So our company got bought by a foreign company. I just started there as programmer. This is my first job. I needed to do some design work; we decide we need Photoshop.
The new foreign boss answers via email that he does not want to pay for it and sends some links to some cracks and pirated versions of Photoshop.
Honestly, I can't do that. This job, this company, is about writing software. We exist because people pay for our software. I can not pirate software and betray that very principle that pays my meals.
My immediate non-foreign boss and all my colleagues agree.
Well, this is my first job and I really don't know what to do. What would you do in a situation like this? I feel like this can't be a place I would want to work in, but I kind of like it here and it's just the foreigners that are the problem.
If you have any ideas or advice... I feel lost.
Honestly, if a programmer needs to do some design work, spending a fortune on a Photoshop just for that sounds like wasting money. Buying photoshop for a full-time designer hired to work with it is another thing.
I'm not saying you should pirate, instead, use GIMP. Or Microsoft Paint, lol. Or better yet, if you're a programmer, leave design work to designers.
If he asks you this now, then you can be sure you will have other problems with him in the future.
Use GIMP instead? It's an open source image editor.
www.gimp.org [1]
EDIT: But personally, I would suggest finding a new job. That's very unethical of your company. I would even consider reporting. But since you're new, it must be kind of intimidating. :(
[1] http://www.gimp.org/Your immediate boss is the one you report to. You do not deal directly with this person. Let your immediate boss handle it.
Do you have a legal or HR department? I'd get some statement from them that you aren't allowed to pirate software.
Do you really need Photoshop, or would some other free software do the job?
And get that CV out there. You don't want to be there long term.
Use open-source GIMP + INKSCAPE (for the vector graphics part if needed).
Explain to the boss that you can't support pirated Adobe products for the same reason you can't support boss company pirated products. If he is human - he'll understood that and will buy Photoshop or will let you to use open-source programs, otherwise - get out of there.
You could also suggest using Photoshop Elements. It does roughly 90% of what Photoshop CS5 does, has the Adobe brand (important for some purchasing departments!) and is significantly cheaper than Photoshop CS5.
Try to humbly present those same arguments to him. Meanwhile, try to get by using the 30-day trial, that's legal to do.
I think you should voice your concern with the person in question. Try and give him the scenario for your companies perspective. He will undoubtedly reply that Adobe are massive and can afford the loss. With that state Adobe used to be in the same situation, how - if someone did that to you, the company would loose pocket.
Also define how these large companies crack down hard on piracy. Especially companies of which do it.
If its a 15 year old kid in his room, everyone tend to look the other way - corporate is another story.
Alternatively. Tell him - you are unsure of how to illegally crack software - and he or someone else should do it. Therefore the legalities are on someone elses shoulders. Using alternative software could be the answer - perhaps even using the trial version for 30 days. When it dies - the work is half done and you tell your boss, it cannot be completed.
Good on you for sticking to your guns dude -
If you do use pirate software then, depending which country you live in, you may be held personally accountable if your company is ever investigated.
If I where in this position I would do the best job I could with tools which are freely available such as the built in paint or much better paint.net.
Good Luck!
If you are only doing a small amount of work and its not long term, just use the 30 day trial!
OK, so you need Photoshop. And you want it for free and you don't like GIMP.
Solution: Go over to: http://www.gimphoto.com/2008/05/gimpad-11-released.html
And download Gimp Photo + Gimp Pad
Plus: Get Paint.net [1] for all the work you thought MS Paint could not do.
There will be a learning curve, but it is worth the trouble for you as well as for your boss.
[1] http://www.getpaint.net/First I would try communication. Say that pirating is illegal and you cannot do it. Maybe he will understand reason. Won't hurt to try. If it does hurt, like you getting fired, then did you really want to work in a company where they require you to do illegal things? I've seen programmers read too far into things and not to try clearing things up first. Including myself.
Your boss is The Boss so basically you could do what he asks, and also send an (anonymous) report to the BSA, the police and some other copyright-guard dogs, explain your situation and let them handle it.
When your local boss and your colleagues agree with you, you should have plenty of support to not follow this command from your Big, Chinese Boss. Tell your local boss to contact your Chinese Boss and let him handle this matter, explaining why you can't use any illegal software. Just make sure your local boss understands why you refuse to use some illegal software. If your local boss supports the Chinese Boss, you can reach the
BSA
[1] at
this URL
[2].
Compromise. Offer to use something that will do 95% of what you need but will cost a fraction of PhotoShop (e.g., Paint Shop Pro.) You haven't given details about what you'll be designing, but in my experience, buying PhotoShop to do entry-level web work is like buying Excel to make a grocery list.
Ask someone with Photoshop and use his computer.
You should get him to give you a written document on the company letter head signed by him and cleared by the accounts department authorising you to download the cracked version and use it.
Either he'll do it in which case, the company is shady and you have good reason to burn the letter and leave.
Or he'll see the problem and consider alternatives.