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Jeff: I think you've asked a good question about a complicated issue.
Speaking for myself, I don't typically go back and buy a paperback copy of something I've gotten for free. At the same time, I don't buy a lot of new paperbacks anyway - I typically use the library or buy them used, if I buy them at all. (Since space constraints are a big factor at my house, I'm more likely to buy an electronic copy if I buy anything at all.)
Your question raised another issue - something I've been wondering about - and you are the perfect guy to ask about it. You were one of the very first guys whose stuff I read when I first went out onto the internet and started researching about writing science fiction. You've done a lot to support other writers; as such, I'd love to hear your take on the flipside of the issue you've raised.
How can we as the reading public (and in some cases writers and wanna-bes) best support an author such as yourself? Do we download free books and send you contributions? Should we buy the backlist from somewhere (Baen, Fictionwise)? And which means more to you - the sale of a new paperback or (perhaps multiple) sales of backlist titles?
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