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Now I don't for one second mean I would ever damage or burn a book *shudders at the thought* however after what I read today, in a line of shocking comments recently from readers, I do sometimes wonder why they don't. Destroy the books, ban authors, destroy the literary world as we know it, because slowly one by one actions like what I read today are doing just that.
I am a member of many book clubs, I love books, I buy books, I practically inhale them when I get a chance. I am a reader, a blogger, a reviewer. I am one of the few who review both books I loved and didn't particularly like much at all but I am constructive and I will always recommend a book because what I hated others will love. But one thing I am seeing more and more is some people, readers, wanting books and to not pay ANYTHING for them. Suggestions of joining a review site because and I quote "you get free books and you don't even have to review them!" sadly I have heard this a fair bit in the past few months.
The site they are talking about is designed for reviewers and it is set up for you to request a book and in EXCHANGE you give an honest review, as with anything this is being exploited by some and sadly not being properly vetted.
Today someone posted that they had read a book, didn't enjoy it and returned it for a refund!!!
I am shocked, angry, enraged and I am not even an author, I am a reader, a lover of books. I just think, how many times have we went to a movie, not liked or loved it and would never ask for a refund. Why? Because I got what I paid for, I used it, watched it! I had previously heard of people downloading ebooks and returning them after reading them, getting a refund, Sorry guys but that is STEALING You paid for something, you used it, I don't care if it is an ebook, makeup, a movie, you loved it or hated it, authors get negatives on their statements that show when a book has been refunded. Someone has paid them money for their work and then oh wait, I didn't like it or hey I did but I can exploit something here so I will get a refund. Absolutely shocking, imagine putting your heart and soul into something, working on it for months or years, someone wants it, buys it - something you created, what an amazing feeling. Then to have it stolen or demand their money back, after they used it, I am not talking about someone disliking a book guys, you buy it you are entitled to your opinion, I am talking about buying something, using it and then sending it back just because you can.
As a reader I am disheartened, I can only imagine what authors must have felt seeing that. All I can say is, if you love books SUPPORT your authors. Do not get them by illegal means, if you have money issues and love reading then go and support your local libraries, authors do get money from this. Not much but it is much more than getting it from dodgy sites, kindle does deals where you can get free books that another day are full price. Many sites can alert you to it, reading this post? I do giveaways pretty much every month albeit pre loved but some are brand new signed copies, sometimes Amazon vouchers. There are many ways to indulge your love of reading AND support your authors.
Please remember that with any business it is supply and demand, if we all just take things because we can, we are disrespecting our authors, our books, our fellow readers and doing the literary world a massive disservice. Respect the printed word (treebooks and ebooks), respect books for what they are and bring us. Think how much say a cup of coffee costs us and how long that lasts. Thing about the book that hooked you on reading, or the last book that made you cry, or the book that got you through that dark spot in your life. That is something that for me is priceless, I am sure all book lovers agree, lets keep the book world alive.
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I never read long posts, but I read it all and I TOTALLY AGREE!
ReplyDeleteI don't normally do long posts like that, I do sometimes get caught up in reviews :P Thanks, I just think this was the straw that broke the camels back. xxx Thanks for stopping by
DeleteAgree with this! I have read many books I don't like. But I won't ask for a refund- other people liked them they just weren't to my taste! And you're right about the coffee. If you can afford coffee then you can afford a book! I review books on my blog for free because I enjoy them and want to spread the word and get people reading books I've enjoyed. I see it as not a freebie but a gift or the book is the payment. I recently reviewed a book on my blog 'The Shadow Land' by Elizabeth Kostova. I loved it so much I will be buying a copy when it's realised as I reviewed a ebook copy. She's one of my favourite authors.
ReplyDeleteSomeone very rightly pointed out the same for movies. Even if we go see a movie we don't like and leave after 10 mins, 1 hour or the whole thing, would we be asking for a refund? So why are people thinking it is acceptable for a book, this came up as further explanation to the original post.
DeleteI have bought many books I have been sent as review copies and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes I have bought over 12 times xxx
Great post Lainy. I am sick to death of the free-loaders and so pleased that I am not a member of these groups. It annoys the hell out of me
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Thanks Anne, the problem is it seems to be cropping up more and more. The groups have varied members from all over the world so it is a very worrying thought :( xxx
DeleteI wonder what that site is now...
ReplyDeleteBut yes that happens with non bloggers too. I have a friend who works in a bookstore, and a woman once returned a book clearly read, and said she had two of them and wanted a refund. Bs
Awesome post.100% AGREE. It's annoying sometimes. One of a friend of mine in college was exactly like that. If she didn't like whatever she bought, she would go back to the shop and demanded a new one even though she'd already used it. It was like a habit.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that it doesn't often happen in cinemas. People might walk out, but not often ask for a refund. Perhaps it's more like eating half (or even all) of a meal in a restaurant and then complaining there's something wrong with it and wanting your money back. But sometimes we don't realise that it's not to our tastes until we've got part of the way through it. It's very difficult, but I guess we have to resign ourselves to the fact that some people will be adorers and some people will be rejectors because we all have different preferences and likes/dislikes.
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ReplyDeleteI don't understand the getting a refund either. If you want free books there is this thing called a library... just sayin'. :)
ReplyDeleteI never heard of such a thing! Books don't come with money-back guarantees, unless they fall apart! Melissa has a good point, above in the comments section.
ReplyDeleteHello Lainy! Good Lord, what a post!!
ReplyDeleteI follow three book bloggers and these bloggers are too smart and have too much ethics for this kind of stuff.
As for me, I only write book reviews on the books I loved. I have neither the time nor the energy to waste to offend others.
That said, it's important to be genuine in our opinions and to be RESPECTFUL towards our readers and the authors.
I really think we should try to share ideas in a joyful and constructive way.
Have a great week!
shared on Twitter. I have heard anecdotally of writers going out of business as their books were returned so often. As you say, ebooks are now less than the pricee of a cup of coffee ....how sad, bad and greedy are these pepple? Not readers, more raiders
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I completely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that intellectual property is not as respected as it should. More so if it involves art and writing.
You raise a good point about libraries. Many of us are so lucky we have this terrific resource that one can use ethically.
I couldn't agree with you more Lainy. Sadly it's becoming more and more popular to see people wanting things for free. The same people who are quite happy to pay several pounds for a 'posh' coffee but begrudge paying a similar amount or less for a book. Go figure!
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