Quote:
Originally Posted by JSWolf
Well, in this case, morally, I don't see an issue to find an ebook copy since the publisher withheld information that allows the consumer to make an informed choice.
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Though it would be nice for a publisher to tell its customers everything they're going to do in advance, they are under no obligation to do so... any more than your corner grocery is obligated to tell you about a hamburger sale before it happens. So, if you buy hamburger today, and tomorrow it goes on sale... oh, well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tompe
Do you really mean that it is morally wrong of me to get a scanned electronic copy (that a friend has scanned) from a friend of a book I own a paper copy of? It is definitely not illegal where I am living.
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Since I consider an e-book as valid and substantial a copy as a printed book, to me, that means you obtained two copies of a book, and only paid for one. I would consider that morally wrong. Of course, if Sweden has passed laws that say that is OK, then feel free to do what is legal for you. (Obviously, if I don't agree with that law, I would avoid moving to Sweden.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdibella
How do you figure that? As near as I can tell, they are identical. Using the iPod analogy again, I can play my CDs without having to touch them, too.
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Two paperbacks are identical. But you are not entitled to one for free, just because you bought the other. Does iTunes let you have MP3s for free because you own the CD? Nope.
Again, my opinion is that
an e-book is just as substantial as a printed book. It is an instance of a concept, as a paperback is an instance, a hardback is an instance, a stone tablet is an instance, and a movie is an instance. You should pay for each instance. The amount of trouble it took (or did not take) to create that instance is immaterial to the consumer. You are free to debate or accept the price, but ultimately it is the creator that sets the price. Your legal, moral and ethical choice is limited to buying it or not. Taking it for free because it's easy is not a moral or ethical argument. But it is a legal argument, if your country (like Sweden) says you can.
In the U.S., the law says you can't.