Is this guy doing something illegal, or is it just unethical?

Ok, I believe this has to do with copyrighting... Though I am not a legal expert.

Just got an e-mail from someone telling me about a new site that will tell me how to get virutally any e-book without paying for it. Even has examples on his website grabbing 2 e-books.

Is this legal? I know it is not moral, nor ethical - and he will probably make a bunch of enemies in the IM world, but - is it LEGAL?

You can check it out here....
RichTheJerk.com

Replies would be greatly appreciated....
Cashmonger

 

Good question. Ironically:

Then:

One thing's for sure: people can get hurt, one way or another.

 

It is not ethical. This might be considered stealing.
Remember, whoever wrote these e-books is selling them. Getting them for free without the author's consent or knowledge, using dubious means, is stealing.

 

Well, here is the the thing that ponders my intellect.....

If someone can use their knowledge to scan the internet through Search Engines to find virtually anything on the web, what governing laws would enforce such acts.

For example.... I have several e-books out there, and I know - like everyone elses books/products, there are non-paid for copies floating out there. That is something you just can't stop.

However, if someone was to learn this guys techniques like he/she claims, and able to use Google and Yahoo to scan for copies of your product on the internet, is it really illegal? I mean, if we don't protect them, and google or any other search engine finds them and indexes them, who's to say that Mr. Regular Joe-Schmoe using a public search engine can't view them?

Do I believe it is un-ethical? Yes - without a doubt.

I am in question however, that it is illegal.

Oooohhh... the confusion and the power of the internet search engines.

CM

 

Let's put it this way.

Depending on the jurisdiction involved, one might try to look for a law that's
being possibly broken and hold that individual liable for it. Laws on theft, data
protection, etc.

There are various cases you'd think wouldn't apply but did. It's really up to a
party who might like a challenge.

 

very true. there is no grey area in law. it is either black or white. it will come down to who has the best interpretation of the law in question.