[Janette55]

The "problem" I see in the first choice is that if I were purchasing books to support the author then I would buy their books no matter how good or bad they are.

Yes, I will buy books from a certain author I like to read. But if she starts to write lousy books I will not continue to buy them just to support her.

In one of the Amazon communites that comes up a lot; there is an author that many have stopped buying her books because of how she has changed so much. Others have stated they will buy her books no matter what. The last group fits the first question. For those who buy books because they enjoy the story, because the only way they can get it is by paying money for it, then the first question doesn't work.

I want to read C. Dickens bookys but I wouldn't pay for his books as I don't want them strong enough to spend the money for them. But since they are free, I have downloaded them and other classics to read. It's not that I don't see them of value, they are of value, just not enough for me to spend money on.

Stickybuns mentioned he has bought several versions of the same book for what is in the books beside the story. For him, that is worth it. For me, I wouldn't buy the book in the first place. I doubt I would even take it if offered to me free (no insult to the book, author or Stickybuns intended) as it doesn't interest me.

I am sure that their are books that I read that he (or she) would have absolutely no interest in. Even if offered free some people would turn down some of the books I read. I like to read classics and well written books; but I also enjoy reading some smut, or what some call soft porn.

So, I don't buy to support the author, but due to my interest in the storyline, plot and the characters created.

May make me seem shallow, but those are my pure goofy pleasure books. Like having a fancy meal created by a top chef to having a slopy hot dog at a picnic. You can enjoy both.

just my two cents worth