For the most part, I used to think of copyright violations and plagiarism as synonymous until researching deeper into the core of the definitions of each.  I discovered (pirates always love discovering) that I agree with the principals of what make plagiarism wrong, rather than what makes copyright violations wrong.  As a history student, I understand that plagiarism, taking credit for someone else’s idea without giving credit to the person as if you came up with it yourself, is not just wrong, it’s rude.  I hate it when I’m with friends, and  I come up with some plans to do something fun, and then someone I asked about it acts like it was their idea the whole time like they are the sole contriver of all things fun, and everyone hails them like they are Van Wilder or something.  I don’t play that game.  Plagiarism at all levels, whether you’re the person who came up with the Theory of Relativity, or the Theory of Why Tony’s Hat Ended Up That High Up in a Tree, is just plain wrong.  Copyright violations are a whole other concept.  In some cases like copying albums and selling them for profit is wrong, and the violator should suffer the consequences if caught (many pirates’ fate have been determined by this notion).  But in other ways, the prosecution of  copyright violations can seem pretty greedy by the prosecutor.  In my opinion, sharing such things as photography, and other forms of art are educational and contribute to inspiring all kinds of people, as well as aesthetically improving the world.  In this case, prosecutors seem greedy in denying people of the sharing of certain art forms, and seems somewhat like taking advantage of people and art.       That’s why I fully support Creative Commons in finding ways to share art without violating Copyright laws. Art should be shared freely within the art community, and not used as a form of manipulation to make money off of someone who wants to share a picture of a picturesque landscape, or a song that may inspire a person to make new music to contribute to the musical world.  Without inspiration, a person cannot hope to reach their full potential of creativity that may truly influence others and the world.