After a year of unemployment and a year of prison

[fuzzy_logic]

No, I don't think people should be making a profit from it. You want to do good then give up all profits of the book to a worthy organization. Not the "I was sent to prison becouse I got busted" organization.

585838832[/snapback]

Are you retarded or what? Haven't you read that his whole family is surviving on an annual income of 30K? Why don't you shut up and go back to that porn site you were looking at? And what's up with the bitterness man?

[scoobydoobie]

As for Mr. Pitman, I admire your willingness to be forthright and honest about your incarceration, and your crimes. I would tend to agree that the punishment certainly didn't fit the crime.

According to who? You?

According to the law, the punishment did fit the crime. When you become a lawyer then let me know.

As far as being "forthright and honest", well, what else can he be if he's going to make a living. "Praise be the Lord for I have seen the light" bleh.

Haven't you read that his whole family is surviving on an annual income of 30K?

Yea, well lot's of families are surviving on less. Myself included at one time. That has nothing to do with this. This is about writing a book about a group of people who started a "business" so that they did not have to pay for software. Becouse of acts like this is why we now have to put up with stupid activation keys and other nonsence that does nothing but make life a pain in the ass. You people are almost hero worshiping him. Me get a life? Please....

He did something wrong, he was punished, he paid the price and he is continuing with his life. People do that everyday. Should they write a book about it? ummmmm, no.

At least I'm being honest in my opinions about this. Which is far more than a lot of you do.

[Cero]

No, I don't think people should be making a profit from it. You want to do good then give up all profits of the book to a worthy organization. Not the "I was sent to prison becouse I got busted" organization

Actually, becouse of people like you we have all this copy protection crap that we have to go thru just to use a piece of software. Thanks alot.

Hardly. I doubt anyones going to learn a life lesson from whatever you have to offer. What it all boils down to is that you were a thief, you got busted, did the time and now you want to start over. That's it.  All you have to do is change the reasons for the crime and it's like any other sob story from a thousand other people who have been busted for illegal activities.

I'm glad you have your head on straight now. I'm glad you've learned some life altering lesson. I'm even glad you are being looked at for a job. I just don't see how you feel that you deserve to profit from this. You thinking movie deal while your at it?

You want to tell your story? Go tell it to the hundreds of online soapboxes out there. There are thousands of non-profit publications who would listen.

585838832[/snapback]

I've read numorous disgruntled replys from you, and I've come to the conclusion that you seriously .. NEED TO GET LAID. :no:

I believe plenty of people will learn a life lesson from reading his stories. Maybe you are just incapable of realizing what that lesson is. He was leading one of the biggest release groups for games, I'm taking it you don't know much about the whole scene. You'd be surprised how many people are involved in it these days. For something that petty you can be thrown in jail for as long as Shane.

[buddhalishousboy]

According to who? You?

According to the law, the punishment did fit the crime. When you become a lawyer then let me know.

As far as being "forthright and honest", well, what else can he be if he's going to make a living. "Praise be the Lord for I have seen the light" bleh.

Yea, well lot's of families are surviving on less. Myself included at one time. That has nothing to do with this. This is about writing a book about a group of people who started a "business" so that they did not have to pay for software. Becouse of acts like this is why we now have to put up with stupid activation keys and other nonsence that does nothing but make life a pain in the ass. You people are almost hero worshiping him. Me get a life? Please....

He did something wrong, he was punished, he paid the price and he is continuing with his life. People do that everyday. Should they write a book about it? ummmmm, no.

At least I'm being honest in my opinions about this. Which is far more than a lot of you do.

585839272[/snapback]

Have you ever downloaded music on P2P software? Have you ever installed software that you didn't purchase? Have you ever made a copy of a movie or DVD that you rented? No one is perfect... but he is just one of the few that actually get caught... it seems to me that you are just posting to cause trouble... if you don't agree with him or what he has done, then it is simple, do not post...

[scoobydoobie]

Have you ever downloaded music on P2P software? Have you ever installed software that you didn't purchase? Have you ever made a copy of a movie or DVD that you rented? No one is perfect

What I have done or haven't done is irrelevent to any part of this conversation

if you don't agree with him or what he has done, then it is simple, do not post...

what????

I can't post becouse I disagree with it?

You people have no idea what your talking about. seriously.

Everytime you bitch and moan about some copy protection that the software or movie industry is implementing (and there are a lot of you) then you can put some of the blame or maybe alot of the blame on people like this. And yet, here you all are praising him for becoming an upstanding citizen.

Again, let me set it straight that I applaud him for going forward with his life and I feel somewhat bad for the life that his family must have had to endure but for Damn sake, you don't have to high five him for it.

There are thousands of families that struggle everyday and not becouse they broke the law. yet you don't see them wanting to have a book deal.

Don't you get it??? It's becouse of Razor and a bunch of other groups that we now must put up with the pain in the ass copyprotection crap that every Tom, Dick and harry organization is throwing our way.

On one side you all bitch about copyprotection and now on the other your praising a guy who helped form the copyprotection acts we must all live with.

Shame on all of you.

Edited April 27, 2005 by scoobydoobie

[Shane Pitman]

Scooby I'm sorry that you think that I'm trying to get rich off of my past or something. I only said that I would consider writing a book because so many people asked for it. I didn't start this thread going "hey, I was a warez God and now I want you to worship me" but you certainly seem to think that that's what this is all about. I guess by your account nobody should ever read anything that Kevin Mitnick or Kevin Poulson write either. Odd that they're two of the most notorious yet most published and quoted hackers of all times. I guess that anyone who learns a valuable lesson in life shouldn't share it with the rest of humanity, or at least if they do, they should work hard to put together something, a book, whatever, and just give it away, because hey, even though they went to prison for what they did, served their time, the slate is never really clean is it? To people like you they're always just criminals, just another dumb convict. I mean, this was a thread about me being happy to have a chance to rejoin society as a normal person. People started asking for details about my past, then more, then someone mentions that I should write a book, says my past is entertaining and eye opening. What should I do? Tell 'em, "nah, learn the same way I did".

[Cero]

There are thousands of families that struggle everyday and not becouse they broke the law. yet you don't see them wanting to have a book deal.

585839410[/snapback]

You obviously don't know what's going on in the thread.. :no:

We're (most of us) encouraging him to write a book, he didn't come in here drooling out the mouth about writing about a book, hoping to gain fame or anything.. he simply told us what has happened in the last year with his life, and regardless of whether or not other people write a book, it shouldn't justify his right to write one. Simple, don't buy it! I know I'd be interested in reading it, but don't go around telling someone he shouldn't write a book just because you're not interested.

[fuzzy_logic]

There are thousands of families that struggle everyday and not becouse they broke the law. yet you don't see them wanting to have a book deal.

There're thousands of homeless people who look for food in trashcans, yet you don't see them looking for jobs. So by your logic, everyone should just stop working?

[BlazingTech]

scoobydoobie, shame on you.

So, you decide you don't like the idea of his writing a book. Great, thanks for making your point, don't buy it, now please move on. There are plenty of us who would buy it. Your view can not dictate its own very special and to be honest somewhat questionable morality on the rest of our views, and sweeping generalizations such as

Everytime you bitch and moan about some copy protection that the software or movie industry is implementing

hardly do enforce your point.

[scoobydoobie]

Scooby I'm sorry that you think that I'm trying to get rich off of my past or something. I guess by your account nobody should ever read anything that Kevin Mitnick or Kevin Poulson write either. Odd that they're two of the most notorious yet most published and quoted hackers of all times.

Sure they are and the big difference is that Companies and people have learned how to better secure themselves. There was actually something to gain from those people.

distributing pirated software has done nothing but make it more difficult for the average joe to istall and use software.

I guess that anyone who learns a valuable lesson in life shouldn't share it with the rest of humanity, or at least if they do, they should work hard to put together something, a book, whatever, and just give it away, because hey, even though they went to prison for what they did, served their time, the slate is never really clean is it? To people like you they're always just criminals, just another dumb convict.

Those are your words, not mine.

I mean, this was a thread about me being happy to have a chance to rejoin society as a normal person. People started asking for details about my past, then more, then someone mentions that I should write a book, says my past is entertaining and eye opening. What should I do? Tell 'em, "nah, learn the same way I did".

Ok, I agree that maybe I've been too harsh about the whole thing but it just makes me mad that we have to put up with so much activation/copyprotection crap becouse of the choices of a few individuals.

And I am by no means upset with you perse as I am with the fools here that feel that you should be worshiped for what you've done and what you've been thru.

My opinions really mean nothing other than to myself so whatever deal you might strike to get something published then all I can say is more power to you.

You are right of course. You only wanted to share your happiness and I threw a wrench into it. For that I apologize. To the rest of the Neowin community tho. You can kiss my backside....hypocrites..

[buddhalishousboy]

What I have done or haven't done is irrelevent to any part of this conversation

585839410[/snapback]

No, it actually is... you are acting like he is the only person that has ever done anything wrong... but the only thing he did wrong was get caught... and for this, you think he shouldn't write a book... had you read this entire post, you would know that it was all of us that told him that we had an interest in reading the "whole story"...

and I am by no means a hypocrite... i fully support copy protection, activation, etc... I buy all of my software and all of my music... not saying that I never have in my life installed something I didnt buy, but I havent in many, many years...

[BlazingTech]

You can kiss my backside....hypocrites..

Hmm... y'know, I rather think not. buddhalishousboy ^^^ has a fair point. If you call us (note: sweeping generalization yet again) "hypocrites", why not take a stance of your own?

Actually, I'll not continue this, and bow out - it's shane's thread and its neither my nor your place to start this here. All the best, shane :)

[DodgeViper]

It's not as if you killed someone so I don't think it's a serious thing, piracy is pretty hot now and it leads to some hefty fines or jail time, but going to jail takes the **** even though I have never been, I have met people who've been to jail and they've definately changed their ways so I won't be surprised if you're legit.

Any way good luck on the job.

[Cero]

To the rest of the Neowin community tho. You can kiss my backside....hypocrites..

585839512[/snapback]

We won't even give you the pleasure, hemorrhoid. Your whole argument was a flop. Where do you even get off calling us hypocrites?

Edited April 27, 2005 by Cero

[fuzzy_logic]

Back on topic, so Shane when are you gonna hear from them about the job? Does it pay well?

[Shane Pitman]

Back on topic, so Shane when are you gonna hear from them about the job? Does it pay well?

585839692[/snapback]

Well, they interviewed two people today and they have one more interview tomorrow. I hope to hear something Friday or Monday. The salary range is mid to high 50's.

[Cero]

Well, they interviewed two people today and they have one more interview tomorrow. I hope to hear something Friday or Monday. The salary range is mid to high 50's.

585840210[/snapback]

Just out of curiousity did you inform them at all on your involvement in the scene? Even though it was illegal activity it seems like it may actually help, in terms of knowledge.

[Shane Pitman]

Just out of curiousity did you inform them at all on your involvement in the scene? Even though it was illegal activity it seems like it may actually help, in terms of knowledge.

585840243[/snapback]

Yes, they know all about my past. Who I was, what I did, the consequences, everything. It doesn't do any good to try to avoid telling an employer about it. I'd rather them not hire me than find out 6 months from now and fire me.

Edited April 28, 2005 by shanepitman

[DrunkenMaster]

Shane, thanks for sharing the expeirence. Unfortunate as it was for you and your family to live through it.

To answer your question about writing a book about the experience, I would encourage you to team up with someone (perhaps a friend with a criminoloigy background) and write something to help improve the justice and encarceartion system. Not only your story but the one of a fellow cell mate being stuck in solitary for selling 2 rocks of crack is telling of the problems of encarceration in the USA.

If you decide to write the book yourself, I assure you, not being a journalist will not impact your ability to success. It seems you'll do just fine. Its about relating the experience and not the gramatical correctness.

I admit, I'm Canadian (and disclose there might be a bias). Our prison system also has its problems, but maybe you can try and help make others' lives better. Afterall, you're intelligent and young - whereas others in prison don't have the same opportunities. The same, I would argue about the guards - under educated, under paid and still in charge of the secuirty - and often don't question the warden's orders.

Piracy is definately an issue that needs to be dealt with as computers take over our lives. I think some regualtory methods are in need for software pricing. The disadvantaged can't afford computer hardware or software. When you have neither you're even further behind the well to do. Escpecially when you can't get the same software everyone else is using.

[username]

Sure they are and the big difference is that Companies and people have learned how to better secure themselves. There was actually something to gain from those people.

distributing pirated software has done nothing but make it more difficult for the average joe to istall and use software.

585839512[/snapback]

lol whatever, there has not been ONE person EVER who could not install software that they legitly paid for

[bayrider]

Yes, they know all about my past. Who I was, what I did, the consequences, everything. It doesn't do any good to try to avoid telling an employer about it. I'd rather them not hire me than find out 6 months from now and fire me.

585840386[/snapback]

hey shane, congrats on ur progress so far. I was wondering if by any chance ur prior history had any positive impact on your current advances in the interviews? U know, like 'Catch Me If You Can' where Frank Abigale ended up getting a job at the FBI because of his knowledge. if this was answered b4, i appologize, but its 18pages deep lol

[Cero]

hey shane, congrats on ur progress so far. I was wondering if by any chance ur prior history had any positive impact on your current advances in the interviews? U know, like 'Catch Me If You Can' where Frank Abigale ended up getting a job at the FBI because of his knowledge. if this was answered b4, i appologize, but its 18pages deep lol

585840770[/snapback]

I believe the post you quoted him in, is his answer to my question that is the exact same as yours. :rofl:

Edited April 28, 2005 by Cero

[Jayzee]

Shane, I suppose I am one of many to congratulate you on your job interview ang hope for the best for you and your family. This really is the most interesting thread yet and I enjoy reading it. In the good 'ol days when I was student without any money I used some of your releases and I must commit that you did some really good job :whistle:. I'm really sorry what happened to you and your family and things you had to endure in prison. I totaly agree with you when you say that it was not worth it.

It would be great if you could tell us more about your past life with Razor group, something like how you met them, if you got releases from internal sources or whatever you want to tell us. I'm not asking you to tell us in detail which compiler you used or stuff like that, just overall info. Ofcourse you do not need to answer these questions if you do not want to or if they wake up some painfull memories. Best of luck Shane!

[darkz]

good luck then.

[darkz]

It would be great if you could tell us more about your past life with Razor group, something like how you met them, if you got releases from internal sources or whatever you want to tell us.

585841354[/snapback]

Yea! Maybe he should make something like the "The Screne"..