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lagilmanLast night was at the Masters Series Scotch Tasting, featuring Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. Yum. But moving slow this morning as a result.... (no overindulgence, just exhaustion)
Meanwhile, I've been informed of the existence of an open, static website where members have "graciously" uploaded all the Retriever books (among thousands of other titles). Greaaaaaat.
Can someone, seriously, please explain to me why people believe it's morally/legally okay to ask for/upload/share pirated copies of in-print books, rather than paying for them?
No, seriously.
How, in their minds, is this not stealing (not just from bookstores and/or publishers, but from the writers who own the work)? Do they not understand that a book that doesn't earn money means no more work from that author (and, eventually, no more books at all)? And if they do understand this... do they not care? If they enjoy the work so much... do they not want more? Or are we all interchangeable?
I'm not asking to start a flamewar or have other people pile in on "my" side of the question... I'm really wondering what these people are thinking when they say "oh, can you upload that? I want a copy too!" when they can go to the bookstore (or the library -- it's YOUR library, the books are already paid for!) and get a legitimate copy....
Is it just ignorance? Arrogance? Or is there something I'm missing, in my desire to make a living/keep my industry healthy?
EtA: anyone who can honestly say they want to read my books, have no cash that isn't going to food and rent and medical, and can't get to a library to request it? E-mail me at lag (at) lauraannegilman (dot) net and I'll see what I can do. (within reason). So there, that justification's gone.
Meanwhile, I've been informed of the existence of an open, static website where members have "graciously" uploaded all the Retriever books (among thousands of other titles). Greaaaaaat.
Can someone, seriously, please explain to me why people believe it's morally/legally okay to ask for/upload/share pirated copies of in-print books, rather than paying for them?
No, seriously.
How, in their minds, is this not stealing (not just from bookstores and/or publishers, but from the writers who own the work)? Do they not understand that a book that doesn't earn money means no more work from that author (and, eventually, no more books at all)? And if they do understand this... do they not care? If they enjoy the work so much... do they not want more? Or are we all interchangeable?
I'm not asking to start a flamewar or have other people pile in on "my" side of the question... I'm really wondering what these people are thinking when they say "oh, can you upload that? I want a copy too!" when they can go to the bookstore (or the library -- it's YOUR library, the books are already paid for!) and get a legitimate copy....
Is it just ignorance? Arrogance? Or is there something I'm missing, in my desire to make a living/keep my industry healthy?
EtA: anyone who can honestly say they want to read my books, have no cash that isn't going to food and rent and medical, and can't get to a library to request it? E-mail me at lag (at) lauraannegilman (dot) net and I'll see what I can do. (within reason). So there, that justification's gone.
