I have to agree that the way they went about shutting down Megaupload wasn't good. The reaction of frequent visitors was incredibly negative and that could've probably been avoided by a little forewarning before the site's subsequent closing. It also didn't help that this was in the wake of SOPA, something many internet users, whether they pirated videos or not, were dreading.
Oftentimes, shows that aren't available immediately in some countries when they air in their production country cause more people to want to enjoy shows at the same time as those who are able to watch things immediately. Being a part of an online community that surrounds a show that doesn't air in your country until months or even years after the original air date can be frustrating and alienating and people sometimes feel like pirating is the only way to keep up with the conversation. If networks would take a more active role in making content available online, it would be much more profitable. With the arrival of Hulu and other such sites that stream TV and movies, people no longer have to wait to watch something on TV and I think we've gotten used to that. There is a certain laziness that goes with pirating, particularly movies that aren't hard to obtain legally, whether it's in theatres or available to rent and/or buy on iTunes or Amazon.
While I don't condone piracy, I can see why some people feel the need to do it. And, as the article says, the Megaupload site's demise had a negative effect in some cases since people weren't sharing their experiences by word of mouth anymore. Only those with immediate access to new releases can talk about them, and that puts a stopper in what could be a prosperous market.
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