Last week, I was very disturbed and angry to find sitting in my inbox a PDF file of Steve Harvey’s national best selling book: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.
You may think that you’re getting over some imaginary hurdle by not purchasing the book. And you may have even rationalized the reason why it was okay to print out that book and read it. I can just hear you now: “Steve Harvey has more money than God. He ain't gonna miss my few dollars!”
But no matter how you slice it, it’s wrong and it hurts us – all of us. You don’t want to work for free and neither do we. So please, please take a moment to think about the damage you’re causing artists when you chose to watch a bootleg movie or read a book for free off of the Internet. Don't want to buy the book? No prob - that's what libraries are for!
So that event got me to thinking about those literary talents that have disappeared from the bookstore shelves.
I wonder if we as readers had a hand in their sudden and swift departure into obscurity. 'Cause we can't point ALL ten fingers at the publishers.
As a reader, what part do you think you've played in the demise of an author?
Maybe you borrow books from friends, or lend yours books out? Are you a member of a book club who prefers to circulate two copies amongst the members - rather than purchase/or borrow the required amount from the bookstore or library.
Are you guilty of receiving and reading books that were pirated and then emailed to one hundred thousand people?
Did you read a book that you absolutely fell in love with - and then not tell a soul?
These are things we need to ponder as readers.
I would love to know which authors you're missing and wishing would come back and publish again?
As for me, lately I've been missing Itabari Njeri
6 comments:
The same sentiment goes for 'free music downloads' -- and as one who wholeheartedly supports independent musicians, I see the toil of maintaining a day job in order to pursue their passion. It hurts everyone as you've stated. Now, with regard to my favorite authors and those I wish I could hear more from: Valerie Wilson Wesley, Nathan McCall and Bernice McFadden top my list! :)
Great post. I've heard Steve Harvey talking about people e-mailing his book to others, and I guess they have it traced to the exact source... funny how people think computers are completely anonymous.
Anyway, I agree that we must buy books and music, rather than attain them in illegal ways. Artists are working for a living too.
fs
I can only think of one right now off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are others; Kristin Hunter Lattany.
I'd heard about the e-mailing of Steve's book. Scary! I figured it'd only be a matter of time before the electronic piracy would trickle its way down to us.
Me too, regarding Njeri!
I'm missing Gayl Jones and Ruth Forman. I bought Ruth's children's book but I'm waiting for her poetry or fiction.
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