The Sword and Laser discussion
What about books that have no ebook format?
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I would say no. The crux of your argument is that you prefer one format over another, so just because you would rather read an ebook does not excuse pirating that book due to it not being available in your preferred format.When this situation arises for me (as it does often, since I live outside the US) or if I feel that the ebook is too expensive, I just don't read it. I have enough other books on my read list to occupy my time. This is clearly not optimal, since the author would like to have my money, and I would like to read his book, but I would rather support authors that I like and receive more content from them in the future.
Sounds like a perfect time to go to your local library and get a copy that way. It's free (YAY!), isn't illegal, and you'd be surprised what other goodies you find when you go to the library. :)
Thurman wrote: "So my question is: If I want to by a book and its not available is piracy ok?"In short, no.
Longer version - just because your personal preference is for one format doesn't give you the right to steal. Unlike in the other thread that is up, you haven't paid the author for their time, work and intelligence so you have no moral right to the work either. So what to do? Contact the publisher and ask if they propose to release and electronic edition; Contact the author - some sell ebook versions privately; Suck it up and read it in a different format. At the end of the day, what is more important - the work or the medium.
What about out of print books that have NO format for sale(at a reasonable price)? I'm not paying 200$ for a book on ebay.
Thurman wrote: "What about out of print books that have NO format for sale(at a reasonable price)? I'm not paying 200$ for a book on ebay."If you're not willing to pay, that doesn't make theft right. If I'm not willing to pay the price, I have a few options as I see it:
1. Put a search on somewhere like ABE to see if the book comes up at a decent price - must be willing to act fast.
2. Use an auction sniper to try to nab a cheap copy
3. Contact the publisher - they may be more likely to reprint if they know there is an audience for the book
4. Contact the author - they may be considering self publishing
5. USE THE DAMN LIBRARY
6. Suck it up and deal with not being able to have that book.
At the end of the day, we are adults. If it is that important that you own that specific book, then save up or wait for the price to drop. If it's not that important, borrow it or let it go. Desire to possess something does't make it right to acquire it by any means possible and certainly not without offering recompense.
Personally, I have a To Be Read list that will keep me busy for nigh on eternity. I am by no means wealthy, so I have to make judgement calls and prioritise my reading around what is reasonable for me to afford. Some books are worth £200 so I will save all year if need be, put them on Birthday/Christmas lists or wait until I can afford them. But I also acknowledge the value of these items, and if it's not worth the price offered, then I, the market, will wave Bye! and wait.
Thurman wrote: "What about out of print books that have NO format for sale(at a reasonable price)? I'm not paying 200$ for a book on ebay."The degree of inconvenience doesn't change the situation. Still stealing.
Thurman, You know, people don't try to justify actions that are OK. Feeling you need to justify something is a good indicator that the action is wrong and bothers you.
As Kathryn noted... use the library. If your branch doesn't have it, use interlibrary loan. Oh, too much effort? Well then you don't really care all that much, do you?
Closing thoughts..
First, no one HAS to read a given book, so if a book isn't available easily and you don't like more difficult options for getting it then guess what? Read something else.
Second, if you value reading a specific book compensate the people who brought you that book. I'm just tired of people who are saying "Give me something that I value... for free!" No. You place value on it. You pay for it. If you place less value on it than the price being asked... don't buy it. But stealing it is still unethical. I'd like an Aston-Martin DB9... but I don't value it at $230,000. That doesn't mean I get to steal one.
Lol I know its wrong but I guess I did want justification. Like I said I usually just forget about the book.
If its wrong there's no ethical justification. And... use the damn library. Really, folks, libraries are good places. You can even get some ebooks via many of them.
Martian Chronicles, no ebook! F' me, Ray Bradbury!
Kathryn wrote: "Sounds like a perfect time to go to your local library and get a copy that way. It's free (YAY!), isn't illegal, and you'd be surprised what other goodies you find when you go to the library. :)"So please tell me how this is different from piracy? I go and download a book and delete it a month later. (prob not but, I still have some old books from my school library I forgot to return) The author don't get a single cent either way. (Assuming you live in the US). Garage sale/Flea markets are wrong to then, you don't give any money to the author either? Is that stealing?
I would love to give the author $5 directly if i got get an ebook from them without any DRM (kindle,nook etc) if I can't get a hardcover edition.
I'm pretty sure most authors would rather have you pirate a book and read it then not read it at all. It's the publishers who suffer.
Don't get me wrong now either, If there is a hardcover option I get the book. I have 2 bookcases full with books.
But Piracy != Stealing.
If you want some more reason, http://falkvinge.net/2012/12/07/the-p...
But isn't just like paying the iron price. All kidding aside piracy is not a good thing.
So my question is: If I want to by a book and its not available is piracy ok?