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Webmaster Interview: To0/Richard Humphrey
This interview is with Richard Humphrey, a well known and controversial figure that has been behind the scenes in the Warez scene for more than a decade. He introduced streaming to the scene and helped to revolutionize the way DDL sites perform today. He was a vital part of many large warez sites and was a part of the “Supreme Council” of a large underground organization until ultimately finding himself face to face with the F.B.I. He’s gone by many names, has operated many websites such as the legendary USAWarez.com and most recently he has exposed State & Federal corruption. His stories have been featured on the Huffington Post, FoxNews, IGN, Cleveland.com, TorrentFreak and thousands of sites across the world. This is his story.
What’s your name?
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Do you go by any handles?
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How old are you and where are you from?
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How did you become a webmaster?
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When did you make your first website & what was it?
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How long have you been in the scene?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Would you consider yourself a pro-pirate or somewhere in between?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
How did you come up with the name USAWarez?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What are some of your best memories from the USAWarez era?
I’ll never forget when Loki posted in the Admin area about how fast the site was growing and the chart compared USAWarez to Warez-BB. If the site wouldn’t have went down, we would have passed WBB within only 1-3 more months of uptime, maybe not even that much longer. The site was getting 2,000-3,000 registrations per day, over 250,000 unique visitors, thousands of V.I.P members. I mean it was one huge hustle bustle community. It was amazing.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What do you think contributed to the immediate success of USAWarez?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What were some of your favorite Warez sites of all time?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
How did you become so influential in the Warez scene?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What do you think of the StopFileLockers movement?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What do you think of the scene in general?
I think that if there were to be more people who actually cared about what it is that they do and treated it as a hobby first and foremost, instead of trying to collect like a bank, that the scene would be fine.
Only time will tell really . I don’t think the scene is going anywhere, anytime soon and that goes for up or down.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Where do you see Warez down the road, say 5 years from now?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Why did you go to Federal Prison?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
How much time did you spend in Federal Prison?
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Did you have any co-defendants on your case?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Have you ever had any co-defendants?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
You have a lengthy criminal background history, what are some of the charges that you have?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
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What caused you to commit these crimes?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Do you mind elaborating on what charges you shouldn’t have plead guilty to?
The intimidation on a cop happened while I was strapped into a 4 point restraint (this is on video btw) and the cop was hitting me in the head, calling me a punk. I told him to stop, he kept doing it, so I threatened him and his family. Keep in mind I was shitfaced and strapped into a chair while the asshole was hitting me in the fucking head. That’s the American justice system for you though. I served no days in jail for this crime either, makes perfect sense as to why. Judge was like wtf is going on here with these North Ridgeville Cops against this man. North Ridgeville has a bad reputation with me, just about as bad as society thinks of me when they see my record. It’s not always as it appears though. I’m a nice guy, really am, just don't strap me to a chair and hit me in the head and we'll be fine.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Are you on any supervision or probation at this time?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
When are you scheduled to be released off of your supervisions?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What are some of the things that you do on a daily basis?
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Where do you live?
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What sites do you run right now?
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Do you have any businesses?
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Who are some of the most influential people that you have met online?
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Do you have any favorite sites other than your own?
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Do you or have you ever owned any prominent sites that you never disclosed before?
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Why did you go back to prison on January 27th, 2014?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What happened while you were in there with the copyright situation?
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How did you find out about the copyright infringement taking place?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Why do you think the prison was bringing in this type of material?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What possessed you to kite the Warden, record her in a phone call and record a video of yourself regarding the situation?
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HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
You said there was other copyright infringement taking place elsewhere besides Lorain Correctional Institution when we spoke with you the last time, care to elaborate?
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
You were recently featured on the Huffington Post, were you nervous at all?
Hell yeah I was nervous. Going on a Live TV show with millions of people watching. I’ve never been on television before, all I kept thinking about was what would happen if I said the wrong thing or a swear word. Or if I choked up and stuttered. You know it’s a good thing that when my brother came over his connection was lagging because in the beginning it helped cover up how nervous I was. I probably was shaking a little bit, but the lag actually helped to hide that. One of those rare moments in life when you actually appreciate a lag lol.
In the video you talked about a Hollywood Network, do you see this ever coming into fruition?
Yeah I think so. Well at least I hope so, I mean if it doesn’t happen, then there are some seriously stupid people out there in high business positions that need to be fired. I’m amazed it hasn’t happened yet (the firing and the Hollywood Network). This is a huge business, Hollywood is a huge business, they have all the technology in the world when it comes to making the movies, but when it comes to relating with their customers and maximizing their earning potential they fail miserably. I don’t know if the government is in their pocket or if they are in the governments pocket or both. I don’t know what the real reason is for operating the way that they do. I guess in the end though as I said in the video, everyone still makes money. The government uses their agencies to police the world and to stop individuals from pirating, they receive huge tax payer money for these operations and it helps them justify trying to pass new laws and to peer into our personal lives. On the other hand, Hollywood has an agency that works for them for free, they have but a few copyright enforcing outfits when you really think about it it’s the U.S. government that does all the work for them. Essentially it’s the people of the country who pay to see a movie, pay to protect a movie and pay to be spied on. So maybe this is a good ass reason as to why Hollywood is ultimately content with doing it the way their doing it. They are setting record profits after all… Then again, is this the right thinking to have? They could be blowing these profits out of the water if they changed the way they distributed their works.
See our Hollywood Network Article inspired by Mr. Humphrey
http://scrolldog.com/how-hollywood-can-end-copyright-infringement-set-record-sales/
Where is all of this going? What was the purpose of doing what you did and bringing all of this to light?
I don’t know where it’s going, I just wanted to make a point and I think so far the point has gotten out there. This is a serious situation taking place. The draconian laws being enforced on people, the government imposing prison time and harsh fines, the MPAA and Hollywood staying stuck in their ways since the 1900′s. I mean something needs to change and I figure there is nobody else better for the job than me. So I’ll investigate the prisons, I’ll investigate the judges, I’ll investigate the marshals. The Lorain Correctional Institution isn’t the only one that is on the radar for me. I’m trying to prove a point and then some. We all know Hollywood is slow when releasing films, we all know they don’t make it affordable on purpose, we all know this. I want to know why. I think I’m finding out why, I think that it’s becoming apparent as to why. I mean, the government has offices within the movie studios for crying out loud. #1 on speed dial isn’t a director, its the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marines or the CIA. Do you see what I see?
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
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Do you think that the current copyright laws are fair?
No way, not at all. I think that the government needs to make some changes to the laws immediately and that they need to stop supporting big business the way that they do. In fact I think they need to get out of Hollywood’s affairs almost entirely. There’s no point in sending around dudes in suits on jets and in SUV’s all day everyday costing the tax-paying American more and more money while Hollywood gets richer and richer. They are more than competent to do the job themselves and if not then perhaps they should introduce a better system for their devoted customers. It’s the governments fault for babying Hollywood and allowing them to stay stuck in their ways. That’s part of the problem right there. Hollywood is reluctant to improve upon their business platforms simply because they have multiple forms of the U.S. government at their disposal to take care of their dirty work.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What do you think can be done to change them for the better?
The government needs to back off and asses this situation properly. They need to amend some of the copyright laws, make the crimes non-jailable when referencing digital works and make the fines realistic if not entirely mute. Then, Hollywood needs to get their heads out of the sand and make a Hollywood Network (or something similar) that shows movies relatively quickly in multiple formats with capabilities for their customers to stream, download or share. They need to make this network available world-wide or in as many places as possible. They could really make a ton of money doing this and shut down virtually every file locker/file host in the world if you think about it. There will always be people who copyright, but the fact is, there are over 50 million NetFlix subscribers and over 5 million Hulu subscribers. These two platforms alone don’t have any new releases and are only available in the U.S.A. Imagine if Hollywood were to setup their own Holly Network if you will, take it world-wide, offer new movies in theater after only 2-3 weeks of being in theater and charge a monthly fee of $19.99. They would probably have upwards of 500 million subscribers within the first 5 years and if you do the math your jaw would drop open. Like I said, all of this is ridiculous already.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Do you feel that the government is above the law in this regard?
I don’t think that they should be above the law, but sadly they definitely think they are sometimes. You see cops blowing through red lights with their cop lights flashing only to shut them off as soon as they get to the other side of the intersection. That’s just a small example, but a good one of what is going on here. It puts it in the same light. Copyright infringement is taking place within 75% of American households today and many of them don’t even know that they are doing it. Whether it be movies, games or music. The government never holds itself accountable for these kinds of things because they don’t feel that it’s a serious issue. They think they can just sweep it under the rug. Well, I like to think that with me that’s not going to be so easy. I guess we’ll just have to find out if people with a voice and a mind can still make a difference in this country or not. I’m optimistic and firmly believe that achievements can still be made by someone outside of a political party in this country. Regardless of their background history, color, religious preference or the size of their bank account.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Do you currently run any warez websites that you would like to share with us?
Yeah, be sure to checkout ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News | File Sharing Updates | Money, Tech & The Exposed (USAWarez.com). Oh wait, it redirects back to ScrollDog lol. No, not at this time I don’t have any that I am running
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What is your involvement, if any with any websites in the scene?
I don’t have any direct involvement, I’m more of a consultant. I like to advise individuals on the next move to make and help them form a strategy and an understanding of where they need to go and what they need to do to get there. I’m really good with that kind of stuff.
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Since you can’t technically use the computer, how are you taking this interview?
Unfortunately as I said I am unable to use the internet at this time so I have to go through other people to do things for me. Like the reason this interview took so long to do is because my brother was typing my responses and he types slow as hell (screw you Rick). Usually my Mom or my Brother will do it for me. Sometimes a friend or I’ll make a phone call and have someone do something. Only time I am on the computer is when I am doing college or reading emails or looking for jobs, etc. Other than that I don’t come on at all.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
When will you be able to use the computer on a regular basis?
Probably sometime in the near future. I am able to use the computer, I just haven’t opted to do so really. It’s pretty much all on my end, whenever I want to use it I can. Just haven’t taken the initiative at this time.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What can we expect from you in the future?
I think moving forward you will see some interesting things coming from me. I don’t like to reveal too much, but most of the things that I will be releasing in the future are going to do with things in and around my area so they won’t pertain to the scene really.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
What did you think of this interview?
I thought it was well done and gave me the opportunity to speak my mind. Thanks a lot for interviewing me.
HUMPHREY INTERVIEW
Do you have any final comments/remarks?
Yes I do. Firstly, thanks again for interviewing me & sorry for having to go about it so slowly and the way that we did. ScrollDog is really turning into a nice site and I appreciate you guys taking my information and doing really well with it. I wouldn’t have been able to get the coverage that you did, you guys deserve a lot of credit for that. Awesome work, really awesome work.
I want to thank everyone who has always been a supporter and a believer in the things that I do, from USAWarez to the WRZNetwork to USATorrents and many other things that launched into the stratosphere or things that never even got anywhere near. Thanks for believing in me and thanks for being there for the ride. There are a lot of you who worked with me over the years who were inspirations and truly I don’t deserve all the credit for the things that I have done, it was a combined effort in many cases.
The future holds an uncertainty, however the uncertainty is what makes it interesting. Remain optimistic, never give up and always continue fighting for what you believe in. Things always work out for the best if you keep faith and perseverance.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do this or you can’t do that. If you want to do it then you can. It just takes believing in yourself.
Always be genuine and as humble as possible. Don’t be like everyone else, don’t be a follower and don’t poke fingers at people unless it’s your job to do so. Try to think outside of the box, think about what your fans and visitors would want to see or what you yourself would want to see and try to implement that within your own creations.
Until the next time, take care!
Articles related to Mr. Humphrey
- http://scrolldog.com/how-hollywood-can-end-copyright-infringement-set-record-sales/ (STILL BEING EDITED)
- Richard Humphrey: U.S. Prisons Play Illegally Pirated Movies to Inmates | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
- U.S. State & Federal Copyright Infringement Scandal Goes Viral | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
- Huffington Post Live: Richard Humphrey Discusses Copyright Laws in the U.S. | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
- Richard Humphrey: Piracy Hypocrisy ? TheYoungTurks | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
- Richard Humphrey Talks Copyright Infringement | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
- Warden Admits Copyright Infringement Investigation | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
- FoxNews Broadcasts Ohio Prison Piracy Investigation | ScrollDog.com ? Breaking Scene News
SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH IMAGES, VIDEOS & MORE!
http://scrolldog.com/webmaster-interview-richard-humphrey-usawarez-com/
http://scrolldog.com/webmaster-interview-richard-humphrey-usawarez-com/
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