Am I stealing internet?
aspieRommel
Icrontic politicoIndianapolis, IN Icrontian
Hi guys,
This issue came up today and I would like your feedback on the issue.
I use my uncle's internet to game and surf the web, which includes taking care of my political advocacy stuff. I want to make clear that he KNOWS that I am using his internet and that he ALLOWS me to use it. Anyway, for the past few days he has not allowed me to use it. I take issue with this because I lost my dad last Tuesday and wanted to play my console games to try and cope with his loss. Anyway, my mother and I were talking about it today and she said that I was "out of line" for STEALING my uncle's internet to play games. Again, I want to make clear that he KNOWS I use it and he ALLOWS me to use it. I told her that every time I ask him about it, he always plays me off as either "You're funny", "You're silly", "You're crazy", or "I didn't turn it off. Did you turn it off, Beth (my aunt)?" So I am asking two questions:
1.) Am I in the wrong?
2.) How do I settle this problem?
Appreciate the feedback.
aspieRommel
Comments
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, holy crap. You've got much bigger issues to worry about right now; realize that most of what you're going through is most likely emotional trauma and the way people deal with loss is different for everybody.
A public forum is not the place to answer legal questions; it doesn't sound like you're "stealing" internet, but that's the least of your worries right now.
The very definition of theft is to take something without authorization, privilege or consent. You have all three.
@primesuspect I understand that. We have had everything taken care of in regards to my dad and had the service for him yesterday. The only reason I would ask something like this is because I wanted to play online with my online friends and have that ray of sunshine during a dark time in my life and some people think that it is "out of line" for me to want to have that.
I am sorry to hear what you are going through aspieRommel. It's got to be rough.
To be blunt, those people are 100% wrong. Only you know what will help you through the grieving process. It is no one elses business to tell you how you should or shouldn't grieve. Stay strong Dude.
Sorry for your loss.
It sounds like the issue is more that your family doesn't understand how important gaming and being online is to your healing process. Calling you out as a thief sounds more like an excuse to take away a thing that they think is bad for you, rather than an actual accusation of lawbreaking.
Family members might see online gaming as juvenile, as something to be outgrown, and perhaps they think that this is the time to push you into being 'an adult'. I hope that you don't take that message to heart.
It might help to explain to them, calmly, how much it helps you to have this access, but some people never understand the value of games and online camaraderie, and when it comes down to it, it is someone else's internet bill, and if he doesn't want you on his service anymore, then that's that. You'll have to find another way to get online.
You do, at least, still seem to have some access (at least enough to get to our nice forum) and there are other games you can play with that level of access. They may not be the same games as your console, but camaraderie and gaming challenges can be found at any access level. If you need suggestions, just ask us.
@CB I get access by going to the McDonalds nearby and using their internet for my PC. But sometimes I may not have the money.
@BobbyDigi @CB Also, I would love to have my own internet access when I have the money, but being a person who fill out multiple job apps but gets no call backs, I'm not able to.
@BobbyDigi @CB Also, for the record, it turns out my uncle got a new router that is password protected. I asked him if I could get the key and he said that he wouldn't give it to me until he learns more about it. I just hope he means what he says.
The wireless key is not something that is sensitive and should be held back from you. Perhaps the administrator password (which should not be the same as the wireless key) is something he needs to hold back, but the wireless key is required for anyone who wants to use the internet at that location.
@Tushon Right, that is all I ask for. I even offer to do stuff for him in return for access.
There might be places besides McD's that would be willing to let you use the wifi au gratis. Not a solution, but a cheaper stopgap.
Do some research, take some aptitude tests, apply for a student loan and go to post secondary. It'll be the best decision you make.
Trade schools are awesome.
@midga I plan on going to one for auto mechanics when I get enough money.