Quote:
Originally Posted by vivaldirules
How am I different if I digitize my pbook? Because I paid for the pbook that is still sitting on my shelf and I intend to use the digital copy for me alone - no one will ever see it. Should I pay the author and publisher a second time for the ebook? At the moment, I'm not convinced either way. I think it's an interesting question to think about more. I should be clear though in saying that if the ebook is available, I'm buying it. I'm only interested in converting the pbooks that I have which I can't find digital copies of. Not sure that should make a difference, though.
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If you convert a book that you own, and intend to use that copy only for yourself, you are exercising "fair use" (in the US, anyway). "Fair use" is essentially a loophole, allowing you amnesty for your copy if no one else gets it. However, you should be aware that if someone breaks into your home, takes your digital file and sells it, you can be held liable for creating the copy.
I do not believe that you owe the author/publisher any money for creating your own copy for fair use. But you do owe them for any copy that ends up in someone else's hands.
I think what's important here is to remember that an e-book is more than just a "concept" or "illusory object." It is real, even if you can't see it. Just like the bacteria crawling all over your skin right now, and the germs that give you colds, you accept that they exist, that you don't catch colds because of magic or bad luck, even though you cannot physically see them.
An e-book must be considered as a very tiny but very real object, and when it is considered real, most of these questions are duly answered.