So, ethical dilemma

[justalurkr]

So, book piracy.

Someone else acquired the pre-release copy of the book either as an existing pdf or did the conversion, and posted it to a social networking group through a free download service. Amazon.com has no actual release date for it, the book is going to be $120 retail, $103 amazon price, 626 pages hardcover and extremely relevant to the technical side of my career.

In other words, somebody else did the stealing and is passing out the loot at no charge.

What are my ethical obligations here?

Comments

[vamysteryfan.livejournal.com]

Tough love here - IMHO you need to buy the book AND report the download as piracy. Somebody put a lot of effort and time into that book and should be compensated for it appropriately. The person who put it online prerelease is a dirtbag.

Sorry - that's just how I feel. WHat do you think?

The moral half of me is already there

[justalurkr.livejournal.com]

I think they're going to have a hard time catching her, though. Neither she nor the download server appears to be in the United States. If they aren't even in the same country, the inability of law enforcement officials to coordinate across boundaries for anything other than crimes against humanity is notorious.

Code of Business Conduct at Carnivorously Major Wireless Carrier sez (essentially) "if you have to ask, you shouldn't be doing it."