Thread: Fair Use?
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Old 06-15-2010, 03:10 PM   #14
Kali Yuga
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Well, think of it this way.

Assuming the book in question is still under copyright: Whoever put the file online did not have permission or the legal right to share it.

As such, it's a "fruit of the poisoned tree" situation. Even if you could construct a moral or legal right, you're still supporting an illegal use of a distribution system.

As to "do you have the right," it's equivalent to owning a vinyl record or a VHS tape; just because you bought the item in one format, when you purchased it no one granted or guaranteed you the right to a free copy in a future format.

And unlike records or tapes, with books you don't need an intermediary device -- i.e. your books are not rendered obsolete or useless. The only reason why you're even contemplating this is basically out of convenience, which IMO is not a particularly strong ethical position.

I wouldn't say this is a "huge" moral dilemma, and chances of you getting busted are extremely small. Still, I say just read the paperbacks you bought. It won't kill you to use paper a few more times, and morally you'll be 100% in the clear.
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