There's been some news recently about the latest bit of thievery (aka piracy). I'd give the name of the site, but I'm not giving those folks any free publicity.
It seems somebody got the bright idea to steal other people's books and post them on the internet for free. Not surprising since they've already done it with music, and software.
And once again, I've heard people trot out the same old excuses for this kind of stealing.
1) Libraries buy a book and hundreds of people, if not thousands, read that one copy for free. Ummm... Yeah. The reality is: The library buys a copy and allows other people to read it. They don't buy one copy and allow all of their patrons to make copies of the book. Also, every person who owns property or buys anything pays, in part, for the having a library in their area (i.e. they pay property or sales tax). Kinda makes this argument for thievery moot, ya know?
2) Writers are making boatloads of money anyway, so they won't miss the few sales they lose when someone downloads their books for free. Okee Dokee. I don't know what planet these people are living on, but from what I understand, most writers aren't going to be appearing on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous any time soon. But even if writers had more money than they knew what to do with, it doesn't matter. It's still their property you're stealing. With thinking like this, what's to stop a bum from taking your property - I mean, since you obviously are wealthy by comparison.
3) This free downloading is free advertising for the authors, and therefore, drives sales. That's like saying because every car stolen means another car gets purchased, and that car has to be built, which keep factory workers employed and in the end, car thieves drive the economy (pardon the pun). Please. I'm sure most authors don't appreciate the favor. I know I wouldn't. Leave the marketing to the people who know how to do it right.
So, if you're one of those people who thinks it might be okay to download a book for free, think again. It's stealing; plain and simple. And if you're too poor too buy a book, visit your local library. (And if you're too cheap to pay for a book, you probably shouldn't be wasting money on internet fees and computers anyway.)
Rant over. Have a nice day.
The Long Trek Back
2 weeks ago
3 comments:
Oh ... I bet I'm going to have a whole rant on your second point. :-)
Excellent points #1 and 3. I'm in total agreement. I just think that if the music, movie, and software industry have been unable to stop it, how will the book industry manage?
That doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
YES!
Maybe it's the 'first thing in the morning' thing, but I don't understand your comment, spy.
I think everything that can be tried should be tried to stop these thieves. I also think the people who do this should wake up to the fact that piracy in any form is stealing. And any kind of stealing is wrong. (I know I shouldn't have to add that part, but some people don't get it.)
Post a Comment