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Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
Because I've seen it... that's all. Have you ever seen someone take something they were offered for free, even though they didn't really want it... but just because it was free? I have. Have you ever seen looters after a disaster or riot? I have. It happens. Not a belief or a judgment, just a fact based on eye-witnessing.
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I don't equate a willingness to take something offered for free whether it is needed or not with a willingness to perform theft.
Nor do I assume that because
some people will loot after a disaster,
everyone would if an opportunity arise and they thought they could get away with it.
If you
do, (and your comments make it appear so), you have a far more pessimistic view of your fellow human beings than I do.
Quote:
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I'm not saying every human does it. But I am saying that enough humans do it to make it something to consider in any market. Merchants all understand that... that's why stores have locks, and why merchants know they can get on peoples' good side simply by giving something away, in most countries in the world.
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Consider, certainly. The question is how much consideration and what counter measures.
For instance, I worked in retail a long time ago, and my then employer was having an internal debate about whether shoplifting was better discouraged by plain clothes security personnel to catch thieves and turn them over to the police, or uniformed and highly noticeable security folks to keep shoplifters from trying in the first place.
But while "shrinkage" is a very real problem for a retailer, the vast majority of shoppers are honest. And while piracy certainly happens, I don't think it's a great enough threat to ebook publishing to merit some of the prevention measures advocated.
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Dennis