I've been seeing my books lately as free download on various piracy sites. While my publisher recommends that we send take-down notices to these sites, I find policing these dishonest thieves takes too much precious time away from my writing.
Thieves? Yes, thieves.
If you've ever downloaded a pirated book, please realize that someone went to a lot of time and effort to write it. As it is, the return we're getting for our time is usually pennies on the dollar, especially in ebooks. If you want your favorite authors to keep writing, please shell out the few bucks it takes to legally buy their books. Support them so they can afford to keep writing.
This is not a hobby for most of us. If it was, I'd stick my books out there on my website as free reads.
Did you know that forwarding an ebook to a friend to read is also illegal? Yes, you can share print books with friends, but you cannot legally share ebooks. Think about it. If you share a print book, you can only share that one copy. If you share an ebook, you can share countless copies. Each copy you send out is that much less money in the writer's pocket. These books usually cost less than a meal at McDonalds.
Please, the next time you're tempted to read an electronic book gained by illegal means, don't. And please avoid forwarding it onto others. As an author, I'd greatly appreciate it. If you honestly can't afford to buy my books in this economy, email me.
Author Feature: Pender Mackie
10 years ago
