A digital license code grants entry to a particular iteration of a basketball simulation sport, distributed via a specific on-line gaming platform. This code, upon profitable redemption throughout the platform, permits the consumer to obtain, set up, and play the related sport. As an illustration, getting into a particular sequence of characters permits a participant to unlock and play the 2011 version of a well-liked basketball online game on their pc by way of Steam.
Buying such a license provides a number of benefits. It gives an economical means to entry older sport titles, probably unavailable via direct buy from the first platform. It additionally holds historic significance, permitting gamers to expertise a particular level within the evolution of sports activities gaming and, on this occasion, to revisit a fondly remembered entry within the franchise. Its availability permits customers to play a basic sport regardless of it not being bought on the first platform.
The next sections will delve into the place one may find such digital licenses, components that affect their worth, and potential safety concerns when buying them from unofficial sources.
1. Rarity
The shortage of legitimate activation codes straight influences the accessibility and market dynamics surrounding the digital license for the required sport. As a discontinued product, formally generated license keys are not produced, making present keys a restricted useful resource.
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Restricted Authentic Distribution
The preliminary distribution of digital licenses was finite. As soon as the sport was faraway from sale on the Steam platform, the era of latest, official keys ceased. This fastened provide is a elementary issue contributing to its present-day shortage.
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Attrition Over Time
Digital keys can turn out to be unusable as a consequence of varied components, together with redemption failures, account restrictions, or revocation by the writer. This attrition additional reduces the variety of viable licenses out there to potential purchasers.
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Elevated Collectibility
The older a title turns into, the extra it takes on collector’s-item standing, which is boosted whether it is unavailable to purchase on a main platform. This added collectibility additional reduces the variety of folks promoting the keys.
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Geographic Variations in Inventory
The preliminary distribution of digital keys might have various geographically. Some areas might need had a bigger preliminary allocation than others, impacting present-day availability and worth inside these particular markets.
Consequently, the restricted availability of purposeful activation codes straight impacts the challenges confronted by these in search of to amass and play the sport. Shortage elevates costs and will increase the chance of encountering illegitimate or non-functional keys within the market.
2. Market Worth
The financial price of a digital license for the required basketball simulation sport is topic to a fancy interaction of things, reflecting its restricted availability and enduring enchantment. Understanding the drivers behind the value fluctuations is essential for potential purchasers navigating the reseller market.
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Shortage Premium
As beforehand mentioned, the restricted provide of legitimate activation codes is a main driver of its elevated market worth. Discontinued gross sales and code attrition create a basic supply-and-demand state of affairs, pushing costs upwards as availability diminishes. This shortage premium is amplified by the sport’s historic significance throughout the franchise and style.
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Nostalgia Issue
The sport holds important nostalgic worth for a lot of gamers who loved it throughout its preliminary launch. This sentimentality interprets right into a willingness to pay a premium to revisit the sport, additional inflating its market worth past what may be anticipated for a typical older title. That is particularly amplified amongst particular sports activities sport collectors.
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Reseller Pricing Methods
Particular person resellers make use of various pricing methods based mostly on perceived demand, stock ranges, and competitor pricing. This creates a dynamic and infrequently unpredictable market, with costs fluctuating considerably throughout totally different platforms and distributors. Some resellers might artificially inflate costs based mostly on the rarity notion, whereas others may supply reductions to draw patrons.
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Threat and Safety Concerns
The inherent dangers related to buying keys from unofficial sources, together with the potential for non-functional or revoked licenses, affect the market worth. Consumers could also be prepared to pay a better value for a key from a extra respected reseller, even when different choices are theoretically cheaper, to mitigate the chance of fraud or invalidation.
In conclusion, the market worth of the digital license is a mirrored image of its rarity, the nostalgic enchantment of the sport, reseller techniques, and the perceived dangers related to acquisition. Potential patrons should fastidiously think about these components to make knowledgeable buying choices in a market with inherent volatility and uncertainty.
3. Regional Restrictions
Regional restrictions, a important side of digital content material distribution, considerably impression the accessibility of a digital license for the required basketball simulation title. These limitations dictate the geographical areas the place a particular activation code is legitimate to be used, probably stopping activation exterior of designated areas. That is particularly pertinent for older video games not actively managed by the writer.
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Preliminary Distribution Territories
The unique distribution of digital licenses might have been restricted to particular geographical territories as a consequence of licensing agreements and advertising and marketing methods. If the preliminary distribution was targeted on North America, for instance, activation keys originating from that area won’t operate in Europe or Asia. This preliminary territorial segmentation persists even after the sport’s elimination from direct sale.
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Steam Account Area Locking
Steam accounts themselves might be topic to regional restrictions, limiting the activation of video games bought or acquired from totally different areas. If a Steam account is registered in a specific nation, it might solely be capable of activate video games meant for that area. Trying to activate a key from a distinct area might end in an error message or account restriction, rendering the digital license unusable.
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Activation Key Mismatch
Resellers, notably these working in unofficial marketplaces, might inadvertently or intentionally supply activation keys which can be incompatible with a purchaser’s geographical location. This may happen as a consequence of an absence of transparency relating to the origin of the important thing or misleading practices on the a part of the vendor. Buying a key with out verifying its regional compatibility carries the chance of buying a non-functional license.
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VPN Circumvention Dangers
Some customers might try to bypass regional restrictions utilizing Digital Non-public Networks (VPNs) to masks their true location throughout the activation course of. Nonetheless, this follow carries important dangers, together with potential violation of Steam’s phrases of service and attainable account suspension or termination. Whereas VPN use may briefly allow activation, the long-term penalties can outweigh the perceived advantages.
In abstract, regional restrictions characterize a big impediment for these in search of a digital license. Understanding the complexities of preliminary distribution territories, Steam account limitations, reseller practices, and the dangers related to VPN use is crucial for making knowledgeable buying choices and avoiding potential points throughout activation. The absence of clear data relating to regional compatibility can result in frustration and monetary loss for unwary patrons.
4. Reseller Legitimacy
The acquisition of a digital license for the required basketball simulation sport necessitates cautious consideration of the supply’s legitimacy. As a result of sport’s discontinued standing on official platforms, acquisition sometimes happens via third-party resellers. The inherent danger lies within the potential for encountering fraudulent distributors providing non-functional, revoked, or illegally obtained activation codes. As an illustration, a consumer may pay for a code marketed as legitimate, solely to find upon making an attempt activation that it has already been redeemed or has been blacklisted by the writer, leading to monetary loss and the lack to entry the bought content material.
Establishing reseller legitimacy entails a number of essential steps. These embody verifying the seller’s repute via unbiased evaluations and rankings, scrutinizing their refund coverage and buyer assist infrastructure, and assessing the transparency of their product sourcing practices. A professional reseller will sometimes present clear details about the origin of their activation codes and supply recourse within the occasion of a problematic buy. Conversely, distributors working in unofficial marketplaces with minimal oversight or missing established customer support channels needs to be approached with excessive warning. The existence of consumer boards and on-line communities devoted to figuring out and reporting fraudulent resellers underscores the prevalence of those considerations and the significance of due diligence.
Finally, the pursuit of a digital license for the sport requires balancing the will for affordability and accessibility with the crucial of making certain transaction safety. The absence of official distribution channels locations the onus on the customer to meticulously vet potential resellers and mitigate the chance of buying invalid or illegitimate activation codes. Whereas the lure of a cheaper price level from an unverified supply might be tempting, the potential penalties of encountering a fraudulent vendor outweigh the marginal price financial savings. Subsequently, prioritizing reseller legitimacy is paramount in securing a purposeful and legally compliant license for the sport.
5. Activation Course of
The activation course of constitutes a important stage in securing entry to the required basketball simulation title. This course of, distinctive to the Steam platform, validates the digital license and grants the purchaser the precise to obtain, set up, and play the sport. Understanding the intricacies of this process is crucial, notably given the sport’s elimination from official sale and the next reliance on probably unreliable third-party resellers.
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Key Redemption on Steam
The activation course of begins with redeeming the bought digital license code throughout the Steam consumer. This entails getting into the code in a chosen discipline, triggering a validation course of that confirms the code’s authenticity and eligibility for activation on the consumer’s account. Failure to accurately enter the code, or the presence of an invalid or already-redeemed code, will stop activation and render the acquisition unsuccessful. This reliance on a particular platforms key redemption system highlights a centralized system for legitimate use and buy of the sport.
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Account Entitlement and Sport Library
Upon profitable redemption, the sport is added to the consumer’s Steam library, signifying that the account is now entitled to obtain and play the title. This entitlement is tied to the precise Steam account and can’t be transferred or shared. The sport turns into accessible for obtain and set up at any time, supplied the account stays in good standing and complies with Steam’s phrases of service. The method provides proof to buying the sport and binds the title to the account.
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Obtain and Set up
As soon as the sport is added to the library, the consumer can provoke the obtain and set up course of. This entails downloading the sport information from Steam’s content material servers and putting in them on the consumer’s pc. The obtain velocity and set up time will range relying on the consumer’s web connection and the sport’s file measurement. Potential points throughout this part embody corrupted downloads or set up errors, which may stop the sport from launching correctly, requiring troubleshooting or re-installation. The obtain and set up course of ensures the whole and proper setup of the sport for play.
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Potential Errors and Troubleshooting
The activation course of is just not all the time seamless, and customers might encounter errors throughout the redemption or set up phases. Frequent points embody invalid key errors, regional restrictions stopping activation, or conflicts with present software program on the consumer’s system. Troubleshooting these points usually requires contacting Steam assist or consulting on-line boards for options. The complexity of those potential errors underscores the significance of buying activation codes from respected sources and understanding the technical necessities for operating the sport on a particular pc configuration. Right understanding of those potential errors are important to easy activation.
In abstract, the activation course of is a multi-stage process that validates the digital license, grants account entitlement, and facilitates the obtain and set up of the required basketball simulation sport. Understanding the intricacies of this course of, and the potential pitfalls that may come up, is essential for making certain a profitable activation and having fun with the sport. The reliability of this course of is additional dictated by the legitimacy of the vendor of the keys themselves.
6. Sport Compatibility
A digital license’s performance is inextricably linked to the sport’s compatibility with trendy {hardware} and software program environments. Particularly, a license for a legacy title like NBA 2K11 obtained by way of Steam hinges on the sport’s capability to function successfully on modern working techniques, reminiscent of Home windows 10 or 11. A legitimate license is rendered functionally ineffective if the sport itself fails to launch, reveals important errors, or suffers from efficiency points as a consequence of incompatibility. As an illustration, making an attempt to run the sport on a system exceeding its initially designed {hardware} specs might end in graphical glitches, instability, or outright crashes, whatever the validity of the Steam key. This dependency underscores compatibility as a important element affecting the general usability of such a license.
Additional compounding the difficulty are potential driver conflicts and software program dependencies. Older video games usually depend on legacy DirectX variations or different runtime libraries that is probably not natively supported on newer techniques. Whereas compatibility modes and community-created patches can typically mitigate these points, they aren’t assured options. A consumer may, subsequently, possess a legitimate Steam key and a correctly activated sport of their library, but nonetheless encounter important hurdles in reaching a playable expertise. The sport’s reliance on SecuROM additionally creates a necessity to leap via additional hoops to play it which could not be obvious to a purchaser of the important thing.
In conclusion, whereas the possession of a legitimate digital license is a prerequisite for accessing the required basketball simulation sport, its true worth is contingent upon the sport’s compatibility with the consumer’s system. Potential purchasers ought to totally analysis the sport’s compatibility with their {hardware} and software program configurations previous to buying a license, as a legitimate key doesn’t assure a seamless and even purposeful gaming expertise. The older the sport, the bigger of a problem compatibility turns into.
7. Steam Account Safety
The acquisition and use of a digital license for NBA 2K11 by way of Steam inherently hyperlink to Steam account safety. Compromised accounts pose a direct menace to the validity and accessibility of any video games, together with NBA 2K11, related to that account. A profitable account breach may end up in unauthorized entry, modification of account particulars, and, critically, the revocation or theft of owned video games. As an illustration, a hacker getting access to a Steam account might switch the NBA 2K11 license to a different account, rendering it unusable for the unique proprietor. This danger is heightened when acquiring keys from unofficial sources, as these transactions might expose customers to phishing makes an attempt or malware designed to steal account credentials.
Implementing strong safety measures is subsequently paramount. This contains using a powerful, distinctive password, enabling Steam Guard Cellular Authenticator for two-factor authentication, and usually reviewing account exercise for any indicators of unauthorized entry. Moreover, vigilance is required when interacting with third-party web sites or functions that request Steam account login data, as these could also be fraudulent makes an attempt to steal credentials. The very technique of redeeming an NBA 2K11 key, particularly from a much less respected vendor, can act as an unintentional vulnerability if the consumer is not hypervigilant of their environment and software program when doing so. A weak password or one that’s beforehand used elsewhere throughout the web makes the consumer weak to an assault if a type of different web sites will get an information breach.
In conclusion, Steam account safety is just not merely a peripheral concern however an integral element of sustaining entry to, and possession of, an NBA 2K11 digital license. The danger of account compromise straight jeopardizes the funding in buying the sport and underscores the need of proactive safety measures. A compromised Steam account may end up in the lack of the sport and probably different video games tied to the compromised account, subsequently, it’s critical to guard the account. The age of NBA 2k11 and it is key on Steam amplifies this want for due diligence.
8. Different Sources
The shortage of formally sanctioned avenues for buying a digital license for the required basketball simulation title inevitably drives potential purchasers in direction of different, usually unofficial, sources. These sources, starting from gray market resellers to particular person merchants, current each alternatives and important dangers for these in search of to acquire a legitimate activation code.
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Gray Market Resellers
Gray market resellers function exterior of the official distribution channels established by the sport writer. They purchase activation codes via varied means, probably together with bulk purchases in numerous areas or unauthorized resale of promotional keys. Whereas these resellers might supply decrease costs than official retailers, additionally they carry a better danger of promoting invalid, revoked, or region-locked keys. The legality and moral implications of buying from gray market sources are sometimes debated, however the potential for buying a non-functional license is a tangible danger for shoppers in search of the required NBA title.
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On-line Public sale Websites and Boards
On-line public sale websites and gaming boards function platforms for particular person customers to commerce and promote digital licenses. Whereas these platforms can supply aggressive costs, additionally they current a heightened danger of encountering fraudulent sellers or buying illegally obtained keys. The absence of stringent verification processes and the reliance on user-generated suggestions make it difficult to evaluate the legitimacy of sellers and the validity of their choices. Buying a key from an unknown particular person on a web based discussion board carries a considerable danger of economic loss and the lack to entry the sport.
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Key Mills and Cracking Instruments
Illicit web sites might promote the supply of key turbines or cracking instruments that purportedly generate legitimate activation codes for the required basketball simulation title. Nonetheless, these instruments are nearly invariably fraudulent and infrequently include malware or viruses that may compromise the consumer’s system. Trying to make use of key turbines or cracking instruments is just not solely unlawful but additionally carries a big danger of infecting the consumer’s pc with malicious software program, resulting in knowledge theft, system instability, and different safety breaches. These sources supply illegitimate pathways to acquire the software program.
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Bundled Promotions and Giveaways
Often, activation codes for older video games like the required NBA title might floor via bundled promotions or giveaways organized by third-party web sites or gaming communities. Whereas these alternatives can present professional entry to the sport, it’s essential to confirm the legitimacy of the promotion and the supply of the activation codes. Taking part in giveaways or bundled promotions from unverified sources carries a danger of being uncovered to phishing scams or malware disguised as professional provides. A real promotional supply of the sport is uncommon.
In abstract, whereas different sources might seem to supply a viable path to buying a digital license for the basketball sport, additionally they current important dangers and uncertainties. The potential for encountering fraudulent sellers, invalid keys, or malware necessitates excessive warning and thorough due diligence. The dangers related to these different sources nearly definitely outweigh any reward. The shortage of professional copies on-line, sadly, forces customers to hunt out unreliable technique of taking part in the sport.
9. Lengthy-term Availability
The enduring accessibility of a legitimate digital license for the required basketball simulation title is intrinsically linked to its inherent digital nature and the insurance policies governing its distribution platform, Steam. In contrast to bodily media, the long-term availability of the secret is dependent not on bodily degradation however relatively on the continued operation and assist supplied by Steam, in addition to the adherence of the license to the platform’s phrases of service. If Steam had been to stop operations or considerably alter its insurance policies relating to legacy sport assist, the accessibility of the sport, even with a legitimate license, could be jeopardized. This highlights the inherent vulnerability of digitally distributed content material, the place entry is contingent upon the continuing viability of the distribution infrastructure. This makes the long-term availability of the title questionable and as much as Steam itself.
Contemplate the historic context of different digitally distributed video games which have confronted comparable challenges. Quite a few titles have been faraway from digital storefronts as a consequence of expiring licenses, developer closures, or evolving platform necessities. In such circumstances, even customers who had beforehand bought and downloaded the sport might lose entry to it if the distribution platform revokes their license or ceases to assist the sport’s on-line infrastructure. That is very true of multiplayer targeted video games whose gameplay turns into unplayable because the participant base dissipates and server prices rise for the writer. Consequently, the perceived long-term availability of a digital license needs to be tempered by an consciousness of those potential dangers and the understanding that digital possession is commonly contingent upon exterior components past the consumer’s management. With the dearth of official distribution, this availability turns into particularly worrying for the top consumer as an increasing number of keys possible turn out to be invalid.
In conclusion, whereas the acquisition of a legitimate digital license for NBA 2K11 by way of Steam grants instant entry to the sport, its long-term availability is topic to varied uncertainties. The continued operation of the Steam platform, the adherence of the license to its insurance policies, and the absence of unexpected authorized or technical obstacles are all components that may affect the enduring accessibility of the sport. Subsequently, potential purchasers ought to think about the inherent limitations of digital possession and the potential for entry to be revoked or interrupted as a consequence of circumstances past their management. The consumer is placing their religion in a 3rd occasion platform for the keys performance over time.
Often Requested Questions Relating to Digital Licenses
This part addresses frequent inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the acquisition and use of digital licenses for the required basketball simulation title. The responses supplied purpose to supply readability and steering to potential purchasers navigating the complexities of the digital distribution panorama.
Query 1: Are Keys Nonetheless Accessible?
Legitimate digital licenses stay out there, albeit in more and more restricted portions, primarily via third-party resellers and on-line marketplaces. Official distribution channels not supply these keys. Subsequently, the remaining keys turn out to be extremely wanted.
Query 2: Is This Authorized?
The legality is dependent upon the supply and the way the important thing was initially obtained. Buying from respected resellers with verifiable sourcing practices is mostly thought of acceptable. Nonetheless, buying keys from doubtful sources or utilizing key turbines is commonly unlawful and carries important dangers.
Query 3: What’s the danger of shopping for nba 2k11 steam key from third-party sellers?
Buying from third-party sellers carries inherent dangers, together with the opportunity of buying non-functional, revoked, or region-locked keys. The danger of encountering fraudulent distributors and the potential for malware publicity additionally exist.
Query 4: How does nba 2k11 steam key activation work?
Activation sometimes entails redeeming the important thing throughout the Steam consumer. Upon profitable redemption, the sport is added to the consumer’s Steam library, granting the precise to obtain, set up, and play the title. Nonetheless, potential errors throughout the activation course of can happen.
Query 5: What components affect the value of a digital license?
A number of components affect the value, together with the shortage of legitimate keys, the nostalgic enchantment of the sport, reseller pricing methods, and the perceived dangers related to acquisition. The interaction of those components creates a dynamic and infrequently unpredictable market.
Query 6: How lengthy will this steam key final?
The long-term availability of the digital license is topic to varied uncertainties, together with the continued operation of the Steam platform, the adherence of the license to its insurance policies, and the absence of unexpected authorized or technical obstacles. This makes the life-span of a key an unknown amount.
Navigating the digital license marketplace for a discontinued sport requires cautious consideration and thorough due diligence. Understanding the dangers and limitations related to unofficial sources is essential for making knowledgeable buying choices. Securing the digital licenses is a sport in itself.
The next part will present sensible suggestions for evaluating potential resellers and mitigating the dangers related to buying activation codes from unofficial sources.
Suggestions for Safe Acquisition of the License
The acquisition of a digital license for the required basketball simulation title, given its restricted availability and reliance on unofficial sources, requires a strategic strategy to mitigate potential dangers. The next tips supply sensible recommendation for navigating this advanced panorama.
Tip 1: Completely Analysis Resellers
Previous to initiating any transaction, conduct complete analysis on potential resellers. Study unbiased evaluation websites and consumer boards to gauge their repute and determine any patterns of fraudulent habits. Prioritize distributors with a confirmed observe report of buyer satisfaction and clear sourcing practices.
Tip 2: Scrutinize Refund Insurance policies
Rigorously evaluation the reseller’s refund coverage earlier than making a purchase order. Be sure that the coverage gives ample safety within the occasion of buying a non-functional, revoked, or region-locked key. A good vendor will supply a transparent and accessible refund course of for problematic purchases.
Tip 3: Confirm Key Origin
Inquire concerning the origin of the activation code. Legit resellers ought to be capable of present details about how they acquired the important thing, whether or not via official promotions, bulk purchases, or different verifiable means. Skepticism is warranted if the reseller is unable or unwilling to reveal the supply of the important thing.
Tip 4: Make the most of Safe Cost Strategies
Make use of safe fee strategies that supply purchaser safety, reminiscent of bank cards or PayPal. Keep away from utilizing fee strategies that present restricted recourse within the occasion of fraud or unauthorized transactions. Safe fee choices present a buffer that protects towards monetary losses.
Tip 5: Activate Instantly and Check
Upon receiving the activation code, redeem it instantly throughout the Steam consumer and check the sport’s performance. This permits for immediate identification of any points and facilitates the well timed initiation of a refund request if essential. Fast activation helps determine defects rapidly.
Tip 6: Doc All the pieces
Preserve thorough documentation of all communications, transactions, and activation makes an attempt. This contains screenshots, emails, and order confirmations. Detailed data can show invaluable in resolving disputes or pursuing refunds.
Following these tips considerably reduces the chance of buying a non-functional or illegitimate digital license, thereby defending the purchaser’s monetary funding and making certain entry to the specified gaming expertise.
The next part will summarize the important thing takeaways from the article and supply concluding remarks relating to the enduring enchantment and challenges related to acquiring a license for NBA 2K11 within the digital age.
Conclusion
This exploration has illuminated the complexities surrounding the acquisition of a digital license for nba 2k11 steam key. The evaluation underscored the shortage of formally sanctioned sources, the inherent dangers related to third-party resellers, and the important significance of safety measures and due diligence. The market worth, regional restrictions, and compatibility considerations additional compound the challenges confronted by potential purchasers of this legacy title.
Finally, acquiring a purposeful and bonafide nba 2k11 steam key requires a considered strategy, balancing the will for entry with a dedication to accountable and knowledgeable decision-making. Whereas the nostalgic enchantment of this particular iteration of the franchise stays potent, potential customers are cautioned to prioritize safety and legality above all else. The choice rests with the person to weigh the inherent dangers towards the perceived rewards.
