Warez group
A warez group is a more or less tightly organised group of people involved in creating and/or distributing warez such as movies, music or software ("warez") in The Scene. There are different types of these groups: release groups and courier groups. Groups often compete, as being the first to bring out a new quality release can bring status and respect - a type of "vanity contest". The warez groups care about the image others have of them.[1] The primary motivation of warez groups is not monetary gain. Individual members of these groups are usually also the authors of cracks and keygens.[2] There are warez groups outside the warez scene too.
Warez groups typically add NFO files with their releases. Due to the nature of the scene, not much is known about these groups. Most groups follow one of the different warez standards to prevent being nuked.
The FBI have been combating warez groups with Operation Buccaneer, Operation Fastlink, Operation Safehaven and Operation Site Down.[3]
Some game and software groups include Razor 1911, Reloaded, DrinkOrDie, Pirates With Attitude, Class, and Fairlight. For a larger list, see the list of warez groups.
Release groups
Release groups are responsible for making warez releases. They are at the top of the warez world.[4] Their releases show up in pre databases. Access to the original software products is necessary to write cracks and keygens so they share original media among each other, usually using private sites and servers.[2]
Courier groups
Courier groups take releases and distribute them. This can be done using FXP to FTP sites. There are more couriers in the scene than there are crackers, suppliers and sites combined.[1]
Couriers are a specific class of topsite users who earn their access by uploading new releases and filling requests. When a courier gains access to a topsite, they are often required to pass a trial test such as uploading a certain amount in a short period of time.[5]
Couriers compete (race) against each other for respect, credits, access to other topsites, and fun.[6] Private couriers often operate as independent (iND) couriers. Some couriers band together to form courier groups which provide support and friendship through camaraderie. Although it may be noted that Couriers/Racers are looked down upon more than ever by affiliates and topsite staff with the increase of scripts that perform the couriers tasks automatically.
See also
References