Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
I completely agree. When I look at an e-book file, I don't know what some overzealous person might have changed. E.g., when I download a book from the MR library, I can't tell what grammar, punctuation, or spelling might have changed. I can't tell if the uploader might have used a euphemism for an objectionable word. I have no reference point unless there is a printed copy of the book to refer to. If we reach a point when there is no printed copy, where are we? The digital file can be constantly in flux.
It's the same as a Web page that can be endlessly edited and updated.
People here have sometimes mentioned how they "correct" the e-books they buy--they "fix" the punctuation and the spelling to their liking. I find it extremely unsettling.
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I would hope that most texts are sent through multiple rounds of editing before they are released to the general public. Everything has always been in flux, that is just the nature of things.
If you'd like a reference point for your texts there's digital signatures (an end to anonymity) I suppose.