My $.02, and IANAL
What KennyG did would probably not be considered theft in itself, but it
could easily be seen as aiding and abetting in hte commision of a crime,
fraud, and possible accesory to shoplifting.
Sarcastic, there is a difference between theft and a lucky break, and
kennyG's post clearly outlines that difference. If he had not seen the stealing
of the CD blanks the finding the open box might be considered a "lucky break".
But, by taking advantage of the situation as he did, he is clearly condoning
the criminal behavior that left damaged merchandise on the store shelf, and
he is profiting from that crime and knowingly covering evidence that could be
used in a followup investigation. There is reason to believe that guy may
attempt to steal his CDs in the same fashion at other retailers.
Consequences:
Loss of inventory and legitimate revenue for the store.
Loss of crime prevention opportunity for Law enforcement.
If kennyG takes advantage of the "rebate" then that is a direct act of larceny
against TDK itself.
That I can no longer walk into some stores and examine products off the shelf is
a direct consequence of the actions of morons like that CD stealing a--hole.
Stealing software is wrong, which is why you can look for free or cheap alternatives
or learn to make do without.
Stealing music is wrong, but many people have a legitimate claim to fair use of music
they have already purchased; and a considerate exposure to new music has been shown to
increase record sales.
Not only is stealing store merchandise wrong; but seeing it happen, taking further advantage
of the store becuase of it, and the posting a confession in a publically accesible forum
is just plain STUPID!!!.
You must live a pretty pathetic life to believe there are no people who can or will do
things for no other reason than the personal satisfaction of helping another.
Nobody said Altruism was not self-serving, but there is a difference in acting for
personal profit, and acting for mutual gain.
Finally, he comes here and posts this crap as a HOT DEAL in the General Hardware forum.
Probably expecting that if he posted it in the Hot Deals forum the thread would get
locked and he would get banned over it.
(and yes, I've seen it happen before in similar threads)
The consequences in the way some people will react to kennyG in these forums has yet to
be fully determined, but I don't think we need a poll over it.
On a philisophical note, can you truly claim to see any situation in which there are
no consequences in the interaction of people and objects?