Avast thar, me hardeez! I think I'm being pirated!

While doing a google search this AM, I stumbled upon this: a PDF of "Crush", uploaded by an unknown party, to a free "ebook sharing" site. I registered for this site because that was what was required for me to even be able to access the PDF.

http://www.superiorz.org/sec229-m-m-b...

Until I would have been approved for membership, there was no way of seeing the PDF file or whether or not the party who uploaded is now profitting from MY hard work and pride.

Shortly after I registered to this "Superiorz.org" I received an email. "You did not meet our membership requirements, so your account has been deleted. Sorry."

I then proceeded to fill out a copyright complaint form on their "contact us" section. I wonder if they'll reply or delete my complaint. I also corresponded with the U.S. Copyright Office.

While researching copyright infringement, I found this article naming Superiorz.org as one of MANY ebook pirating/sharing sites:

http://cambriahebert.com/2012/07/eboo...

Is there any way to stop these sorts of things? In this day and age, I'm doubtful. I think the one effective action is to warn all authors and readers about these sites and ask them to spread the word about them. Don't support "share" sites because unless you get the book from an authorized retailer, you're not paying the author. You're might just be paying an imposter.
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Published on January 08, 2013 02:12
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message 1: by Grammar*Kitten (new)

Grammar*Kitten Devastating :( I like a good freebie as much as the next person, but I only like it when the author says its a freebie!!


message 2: by Laura (last edited Jan 08, 2013 03:26AM) (new)

Laura Susan Johnson Yeah, unfortunately, this is what I get for doing a free ebook givaway. Before I made this discovery this AM, I had decided that that will be the last time I do the free givaway.


message 3: by Grammar*Kitten (new)

Grammar*Kitten Indeed - fingers crossed you still publish your next book with Beaten Track and I'll get to proof-read it anyway ;) I did so enjoy doing that with Crush, even if it left me emotionally devastated!

I fast learnt to only download 'freebies' that I'm interested in reading, because it's not fair on an author if you already have a bias against the genre or something. But unfortunately even the ones I thought I'd like are disappointing me lately!


message 4: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson Oh I'm definitely going to pub with BT!! I'm so eager to get this one done so I can send it in. Hopefully within the next 8 mos. I'll be done with the first draft at least :D


message 5: by Debbie (new)

Debbie McGowan There are a couple of things we can do to protect 'Bright' (which are never 100% watertight - if people want to pirate they will find a way). We'll have a chat about this at some point, as it does mean restricting availability, to some extent.


message 6: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson Good news (maybe) I did get a response just now from Superiorz.org:

"Respected Author,
Thank you for contacting us. Please note that the download link to the content has been removed respecting your claim.
You can visit below link for confirmation."

http://www.superiorz.org/sec229-m-m-b...


message 7: by Debbie (new)

Debbie McGowan Oh that's good - guess they don't want to be taken to court!


message 8: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson I'm afraid that's only the tip of the iceberg. I already found another sharing site that might be up to the same thing. There's no real way of knowing how many are out there. They might even place hidden links so that people can still share. You never know.


message 9: by Nigel (new)

Nigel There is the argument that a pirated download is not a lost sale (as they would never have bought the book in the first place) but a gained reader who may very well go on to buy future titles from you. Of course it's never nice to have someone steal from you but at least you know you're on 'someone's' radar. You're having an impact.


message 10: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson I'm definitely having an impact! I just got a message from a reader who absolutely loved the book. I want to look at the bright side of this too. :)


message 11: by Debbie (new)

Debbie McGowan Did you see your latest Amazon review?


message 12: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson No, but I saw a wonderful review here on GR a bit ago. I'm off to Amazon to take a look! Thank you :D


message 13: by Rebecca (new)

Rebecca I'm so sorry for you that they are pirating your work! I hope you can stop them! Have you heard from the copyright office yet?


message 14: by Esha (new)

Esha Dew No, unfortunately they don't delete the thread. They pushed it to their secret section where can be accessed by VIP members. They are still pirating it.


message 15: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson Yeah I've come to accept the fact that it's too hard to regulate these things on the internet. I'm at peace with it now LOL


message 16: by Esha (new)

Esha Dew *nods* Yes, too hard indeed. At least we can tell the world that it's not healthy robbing other people's pocket. By the way, keep up the good work hun!


message 17: by Laura (new)

Laura Susan Johnson thank you Esha :D


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