Why do people thinks it's OK to download new books for free?

Question

Why do so many people think there's nothing wrong with downloading electronic versions of brand new books for from from the 'net, when they know it would be wrong to walk into a bookstore and steal the same book?

Is it because there's no "material"--no paper or cover or ink, nothing to take up space on their bookshelves? Or is it a sense that everything online should be free? Or some distorted sense of entitlement ("If I want it, it must be provided to me at no cost")?

There is a difference between downloading and the library: When you check a book out from the library, you have to return it, and only one person can read the book at a time. The author was paid for the sale of that book.

With downloading, you have possession of the book forever, your download is not preventing anyone else from downloading, and you can make copies and distribute the book at no cost. The author receives nothing for any of it.

Answer 1

A lot of factors have contributed to the devaluation of creative words, but I believe two key factors are playing off each other to cause this trend. Keep in mind that this trend is not isolated to books. Besides the popularity of downloading free music, I see constant requests from Y!A users for free plays, sheet music and choreography. In the Photography section, it is common to see people ask how far they can get away with using other people's photos.

Of course, it is the internet that is making creative content easily accessible, which causes people to value it less. Meanwhile, as our schools become ever more obsessed with teaching to the test, the arts get shoved aside. And as schools are forced to cut back on teachers and increase class sizes, even a subject as basic as writing gets shortchanged because teachers have less time to correct longer pieces. In a world driven by economic competition, all that politicians can see is a need for more technology, more scientists, more mathematicians. Everyone seems to forget that the arts contribute to the economy as well in the form of all these products that consumers are trying to get for free.

Sometimes it takes a shake up, such as the current writers' strike, to force people to see that they need to value the efforts of those who produce creative content. But as long as anyone can put any crap onto YouTube or self-publish and kids aren't taught to differentiate that from art, only what's "right" and "wrong," things will only get worse.

Answer 2

It's the internet. When people are riding on the World Wide Web, they do things they wouldn't usually do, and lose their sense of judgement, because on the internet, you can't feel anything except the keys of the keyboard under your finger. That's not enough to convince people that what they're doing is real.

For example, a girl could meet a guy in a chatroom, tell him everything about herself, and he could be a 40 year old crackhead looking for some fun. But how would she know? All she knows is that she likes this guy because he's funny and has personality. On the other hand, if she's sitting in a mall, and some random guy her age comes to sit next to her and tries to strike up a conversation, she'd stand and walk out of there fast, because the guy would make her nervous, being right there in front of her face, but completely harmless. The only difference between these two situations is that on the internet, you can't see people. In real life you can. And everyone knows things are easier when you're not face-to-face with people.That's why people break up with each other over the phone and instant messenger, etc. all the time. It's easier because they can't see.

Same with this downloading stuff. It's easier because they can't see. They also might not care because that's just how they are, or not know exactly what they're doing.

I don't know. It's stupid. And really, there are things called libraries out there. They're buildings where you can take a book to borrow. And bring back later after you've read it. People can be so stupid sometimes.

Edit: I agree with David M. Especially with the Barnes and Noble part. If I don't have money, I sit and stare at the books trying to decide which one I'd get if I did have money. I practically torture myself. But my library does have a good selection, so I don't drive myself completely crazy, heh.

Answer 3

My theory is: if people knew how much effort an author has to put into writing a book, they would think twice about downloading it.

I think you have a point in saying that there is no "material." But I also think that with the 21st century - people adopt the motto that everything can be done at home, online. So if it's a book they need to read, say for school, then if they can download music easily, logic stands to reason that they can get this book, too. Less weight in their bookbags.

I don't agree with it at all. Libraries are terrific sources if you want something for free. I check books out constantly. Of course, Barnes and Noble is my weak spot. If I have chash on me - and I'm in that store - chances are I'm leaving with a new book.

Answer 4

Because some people feel that stealing something is okay for them to do. The reality is that most of the sites that have these postings of the books are illegal in the first place. It is very rare that an authorized site will exist online for any new books. There are sites that offer online books to read for free however they are either older classics (i.e. The Secret Garden) or self published books by authors trying to get started. Most new books that are offered for sale in a store are not legally available online for people to read or download. And I agree with you, a library book has been purchased so downloading a book is not the same as borrowing a book from a library. Also, you have to return a library book after a certain period, this does not apply to a downloaded book.

Answer 5

Its the same reason that someone thinks he is entitled to take money from me (via taxes) to pay for what he wants. We have a society where "I should get what I want (or at least what someone else has) or it's unfair!" We started this with the New Deal. We teach it in school, both in words and deeds.

So, if a new book comes out (or movie or song), then I should have it, and it is not fair if I don't. We have a society of six year olds. We can rationalize it any way we want, but there it is.

Answer 6

I think you already hit on a variety of the factors. Many people think they are "entitled" to whatever they want. It's the same thing with music. People think musicians makes millions of dollars, so what is the big deal? What they forget is that they are also stealing from the blue-collar factory workers who make the CDs/print the books, the warehouse crews that distribute the material, the secretaries, accountants, and other administrative people whose income depends on their employers being profitable. People cry when record stores and bookstores go out of business, yet don't manage to make the connection that their constant thieving is part of the reason these stores end up closing.

Answer 7

People don't think that much.... They wnat things for free and that's it.

There are some places where it is fine and legal... New Free Books for example. They are copyrighted books that the Authors have decided to give to the public. Nothing wrong with that.

Answer 8

Personally, I think it sucks. It is disrespectful of the author's efforts and damaging to their livelihood.

And if you can't afford a new book that certainly does not justify stealing someone's intellectual property.

Answer 9

Uh, sweetheart, authors get paid (a very small amount, but still) every time someone borrows one of their titles from a library. They also get paid again when sufficient people have borrowed the book that it is worn out and has to be replaced. So no, it is not "morally OK". It is stealing, and you are a thief. Stop fooling yourself.

Answer 10

It's the same reason they think it's ok to steal satellite television. There's nothing physical they're taking so they feel it isn't stealing.