I've been using torrents for years and pretty much getting them all from Demonoid. I feel like though I've been reading a lot more articles lately on how torrents aren't as safe as once thought. Has anyone here used usenet? I know I'm probably not the only one here who constantly downloads shit, so what does everyone else use?
Going from Bittorrent to Usenet is like going from using the internet vs going to the library.
Usenet takes more work and it's not easy to find your files. You have to be alot more geeky and there is a learning curve if you don't know about winrar and the newsbin software is something to get used to. Usenet's files come in partial files and sometimes they aren't all there and there are time limits on the files that are posted.
But, I'm sure after you use it for a long time it'll come like second nature. people swear by it, but I'm too lazy. I've tried to get myself to do it that way, but the torrents come and smack me on the face it's that easy.
With Bittorrent, it's easy to get a cease and desist letter for downloading the newest movie, and you run the risk of getting sued for downloading music files (although many bittorrent lawsuits have been thrown out).
I've personally have gotten many cease and desist letters for downloading movies on public trackers. Nothing has come of them. And note that I always use PeerBlock which is like being forced to fuck an AIDS victim with or without a rubber with holes in it. Yes, you would reach for the rubber with holes in it, but it's not likely to work.
I wouldn't use bittorent to download music, although I have, but I use it at open wifi. I use frostwire to download single music files (i'm a leecher and don't share though). Sharing is for canadians.
I have downloaded a shit-ton of TV shows and have never ever gotten one cease and desist letter. I've probably downloaded 100 terabytes of tv shows at LEAST.
I wouldn't say that bittorrent has gotten more risky. I just got into demonoid myself, I only use them for stuff I can't find and they have files that aren't available elsewhere.
Articles are scare tactics. Become a member at Slyck.com and read up and I'm sure they can answer any more of your questions.