Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
One set of folks seems to start from the assumption that the general public are all a bunch of dirty so-and-sos who will rip them off given any opportunity, and Measures Must Be Taken to prevent it. My immediate question for such folks is "Why do you make that assumption? Is it because it's what you would do, and you assume everyone else is just like you?" (I'm certain the response would be a variant of "Oh, no! Iwould never do that! But everyone else would!" This is the "I'm OK, you're not OK!" mindset. It's pernicious, arguably neurotic, and ultimately self-defeating, but all too common.)
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Well, as there actually is a "darknet," providing evidence of people actively ripping producers off, I think there's a legitimate reason for people to have that concern. It's not entirely neurotic when you can see it's really happening (though it may be neurotic to assume it is too big and pervasive to stop). And despite an innate desire for optimism, the fact is that people overall will take what they want if given the chance and the belief that they'll get away with it... it's just a fact of human nature. It's why "free giveaways" work as well as they do.
On the other hand, though the "darknet" may be free, it is not always easy to find what you want, and the quality often sucks. If a product is available legally that is of good quality, reasonably priced, and easy to obtain, the need for and impact of a "darknet" is subsequently reduced. And as soon as the market perceives there is such an entity (the "iTunes of e-books"), we'll see less of a "darknet" and related activity. Kindle-type services are a good start, and given more e-book reader features, it should get better.