Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
OK, Robert, let's consider the alternatives. When you buy a digital product, you're buying something that's pretty much intangible. You're not buying a physical object. You might say "I'm buying the file", but then if you make a copy of it, it's not the same file any more. So, in practical terms, what is there to buy except a licence which specifies what you're allowed to do with this intangible "thing"?
In what way to you consider licences to be immoral? What moral precepts do they violate?
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You know, I'm a little annoyed at this concept that an electronic file is intangible.
While the transmission may not take a physical form, the file is represented in physical form at both ends of the transmission. The file sure does take up residence on my disk or flash card.
Take a physical book. The words are printed in a very thin layer, using a code, in ink. The paper is just the carrier.
Take the ebook. The words are printed in a very thin layer, using a code, in electrons (with disk/flash, the electrons are captured and stored, so they are permanent). The disk/flash card is just the carrier.
When I buy an ebook, I'm buying something tangible. I'm buying a book. Many times it is intended to be an exact copy of the physical book, right down to the printing number (a concept that is pointless for ebooks).