) is under threat, nay, 'lost profit', the businessmen are always quick to thrust the knife in to stop any vulnerable or potentially 'flexible' profit streams.

Television? With the BBC already having an online service for some time now, as well as Channel 4oD (on demand), and ITV soon enough. Traditional media is catering more and more to my needs. I can read some of the best writers in the world for free, I can watch free television, I can listen to free radio. So why do gamers begrudge paying for music, film or games?

In fact, the new technological push, leaves an interesting legal technicality open for exploitation. In the United Kingdom, if you use equipment to receive or record television, you're subject to pay the TV license, which is, £135.50 per year (£45.50 if you're using a black and white television).

I've often thought about what I would say if a TV License inspector did happen to make a call round. I've like most(?) students, received the angry letters bating for blood. I could quite confidently and calmly explain that a TV license pays exclusively for the BBC services. But since you've got no proof that I've used my USB Digital TV Tuner to watch BBC services live (I'll happily be watching Jeremy Kyle on ITV2 just at the right time, hopefully!) but I've got proof that I enjoy BBC programmes legally, surely I could win on technicalities?

In fact, just to show how far the limitations of popular stereotypical opinion are. I downloaded Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 and Vista Business 64 Bit, legally and free of charge earlier today. Most software comes with separate demo or trial versions, so the excuses are wearing thin.

Cost, restricting 'DRM's' or just a blatant lack of quality isn't a reason for rampant piracy, the logic is infallible and it's not helping anyone. It gives media big wigs less reason to invest in alternative media and more to ramp up prices and add further restrictions. It's just plain disrespectful.