Quote:
Originally Posted by barnacle
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is it moral for me to download a scan of a book of which I already own a paper copy? I am torn between the saving of the effort of scanning, and the implicit support of a pirate site - and I don't yet have a definitive answer.
A second question: with a new book, I see no reason why I should pay (as a book purchaser) a price equivalent to a paper copy for an electronic version, particularly if I already own a paper version. ....
When one purchases a paper copy of a book, one receives a voucher allowing the further purchase - at a very low price, under a pound, at most - of an electronic version. Your token and the voucher authorise the sale...
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Neil
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Is it moral? Since you already own it, you purchased it NEW, right?
then for me it is moral for you to copy, backup, convert etc as you wish for your own use. Is it legal. No. Not according to most countries laws (but not all).
As far as price/pricing. I agree. Because of this historical technology required to publish books the system is in place and works. It does not work for the new digital world and needs to be changed. This really involves a complete revamping from top to bottom and currently publishers are doing everything they can to stop change from happening, including pricing, drm, geographic restrictions, etc. etc.
The format thing is another issue. If you purchase the paper back does that entitle you to a hardback at reduced pricing? what the trade edition? For me the various formats must be addressed separately with respective and appropriate pricing for each. If you choose to purchase the digital version that does not necessarily entitle you to a paper version or vice versa. Some publishers might package these together and I do think it's a good idea (Manning Press does this already).
Welcome and Enjoy!