Do you pirate books and why?

[RHWright]

Originally Posted by drypen

I've pirated ebooks. But only the ones that I had already bought (paperback or hardcover) And I never buy new. A couple of times I pirated an ebook based on someones recommendation and became a loyal fan, purchasing any and all new books as they became available. But again never new. I just can't afford them.

Sorry, "I just can't afford them" is not an excuse.

It might be if books were essential to survival, like, say, food. (E.g. My children were starving, I had no money, so I had to take that loaf of bread.)

What you are describing is more like being a used car owner. "I've always bought used; it's all I can afford. Usually Fords. My friend told me how awesome driving a Lexus is. So I stole one. I loved it. Now, the next time I need a new car (which I never do and still can't afford), I'll buy a Lexus."

This may seem like an absurd analogy, but it's really what the "I can't afford them" argument amounts to.

Sure, we all wish books were free or cheap. Many have made compelling arguments that BPHs are overpricing. This still does not justify piracy, IMO.

[WT Sharpe]

I think the issue is less black and white than you suggest, Mr. Wright. If I convert a book I bought with my own money from epub to mobi format for my own use, have I pirated it? Likewise, if I convert a paperbook I own to ebook format so I can read it on my ereader, is that piracy? I don't think so. Those who violate copyright by providing such works online for others are pirates, however. It's a bit of a gray area, and the law and common sense may not be always in agreement here.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by drypen

A couple of times I pirated an ebook based on someones recommendation and became a loyal fan, purchasing any and all new books as they became available. But again never new. I just can't afford them.

Originally Posted by RHWright

What you are describing is more like being a used car owner. "I've always bought used; it's all I can afford. Usually Fords. My friend told me how awesome driving a Lexus is. So I stole one. I loved it. Now, the next time I need a new car (which I never do and still can't afford), I'll buy a Lexus."

You analogy is flawed for the situation drypen describes. A better one would be
"My friend told me how awesome driving a Lexus is. So I used my duplicating machine to duplicate one I saw in a dealer's showroom. I loved it. Now, the next time I buy a used car (which I do frequently), I'll buy a Lexus."

Drypen may technically be a pirate, but not in an economically harmful way.

[RHWright]

I agree that converting a book you already own is a different situation.

But @drypen admitted to pirating, both copies of books they already owned and otherwise, and tried to pull the "I can't afford it otherwise" defense.

Some see no distinction between the two. I do.

[Jessica0]

No, not at all.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by RHWright

I agree that converting a book you already own is a different situation.

But @drypen admitted to pirating, both copies of books they already owned and otherwise, and tried to pull the "I can't afford it otherwise" defense.

Some see no distinction between the two. I do.

drypen:

...A couple of times I pirated an ebook based on someones recommendation and became a loyal fan, purchasing any and all new books as they became available....

I confess I missed that part, and agree that such is piracy, whether he bought later books by that author or not.

[pdurrant]

I'm surprised to see the "No" vote so high. (Just over 48% as I write this.)

Really? Never? Not even for books you love (& own in paper) that aren't yet available in ebook formats?

[WT Sharpe]

I've only accepted one pirated ebook, and that came unasked from someone who knew I wanted to read it. I waited a year afterward for the ebook to appear and it never did, so I finally bought the Hardback edition to sooth my conscience.

[Belfaborac]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I'm surprised to see the "No" vote so high. (Just over 48% as I write this.)

Really? Never? Not even for books you love (& own in paper) that aren't yet available in ebook formats?

Can that be called pirating though? If you own the physical book already and no ebook version has been made available, I can't see how downloading an electronic copy can be either illegal or immoral. I certainly have no qualms doing so myself, as long as I later buy the ebook if or when it arrives. Which I do.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Iphinome

I object.

Copying isn't the problem, distribution is. I make unauthorized copies every time I burn a backup cd of something or other. I make unauthorized copies whenever I use the photocopier at the library. I dare you to go after me for piracy since the copies stay in my control.

The copies you make for backup are not "unauthorized." Such copying is definitely allowed under the doctrine of fair use.

I do agree that distribution is the problem. I don't understand the motivation of the people who routinely upload books and movies and such for others to take.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Belfaborac

Can that be called pirating though? If you own the physical book already and no ebook version has been made available, I can't see how downloading an electronic copy can be either illegal or immoral. I certainly have no qualms doing so myself, as long as I later buy the ebook if or when it arrives. Which I do.

This is where things get murky. Obviously it's fine for me to scan my own paper copy of a book and turn it into an e-book. But if someone says, "Hey I already scanned that book, here's a copy," is there any real difference, except convenience for me? Does it become wrong simply because I didn't do the work of scanning and converting myself?

[maxiart]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I don't understand the motivation of the people who routinely upload books and movies and such for others to take.

You don't understand people who like to share?

[Harry_Y]

No, To me I would not enjoy them if I felt I stole them.


I have 3 books at home from the same author that are in paper print only.

I even e-mailed the author and they told me that they do not
intend to put them in E format. So I have them in paper format.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by maxiart

You don't understand people who like to share?

Not really. I understand sharing something that is hard to find or unavailable legitimately, but not large-scale sharing of an e-book that is readily available for purchase.

[Provenzano]

Do you pirate books?

Yes.

Why?

Because it is faster and easier than trying to get a legal copy.