Online Piracy's Great Comeback
In the 2010s, piracy was very popular because digital content was easy to copy and store cheaply. However, it declined after 2012 when streaming services like Netflix and Spotify offered an easier and cheaper way to access content legally. Now, piracy is returning because streaming services have become more expensive, offer less content, and are harder to use due to content being spread across many platforms. While many believe companies are just being greedy, the movie industry's high production costs and the fight between studios to keep content exclusive are big reasons for this change. Music streaming has been more successful because music is cheaper to make, and artists have other ways to earn money, making piracy less appealing.
Key Vocabulary
To do something in a bold and unashamed way, often implying a lack of embarrassment about an action that might typically be considered inappropriate or self-serving.
Examples:
- The politician shamelessly promoted his own business interests during the public meeting.
- She shamelessly took credit for the team's hard work, never acknowledging their contributions.
- The company shamelessly copied its competitor's product, hoping to capture a share of the market.
To an extent that is absurd, unreasonable, or excessive, often implying that something is far beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.
Examples:
- The price of the vintage car was ridiculously high, far more than its actual market value.
- He wore a ridiculously oversized hat to the formal event, drawing many stares.
- The project deadline was ridiculously short, making it impossible to complete the work thoroughly.
To rescue or retrieve something from potential loss, damage, or destruction, often implying an effort to save something that is in a precarious state.
Examples:
- After the fire, they managed to salvage a few family heirlooms from the burnt-out house.
- The team worked hard to salvage the failing project by implementing drastic changes.
- Despite the severe storm, the crew was able to salvage most of the cargo from the shipwreck.
Severe measures or intensified enforcement campaigns taken to suppress or control undesirable activities or behaviors.
Examples:
- The government initiated crackdowns on illegal street racing, leading to numerous arrests.
- Increased police crackdowns on petty crime have made the city's downtown area feel safer.
- The company implemented strict crackdowns on unauthorized software usage among its employees.
In a way that is lawful, valid, or in accordance with established rules or principles; also, genuinely or reasonably.
Examples:
- The business legitimately earned its profits through ethical practices and quality products.
- She legitimately questioned the accuracy of the financial report, finding several discrepancies.
- He had a legitimate reason for his absence, having been called away for a family emergency.
Most important, prominent, or influential; taking the leading position.
Examples:
- As a scientist, her foremost concern was the accuracy and integrity of her research findings.
- The foremost challenge facing the new CEO was to restore employee morale.
- He was considered the foremost expert in his field, frequently consulted by other professionals.
A combination of two or more things, often used informally to describe a pairing or mixture.
Examples:
- The restaurant offered a burger and fries combo for a discounted price.
- The new software features a powerful combo of data analysis and visualization tools.
- Her outfit was a stylish combo of casual jeans and a formal blazer.
Involving conflict, opposition, or antagonism; characterized by hostile or competitive relations.
Examples:
- The two companies have a long history of adversarial competition in the marketplace.
- The negotiation process became adversarial when both parties refused to compromise.
- He tried to avoid an adversarial tone in the discussion, hoping to find common ground.
A reference to the 1984 American comedy horror film, often used to refer to the movie itself or its iconic mischievous creatures.
Examples:
- My brother and I always watch Gremlins around the holidays; it's a classic.
- The special effects in Gremlins were groundbreaking for their time, especially the practical puppets.
- She compared the chaotic state of her computer to a scene from Gremlins, with everything going wrong.
Serious and immediate danger, risk, or threat.
Examples:
- The mountain climbers faced grave peril during the sudden blizzard.
- Ignoring the safety regulations put all the factory workers in peril.
- The company's financial decisions placed its future in considerable peril.
Something that is regularly or reliably chosen or used, often as a preferred option or a default choice.
Examples:
- Whenever I need a quick and healthy meal, my goto is a simple salad with grilled chicken.
- For complex coding problems, that particular online forum is my goto resource.
- His goto strategy for winning arguments was to present an overwhelming amount of data.
Extremely successful and popular films, books, or other products, typically those that achieve massive commercial success.
Examples:
- Hollywood studios often rely on summer blockbusters to generate significant revenue.
- The author's latest novel became an instant blockbuster, selling millions of copies worldwide.
- Despite its massive budget, the film failed to become a blockbuster and lost money.
The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend or opinion.
Examples:
- The band's music was initially considered niche, but it eventually broke into the mainstream.
- His political views are far from the mainstream, often sparking debate.
- Many independent films struggle to attract a mainstream audience, despite their critical acclaim.
A return to success, popularity, or prominence, especially after a period of decline or absence.
Examples:
- After years out of the spotlight, the veteran actor made a triumphant comeback in a critically acclaimed drama.
- The fashion trend from the 90s is making a comeback this season.
- The athlete trained rigorously for months to make a strong comeback after his injury.
Based on a hypothesis or a theoretical assumption, rather than on fact; in a way that is imagined or supposed.
Examples:
- Hypothetically, if we had unlimited resources, we could solve this problem much faster.
- She considered, hypothetically, what would happen if the experiment failed.
- Hypothetically speaking, what would be your first move if you won the lottery?
Well known for some bad quality or deed; having an extremely bad reputation.
Examples:
- The city is home to an infamous landmark, a bridge known for its frequent traffic jams.
- He became infamous for his controversial business practices and shady deals.
- The infamous hacker was finally apprehended after years of evading authorities.
People who pay to receive a publication, service, or access to content on a regular basis.
Examples:
- The streaming platform announced that it had gained millions of new subscribers this quarter.
- Magazine subscribers often receive exclusive content and early access to articles.
- The internet service provider offered a special discount to its loyal subscribers.
To arrange to receive something regularly, typically by paying in advance, or to express agreement with an idea or opinion.
Examples:
- I decided to subscribe to the online newspaper to support independent journalism.
- Many people subscribe to the belief that hard work leads to success.
- You can subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on new product releases.
Increased in speed, rate, or progress; caused to happen more quickly.
Examples:
- The company's new marketing strategy significantly accelerated its sales growth.
- The warm weather accelerated the melting of the snowpack in the mountains.
- Technological advancements have accelerated the pace of global communication.
Owners of shares in a company or corporation; individuals or institutions that hold stock in a company.
Examples:
- The company's annual report outlined its performance for the benefit of its shareholders.
- Shareholders voted on the proposed merger during the annual general meeting.
- The decision to expand into new markets was made to increase value for the shareholders.