Thread: Paper books, ebooks and Copyright (UK)
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Old 06-05-2017, 11:30 AM   #42
ZodWallop
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fiat_Lux View Post
The primary issue is if the individual knows/realizes that it is a dodgy site.

You browse the app store for your mobile device.

A) You see an app "Billion Book Reader". A banner proclaims it to be add supported. There are a couple of five star reviews, proclaiming how easy it is to use, with no one star reviews. You download it, and discover that it has all six volumes of the Harry Potter series (^1). Furthermore, they are free.

Would you be surprised to discover that the books were being legally distributed, with the blessing of the publisher?

B) You see an app "Billion Book Reader". It costs $0.99, with a monthly fee of US$9.99. There are a couple of five star reviews saying that it is nice, and no one star reviews. The description explicitly states that there is no advertising. You decide to try it, and discover that it has most of the material you want.

Would you be surprised to discover that not a single title was offered with the approval, permission, consent, or authorization of the legal copyright holder?

Going to sites with a web browser, it is only slightly easier to determine if the content being offered is legitimate, or is pirated.



^1: I'm using Harry Potter as an example. I don't remember the specific titles that were available.
With the two "Billion Book Reader" scenarios you describe, I would be surprised to find they were scams (well, I wouldn't, because I look askance at everything), as the books are being offered in association with an app and it *seems* to conform to the streaming models seen elsewhere. Plus it has gotten into a reputable app store (Apple or Google Play).

On the other hand, a site with a download link is pretty clearly dodgy.
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