[Nyssa]

Originally Posted by CWatkinsNash

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I do NOT think you sound callous or spoiled at all; I think the disconnect is simply a matter of how life happens, not a failing or deficiency of some kind. Being acutely aware of the author is not always a good thing - I've had more than one steamy romance ruined by finding out more about the author. (Now I sound callous.)

I understand what you mean as far as "knowing too much" about an author. You do not sound callous at all. I've had that happen to me with music, case in point Chris Brown. He has 2 songs that I absolutely love(d), and after the terrible incident where he attacked Rhianna, I found I could no longer listen to those songs.

Originally Posted by CWatkinsNash

I think most people have at least a peripheral awareness that paying for a book contributes to future books magically appearing at the store, and that's really all that's necessary for the system to function.

Of course. Plus, if the author continues to write, what I like to read, then he or she will have my contribution, anyway, because I will continue to buy the books. I am a very loyal reader in that way.

Originally Posted by stickybuns

As far as paid vs. free: If you're asking "Given the option of two identical books, would you prefer the paid one or the free one?" Yeah, I'll pick the free.

If you're asking "Given the option between a book that someone ran through an optical scanner and never bothered to proofread or a book that has been lovingly formatted with a working table of contents, which would you prefer?" Then I would select the lovingly formatted version regardless of the cost.

If you're asking "Would you be willing to make a voluntary donation for a well-formatted public domain ebook?" I would be more inclined to make a donation after downloading several books for the same reason that I donate to my local public radio station once per year and not immediately after listening to a particularly enjoyable show.

I agree with everything in the above quote, adding what I stated above. If I really like the book I received for free, chances are that I will look for and purchase others.

Originally Posted by yochillum

I tend to agree with most who have said something to the effect of, 'because the books I want to read are being charged for.' I must admit that this stance is taking somewhat of a beating from the big 6 publishers high pricing on ebooks. When ebooks started being sold at prices that to me seemed inordinately high in comparison to the print copies of the very same book, I said to myself, "Self, we shouldn't buy books from these jerks until they learn to price ebooks fairly." That said, when I do come across a title that is being priced within my definition of reason, I will not hesitate to show my support and purchase a copy. Just like any product: be it car, jacket, silly hat, etc. I am always on the lookout for a bargain, and want to get the best deal possible, but that doesn't include stealing.

I am the same way.