Downloading on Web

T

TransformedinChrist

Account Closed
Many people don't think much because internet is widely used.

People download books all the time online - not paying for them.

However people upload these books in epub or PDF formats for others to use for their own personal use.

Others say what's the harm? I'm not distributing them. I'm not gaining money from them. I am just using them to read and that's it.

Isn't it stealing? Even IF it is like a library - even if you are just reading it for your own personal usage?

I am curious where do you stand? How would you approach this? When God says do not steal - people purchasing the content [owning it] but yet uploading [sharing it] it for others to benefit and read [just like borrowing a friend's book - should we not allow others to be blessed]. How does it fit? How do you analyze this?

Thank you for your thoughts. TiC
 
Last edited:
When you consider this is how the author makes his money you can see how this is theft to download a "free" pdf (unless it is from the author or their publisher or either has given their permission). Unlike books that can be shared with a friend or two, if you upload a pdf to the web it becomes available to everyone. It is better to recommend a book or quote parts of it.
 
If an author uploads text, photos or other media to the web with the idea of free distribution then it’s not stealing.

If proprietary or copyrighted material is uploaded by a second party with intent to distribute without the authors or artists permission then it is stealing to distribute or download the content.

Copyright law protects the value of creative work. When you make unauthorized copies of someone’s creative work, you are taking something of value from the owner without his or her permission.

That’s stealing. It is so prevalent on the web that people tend to overlook this fact and give themselves a pass. This is because it is so easy to appropriate someone else’s work that it doesn’t feel the same as breaking into someone’s home and stealing a book from off the shelf, besides, “Everyone does it.”
 
Hmmmmm...🤔

I don't purchase soft copies from the internet. I'm old school and have always purchased hardcopy and paperback textbooks. This summer I donated my books to my former seminary's library and kept the books I still need for ministry reference.

On another note, when Churches display song sheets during the praise and worship service don't pay a fee nor display the "copyright" on the bottom of song sheets. They feel since they are worshiping God, this exempts them from paying a fee. This is not good stewardship nor for the musician who is earning a living for their ministry.

CCLI, or Christian Copyright Licensing International, charges an annual licensing fee for the songs provided for printout and display. This protects the many Christian musicians while receiving a royalty for their work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top