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Originally Posted by bingle
I think there are a lot of interesting issues here.
It seems like the motivations for paying for a digital copy of the book are mostly along the lines of supporting the author. But as others have pointed out, authors don't get any support from used book sales, library loans, or books borrowed from a friend.
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Authors (and publishers) know these parameters as part of the current legal system. And they still choose to create works even under these parameters.
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If you, as a reader, used to get your books from these sources, does downloading free ebooks now change the issue? and if you don't download free ebooks, what did this change about your book reading habits/budget?
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Yes, because now the parameters have changed. Maybe not for YOU as a reader, but for the authors and publishers. Still, is that fair for the author, as they created their work without agreeing to this particular form of usage?
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And, in some cases, does the current status of the author matter? Does a dead author need support, or does J.K. Rowling?
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Once again, I turn to
justification. For example, who gave US the right to decide if J.K. Rowling
needs the support or not? And if she's so talented that she creates an absolutely astounding work, isn't it fair she be compensated proportionally? After all, basketball stars are compensated in proportion to their talent.
In terms of dead authors... I'm an Engineer. I have a 401K, and I have retirement benefits, including life insurance. When I die, I know my family will be supported.
Under the current economics of publishing, authors do NOT receive 401Ks, retirement benefits or life insurance through their publishers. The author supports themselves and their family purely through the money from their books. Is it fair to say to those authors that, once they die, their family loses all benefits from their work?
-Pie