Don't ask for warez

Bad luck! For all those who got here by such search terms as +vmware+warez, you've come to the wrong place!

Explicitly asking for illegal copies of commercial software (also known as ``warez'') in #linux will result in an immediate kick. Asking about where to find a piece of software that happens to be commercial (assuming you are not aware of this fact) will not result in a kick though. We will, if possible, give you the URL of the company producing and/or selling the software, and inform you of the fact that this particular piece of software is commercial.

If you are concurrently in #linux and a ``warez'' channel, or anything that looks like a warez channel, expect to be kicked from #Linux. Quickly.

Why do we think warez is wrong? Where do I start? The reasons are varied, but here are some I can think of. Whatever they are, this policy is not open to negotiation and you will get zapped either way.

• It deprives someone/some people of their right to gain financial recognition for their considerable efforts and investment of time
• Many of us are software developers ourselves, and do not appreciate some low-life free-loading without our permission
• It is against the law of any civilized country
• It is morally reprehensible