Book 'pirate' goes underground after being named by Terry Goodkind

[silasgreenback]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

Doesn't sound like he is really taking the matter seriously if he calls the internet rather than get licensed professionals to slap him with a fine and jail time.

I typed in "name of book free download" in a search engine and saw not too far down the line about 5-6 other (likely illegal) places it could be downloaded, so clearly he doesn't seem to take too hard of a line on piracy.

Though Goodkind may seem like real jerk, maybe even he thinks jailing someone in this one instance is a little drastic.

As far as what's on Google, I don't see how any author's stance on piracy can be gauged by what's available illegally. He may have have filed for 20 DMCA takedowns yesterday and 50 today. I really would imagine that it's a lot like Whack-a-Mole.

[MikeOxlittle]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Mostly, it's because he comes across as a bit an ass. The "I don't write fantasy" quote comes to mind.


Usually, I'm pretty successful at ignoring authors' personal sides, but every now and again... one comes along who manages to show off his "assi-ness" at every opportunity. Terry Goodkind is one of those authors whose personal smarminess, I have trouble overlooking/ignoring. I suspect I'm not alone.

An ass? Smarmy?



I'm just not seeing it ....

[spindlegirl]

Originally Posted by HarryT

It is illegal, but it's a civil offence, not a criminal one (at least it is in the UK - I believe it's the same in the US). The police won't do anything about civil offences; you have to take the matter to court yourself.

Ahh ok. I guess it makes sense then.

[Lynx-lynx]

Originally Posted by HarryT

The law can help you deal with a crime, but there's no obligation to use it. If someone steals from you, you're perfectly entitled to march up and down outside his house with a placard saying "John Smith is a thief", until he pays you back, rather than reporting the matter to the police, if that's your preference. "Name and shame" can be a very effective way of dealing with a problem.

Harry, I suspect your answer is somewhat flippant?

I will take a pot shot at some generic criminal law offences that someone standing outside someone else's place with a placard naming them about an alleged action might attract:

- stalking

- vigilantism

- threatening behaviour

Any others?

My guess is that there is sufficient behaviour to attract Police attendance to the sign bearer, especially if/when the neighbours complain.

Where I live Police have 'move on' powers, which perhaps would be the least action that they would take against the placard bearer.

[spindlegirl]

Originally Posted by Lynx-lynx

Harry, I suspect your answer is somewhat flippant?

I will take a pot shot at some generic criminal law offences that someone standing outside someone else's place with a placard naming them about an alleged action:

- stalking

- vigilantism

- threatening behaviour

Any others?

My guess is that there is sufficient behaviour to attract Police attendance to the sign bearer, especially if/when the neighbours complain.

Where I live Police have 'move on' powers, which perhaps would be the least action that they would take against the placard bearer.

LOL true...

Knowing my luck, if someone walked in my house and stole my guitar, and I posted all over the internet and walked in front of his house with a "John Smith stole my guitar", I'd be charged with cyber-bullying, harassment, and John Smith would get a free guitar out of the deal.

[TimW]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

LOL true...

Knowing my luck, if someone walked in my house and stole my guitar, and I posted all over the internet and walked in front of his house with a "John Smith stole my guitar", I'd be charged with cyber-bullying, harassment, and John Smith would get a free guitar out of the deal.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Last edited by spindlegirl; Yesterday at 10:52 PM. Reason: I actually know a John Smith. No I don't really mean an actual living person named John Smith and no you may not have my guitar.

I can't think of anyone named John Smith either...except that guy who hangs out in the blue phone box. I can't think of anything he stole...oh yeah, except for the blue phone box!

[silvi]

It is just a huge publicity stunt by a guy with an over-large ego.

[Harper Kingsley]

I don't know. If someone does something and you post on your Facebook page: "John Smith did --whatever he did-- and this is the guy, here's his public Twitter, DeviantArt, Facebook. He fully admitted to his crime." Well, the pirate was a dumb ass for being open with his profile when he was doing something illegal; everything Terry Goodkind shared was public record and probably only took two minutes to find.

All the guy can really do is threaten law action if Goodkind doesn't remove the post. Home address and phone number could be seen as private information, but your public Internet handles are common knowledge. Especially if the guy linked to his Twitter or whatever, and his real name was listed. But even if the post got removed, it's part of the Internet now, and that's pretty forever.

It's a powerful incentive not to be accused of pirating Terry Goodkind's books. He has no problem giving you the finger.

[rdfry]

He needs a fricken haircut.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

LOL true...

Knowing my luck, if someone walked in my house and stole my guitar, and I posted all over the internet and walked in front of his house with a "John Smith stole my guitar", I'd be charged with cyber-bullying, harassment, and John Smith would get a free guitar out of the deal.

What if you have proof? This guy actually confessed to his dirty deed. Is it still harassment if it is true? It may be when you physically show up in front of his house, but probably not when you post it on the internet.

[crich70]

Originally Posted by Rizla

Ignoring the moral issues of piracy for the moment, why does Goodkind care? He's a very successful author and presumably doing very well financially.

Ah, but what about all those other beginning writer's who haven't yet made it to the big leagues? Maybe he's doing it not so much for himself but for those who will come in the future.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by crich70

Ah, but what about all those other beginning writer's who haven't yet made it to the big leagues? Maybe he's doing it not so much for himself but for those who will come in the future.

And if he didn't do anything it would be a slap in the face of those who actually supported him by buying his books.

[Harper Kingsley]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

And if he didn't do anything it would be a slap in the face of those who actually supported him by buying his books.

Right? If he's okay with someone rubbing it in his face that they stole his book, then some people might see it as him saying it's okay. So why should they bother paying $9.99 for a book they can just steal for free?

[tompe]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

What if you have proof? This guy actually confessed to his dirty deed. Is it still harassment if it is true? It may be when you physically show up in front of his house, but probably not when you post it on the internet.

Of course it can be. In Sweden for example it can be libel even if it is true.

[Quexos]

You have a good sense of humor. But seriously he's loaded so why does he need to do this ?

Originally Posted by crich70

Ah, but what about all those other beginning writer's who haven't yet made it to the big leagues? Maybe he's doing it not so much for himself but for those who will come in the future.