One small step against Piracy?

A short while ago, author Allie Ritch did a post on ways for people to have free reads without using pirate sites and ripping off authors and publishers. You can read the post here. In it, she lists some alternative places to get legally free reads, such as Smashwords and All Romance eBooks. So I had a thought. It won't stop pirating, and it won't stop people resorting to them, but perhaps if we could list a page of free reads here on the SFR Brigade blog, and make a joint effort to promote it, perhaps we can dissuade some of those readers from going for illegal copies. I'd like to know your thoughts. My idea is to have a page on this blog where we can list Brigade members permanently free reads, whatever the genre (the more, the merrier in my view), and to list sites or Goodread groups where giveaways are listed. Temporarily free reads such as special promotions or short term codes/vouchers could be listed in the comments on the page, and deleted as they expire. I'm happy to co-ordinate and list free titles/sites, but if we could all work to promote it, and if all the admins could occassionally check in to delete out-of-date comments, that would help. I know it won't stop pirating or the people who do it, but if we can redirect a few readers to legitimate sites, it's got to be worth doing? What are your thoughts?

Brigader Gail Koger Speaks Out Against Piracy On Local TV News Channel

Gail Koger has appeared on her local CBS 5 News channel in a story about e-book piracy titled Author Loses Thousands To Online Pirates.  The story and video can be viewed on the CBS 5 web site.  She is trying to generate buzz about piracy to educate the public how it is damaging authors.  The site currently registers a 78% "Outraged" response from readers and viewers on the subject of piracy.

Please lend your thoughts and opinions by going to the site, viewing the video and adding your comment to the news story.

Earlier, Gail also wrote a feature article for her local news, The Glendale Star. That story is posted here. 

Excellent job, Gail.  Thanks for speaking out on a subject that is a major concern to all authors.

You can also view a poll on WashingtonWatch.com relating to S. 3804 and add your thoughts. This bill proposes legislation to combat copyright infringement. The poll currently shows 69% in favor of the bill.

Brigader Gail Koger Speaks Out Against Online Piracy

SFR Brigader Gail Koger has taken a stand against online piracy by writing a feature story for her local news, The Glendale Star.com.

Click here to read Gail's article.

As authors and writers, we can all work to educate the public against online piracy and support anti-piracy legislation, like the poll posted yesterday.

Sound Off on Piracy and Copyright Infringement

WashingtonWatch.com is sponsoring a poll with comments in regards to S. 3804, The Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act. Many authors have chimed in explaining the impact of piracy on their ability to make a living.

Some feel S. 3804 will help eliminate e-book piracy on web sites, while others feel it's a step toward censorship. Do you have an opinion?

Piracy on the High E's

One of the greatest concerns to e-published authors today is the issue of piracy of their work.  While a print book can also be shared with a few friends, an e-book can be uploaded to a pirate site and "shared" with hundreds, or even thousands, of readers.  This costs the authors in terms of earnings, and possibly even their careers if legitimate sales don't warrant further contracts. 

Many readers don't understand the implications of piracy or the serious impact to the author.  They simply see it as getting a free read of one or more of their favorite author's novels--how fun.  Not!  These fans may not be aware they are helping to damage the career of someone whose work they admire and follow.

Though a few publishers and authors have been successful at having their work removed from piracy sites, it's a small and temporary fix, at best.  How do we, as authors and potential authors, help fight piracy?

In An Open Letter to John Scalzi, Scott Turow, Allison Kelley, Rowena Cherry of Alien Romances blog suggests one step that might be undertaken to help fight piracy.  Consider supporting the cause by chiming in with your thoughts, sharing the link on your blogs and web sites, and opening up this topic for further discussion.