'Don't Copy That Floppy' Sequel Warns of Piracy; Includes id Software Cameo, Klingons

52
In an effort to educate "a new generation of would-be pirates," the Software & Information Industry Association (previously the Software Publishers Association) has released a modern sequel to its classic 1992 anti-piracy music video, "Don't Copy That Floppy."

As "MC Double Def DP" raps "turn your talent and your passion into a career" at the 3:25 mark, the video provides a quick look at some models from id's shooter RAGE, an appearance from id CEO and outspoken anti-piracy advocate Todd Hollenshead, and a glimpse of the monsters that lurk behind desks at the studio known for DOOM.

"'Don't Copy That 2' uses humor to bring a serious message to today's youth and remind us all that copyright piracy is a crime," explained SIAA Intellectual Property Policy & Enforcement SVP Keith Kupferschmid, who then added:

The video is intended to be fun to watch while also conveying the message that pirating software and content carries stiff penalties and can ruin your life. We hope 'Don't Copy That 2' will prevent piracy by helping people, young and old, make better choices when it comes to downloading or purchasing copyrighted works. People may think they can save or make money by engaging in piracy. But, as demonstrated in the video, it's really a game of Russian roulette with serious consequences.

Said the SIIA: "When DP [Digital Protector] discovers a website selling pirated 'tunes, games and apps' run by a college student named Jason, he uses a catchy hip-hop song and a startling dream sequence to teach Jason about the costs of engaging in piracy."

Free downloads of the new song and video are available through iTunes, with the poorly-named official site (DP's Lair) offering lyrics and behind-the-scenes photos.

Along with today's online release, the SIAA will be providing a "modified and extended educational version" of Don't Copy That 2 to classrooms later in the fall.

In case you need a refresher on the original "Don't Copy That Floppy," see below:

Lastly, if you're still around, here's what the SIAA had to say about "convicted software pirate Jeremiah Mondello," who appears towards the end of Don't Copy That 2:

Mondello, 24, is currently serving a 48-month federal sentence for using stolen bank account information to create fictitious eBay and PayPal identities in order to sell pirated software via eBay. SIIA initiated and worked with the U.S. Department of Justice on the investigation that led to his conviction.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

Filed Under
From The Chatty
  • reply
    September 9, 2009 7:41 AM

    Can you get me an MP3 of that? I'll pirate it if I have to.

    • reply
      September 9, 2009 7:56 AM

      It is free on iTunes!

    • reply
      September 9, 2009 8:26 AM

      This almost got nuked, Tom. I haven't had coffee yet.

Hello, Meet Lola