According to wikipedia, on Nov. 22, 1718, Robert Maynard killed the infamous English pirate, Blackbeard. He then tied his head to the bowsprit of his ship for the trip back to Virginia. Upon returning to his home port of Hampton, the head was placed on a stake near the mouth of the Hampton River as a warning to other pirates.
Um, okay, you may be thinking.
“Well,” I say to you head scratchers. “The reason I am bringing up Robert Maynard, is he was my great, great, great, (maybe throw in a few more great’s) uncle, and like him, I do not like pirates.”
Ahh, you might say with the little light bulb going off over your head.
Yes, this post is about piracy and I want to say a few words about it, starting with... STOP IT!
Seriously people, this is just WRONG. Let me say that I have no reason to believe that any of you are involved in this, (You're way to awesome) but I'm asking each of you to help me get the word out about this huge problem.
It was pointed out to me a few days ago that at least one of my books is being downloaded for free. Did you catch that? FOR FREE!!!!!!!! This is the same book that I worked on for almost 9 months. I then spent several more months trying to get it published. When I found a home for my MS, my publisher then had to produce it, which by the way, takes lots and lots of time and money Pirated books take money from all of our pockets and if this doesn't stop we won't be able to continue producing books.
Believe me when I say I understand being broke. Broke and I are very close acquaintances. Because of this fact, I have purchased few books in my lifetime.( I know, *gasp*) This was not because I didn’t want them, but because I couldn’t afford them. Like anything else I can’t afford, I have to either do without, or find a LEGAL way to obtain what I want. And there are legal ways to obtain free books.
1.GIVEAWAYS Many authors, myself included, host tons of giveaways. Enter them.
2. REVIEW Many authors/publishers will send you a free copy for an honest review. Ask.
3. PUBLIC LIBRARY This is the easiest solution of all. You can read practically anything for free—legally. Due to my financially challenged bank account, I visit my local library A Lot.
Of course, as an author I wish everyone in the world would buy at least one copy of all of my books, but if you can’t afford it, check with your local library to see if they have a copy. Both of my books are in the library system. This means that even if your local library doesn’t have it, they can get it. Do the authors and publishers a favor and request it. It’s a win win for us all. You get to read the book legally, and we get a sale.
Consider this, If I were to make $1.00 for every book of mine that was sold (which I don't) and IF I sold 100 copies a month (which, I could only hope for) that would leave me making a mere $100.00 a month. Could you pay your bills with that? Yeah, me neither.
Let’s ban together to stop piracy.
Picture also from wikipedia
