Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
Fictionwise are no more able to guarantee the continued availability of an eBook than is any other bookstore. It's really not fair to blame them for it.
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I believe Fictionwise does deserve some of the blame. As you said, A bookstore can't guarantee the availability of a book. If you mean a physical book then sure but we haven't yet purchased it. A layaway is often done with a nominal fee up front. If the bookstore doesn't have the book in the back then they return the money.
I may still be incorrect with regards to responsibility but I do believe my logic holds. Just because a bookstore or any business can't follow through on a promise because of how a process works doesn't mean they are not responsible. Everyone here understands how ebook works and knows that the book seller may not actually hold possession of the book. Knowing this we also know that things happen and agreements are broken between the book seller and publisher. It is part of the natural process if one can call it that of a virtual marketplace.
Does this mean the seller or the publisher is absolved from the responsibility of the promise to deliver on a product that was purchased? Fine print doesn't always give the establishment a pass. Can an establishment put up a sign saying they prefer selling contaminated food and you eat at your own risk? Or can a store say purchasing an item doesn't mean you can walk out of the store with it in hand? Purchase at your own risk.
An item purchased should mean I have the right to it. They offered a place to park our books until we choose to download them. We bought the books and either return the money or provide the book.