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What we are facing here is an interesting conundrum.
It's what happens when convenience and availability intersect.
I believe that authors should be compensated for their work. No doubt about it. Even software authors. Website authors. Press authors.
So let's ask a different question..
What's the difference between shifting format from paperback to ebook (or darknetting for the ebook you already own in paperback form) and using libprs500 to communicate with your Sony reader? Because in both cases, you are usurping an author. What's the difference between buying a subscription to USA Today and using Kovid's "News" function in libprs500 to scrape the site? Because in both cases, you are shifting formats.
I don't mean to call Kovid out, by any means.. but let's be careful when we throw around the term "lawbreakers" and "thief." The law as it stands right now (at least in the US) could call many of us that simply for using something to convert HTML to LRF.
Right now we have 1984 posted here on this website, and that's not out of copyright in the United States. Technically, we're "thieves" if we download that book.
So no, it's not black and white. It's all shades of gray. We content ourselves with using libprs500 out of a matter of convenience. It's worth considering that.
That said, I will always prefer to pay for products, and I have not owned my Reader long enough to really go out and find Darknet books, and I tend to be the "web author" type myself.. so.. I don't think I'll face the issue. But all the same, as I mentioned earlier.. I would consider doing such for the Chronicles of Narnia.
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