Quote:
Originally Posted by lexico
Why is writing a book any different than writing software? The latter is now mostly done for free (except the boring stuff), and I bet many (most?) writers make very good use of freeware...
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It's not different. It's a question of whether the author is giving away or selling the product. Freeware is given away. Some books are also being given away for free. It's a question of respecting the author's wishes and not
stealing. Appreciate what's given to you, but don't steal if it isn't. Everything in the world is not automatically yours, nor should it be.
Everyone has to do something to make money to live. It's entirely appropriate that people expect to be paid for their time, effort, skill, and knowledge. That applies to book authors, software authors, and to everyone no matter what they do.
If they choose to give away their work (known in some circles as volunteering), be thankful! The difference is in the attitude that things are owed to you and an accompanying lack of appreciation vs. being aware that someone is doing something nice for you that they have no obligation to do and appreciating it.