What are ill-effects of software piracy?

moneythe manufacturers don't earn millions & millions of dollars.

every time you purchase legitimate software, you are giving money to the sales people, shipping agents, manufacturer, designer, developer, etcetc

every pirated software program stops each of these people earning their share of the money from the software, however, some people may argue that they would never use it if they had to pay for it, & only use it if its free, but its still illegal if it has a copyright.

also to remember, if the developer & designer don't get paid for their work, they may no longer produce any products, & that leads to no new developments, & we all get stuck with old technology (yeah, like that's going to happen!)