How do companies know if I use cracked software or assets for my personal gig?

For context, I want to run a small personal gig (offering stuff on Patreon). Nothing too fancy.

In order to do that, I would need to use the Adobe suite, Windows, some audio and video effects, all requiring a commercial license.

In theory, I start to make money. How would Microsoft and Adobe know that I don’t pay for their software?

If I use some audio effects, how would their owners even be able to tell / find my work? We’re talking about basic sound effect, like rain, door knocks etc.

I’ve always been confused by this

ninjan,

They don’t. But if you get big and along the way in a throwaway comment on Patreon mentioned you use the Adobe Suite and other tools they’ll look into that and if you don’t pay they’ll send a very stern letter demanding payment.

Generally for Joe Schmo if they’re found out it stops at a letter demanding payment, and if you don’t pay it likely won’t escalate, especially if you deny the accusation. But for someone making a profit they’ll get their money and it’s a major headache and just not worth it considering you are making money far exceeding the rather small cost.

fishos,
@fishos@lemmy.world avatar

It’s encoded into the file itself which license you have

cestvrai,

I don’t know about Adobe but I think it’s true for some software.

My previous employer (~30 person company) got in trouble for a Fusion360 file that was sent to a customer after being edited by an intern’s pirated copy. Employees and interns typically used a different licensed CAD software.

I think the pirated file being opened at a larger company tipped them off, but I don’t know how they ultimately tracked us down.

That being said, I personally wouldn’t want the stress of using pirated software, let alone pirated assets in a professional setting.

fishos,
@fishos@lemmy.world avatar

Adobe lists it on their support website that serial numbers get put into files and there’s even a little tool to check if your serial number registered properly so you can make sure to claim the rights to your own work.

I definitely wouldn’t want to risk it unless you passed the files through some intermediary programs that stripped that kind of metadata out.

LiveLM,

I don’t know why you’re being downvoted, because this is a real practice

fishos,
@fishos@lemmy.world avatar

There’s a page on Adobes website about them putting the serial number of your license in files you create. It’s usually not a “we immediately know” type thing, but a “if we find out and check, it’s pretty obvious to us” way. I’m not sure how else people think they would enforce the licenses anyways. It’s not just a licence to use the software, but to use the final product commercially.

originalucifer,
@originalucifer@moist.catsweat.com avatar

most of the applications 'phone home', often constantly after installation. often, source files will include a serial number embedded in metadata in source projects, that can be traces to a license.

there are many methods, but if you protect yourself (air gapped equipment) and cleanse your output you should be ok. that said, there are new techniques out/on the horizon with embedded data that would not be removable.

cyborganism,

How about using open source alternatives? Like Gimp or Inkscape?

java, (edited )

How about answering the question that was asked:

How do companies know if I use cracked software or assets for my personal gig?

cyborganism,

How about you check your attitude?

It was a simple suggestion made in good faith.

java, (edited )

Sometimes, I search for information on how to resolve Windows-related issues because I often assist my relatives and friends with their computer problems. It can be quite exhausting when I come across online discussions on platforms like Reddit or StackOverflow, and instead of finding relevant answers, I encounter responses from individuals suggesting a switch to Linux or something like that. These responses are unrelated to the original question.

So consider your attitude before making simple suggestions “in good faith”. There’s nothing good in it. What you’re doing is not helpful and toxic, even if the toxicity is subtle.

cyborganism,

Wow… Ok…

Take a chill pill.

java,

I’m chill and polite. I’ve precisely explained what’s wrong with the answer, I wasn’t talking about you. So if you have no counterarguments, just stop arguing. There’s no need to act childish and to try to undermine the other person.

cyborganism,

Can’t you just let go already?

BlueSquid0741,

Have you also considered though that this is how knowledge spreads. For every 100 people who read this they might say “here we go again with the FOSS…”, but a handful of people might say “GIMP? What?” and go check it out.

Open discussion instead of strictly direct question and answer is important.

java,

I’ve made the switch to FOSS. When faced with tasks that would only require two clicks in Photoshop, I turn to online searches like “how to do X in GIMP.” However, the results are often in the form of either a 10-minute video or a 10-step article. I’m not engaged in professional work. While I partially agree with your point of view, I find it the suggestion to “consider GIMP and Inkscape” superficial in this context. I could accept it if the person I was responding to had shared useful links or information to aid in the transition: sets of useful plugins, free tutorials, and other resources aimed towards those, who are familiar with Photoshop. Any software is just a tool. The OP’s objective is to accomplish tasks, so it’s natural for them to stick with familiar tools instead of learning new instruments. Consider another thing: if they are professionals in the field, they must have practice and deep knowledge of tools like Photoshop, not GIMP.

originalucifer,
@originalucifer@moist.catsweat.com avatar

the true path

cyborganism,

We should pirate stuff only if no other good open source alternatives are available.

CubbyTustard,

deleted_by_author

    •
    cyborganism,

    I’d rather pay for stuff if the creators really deserve it. Like independent video game developers for example. Or I’ll donate to developers who give away their work as well.

    If we pirate everything, don’t be surprised if smaller players disappear and only the big ones remain and take advantage of their position.

    Wootz,

    Not to be a dick, because I agree, but this doesn’t really answer the question.

    SchizoDenji, (edited )

    >User posts a support query for paid software in a piracy sub.

    >“Why not use FOSS instead?”

    Every single time.

    Not everyone has the time and resources to relearn a new piece of software when they already have their workflow sorted out. Nobody asked for FOSS alternatives, it’s a piracy sub.

    Besides, shit like GIMP isn’t even half as good as photoshop.

    ParanoidFactoid, (edited )
    @ParanoidFactoid@beehaw.org avatar

    deleted_by_author

    •
    SchizoDenji, (edited )

    There are plenty of artists who use pirated software to create shit but haven’t got into trouble, the trick is to block the network requests and strip the Metadata.

    And MS/Adobe would not go for a small patreon artist because they know that if they go too far, people will be pushed towards their competitors, which they don’t want since their business model hinges on being the most widely used software and thus not allowing any competition to grow.

    ParanoidFactoid, (edited )
    @ParanoidFactoid@beehaw.org avatar

    deleted_by_author

    •
    SchizoDenji,

    There is a theoretical possibility, but you have to be practical. Its upto an individual to decide.

    cyborganism,

    Calm down dude.

    Also, I wouldn’t mind people pirating Photoshop for personal purposes, but if you’re going to do this for your business and make a profit off their software, you ought to pay for it.

    That’s my opinion.

    pragmakist,
    @pragmakist@kbin.social avatar

    And Krita.
    Like David Revoy

    Also Blender? I'm mean if they're adding sound effects.
    Sofie Jantak does 2D stuff in Blender

    Also don't pirate rain and door knocks, just get them from people who freely share that sort of thing.
    Like these

    cows_are_underrated,

    BBC also has a great sound library for sound effects.

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