Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Piracy Sucks

Can I borrow your Blu-Ray and burn a copy?  How about you download Adele's new album for me? See no harm in the inquiry?  Well, I do.  First line: Can I borrow? Yes, to watch. Not to copy.  It's plain and simple, it's piracy.  Actors and musicians produce their craft because they love what they do.  Actually, they love it so much that's all they want to do.  But for some reason the human body requires nutrition so they would like to get paid.  That 'free' copy you just made, it's pirating food right out of the artist's mouths. 



What about eBooks?  

Recently I've had the unfortunate opportunity to read not one, but several Facebook posts about Plagiarism.  In my mind, it's piracy.  You've copied the words and called them your own. Shame on this troll.  And shame on you if you buy because 'it's cheaper'. You are creating a demand that a few pirates are more than happy to fulfill.  Just don't do it.  If you feel like one time won't matter, it does. These authors work hard to put their thoughts into meaningful stories.  If the author offers to give you the book, fine. Otherwise, pay for what it's worth. Too expensive? Then it's not worth the cost to you. But that doesn't give you license to be a downstream pirate. 

Why are my panties in a twist? I fully support authors.  I love to read. Just today, another post like the one I'm sharing below was in a book lovers group asking: "Is this real?". 

I read this on a shared post from another author.  This author, Amanda Young, is taking the time out of her day when she could be writing to create this photo.  It serves as a warning to authors that there is a person stealing. And a plea to reader to not buy this pirated copy. 



Now, recently there have been a several other indie authors battling the plagiarism beasts that come their way.  Amazon is very pro-active in shutting down these copies. B&N, Google Play, etc. not so much.  As I see this posts, my vision goes red.  Swear words exit my mouth.  I'm saddened and offer support.  Now, I run across a post from Ella Fox.  I'll provide an excerpt here.  However, click on this link and read the whole thing. I'm not an author, but she articulates every argument that is swimming in my brain.

 "I'd have stayed silent this time, too... if it weren't for the lovely poster on the stolen books Facebook page who decided to try and school a bunch of authors about stealing. I've attached the screenshot so you can all see what we're dealing with. Don't EVER come at me or anyone I know saying you steal shit because you're poor. It's an insult to every person who has lived or is currently living below the poverty line to imply that it's a license to steal. It isn't."


Ella Fox's post goes on to give excellent examples of how sharing can be done legally and to the benefit to both the income restricted reader and the author.  Read and share Ella's post. It's the one way for fellow bookworms can make sure our beloved authors can do what they do best, write, not fight piracy.

After all this, I realized that I too would have been an unwitting pawn in the piracy game.  If you follow my blog, you'll know I did a giveaway in October on my Facebook page.  I was legit.  Each week drawing, I input the names into random.org's List Generator and number one was picked.  I PM'd the winner asking for their email to gift an copy. Well, one winner, took over 10 days to respond.  When they did they said:

"Is it possible for me to receive in PDF or .doc instead? I am also travelling right now and Kindle denies me access.
Sure I would love to write good reviews smile emoticon Appreciating the artists (authors) for a job well done is very essential to me. Upon Request, I can also post Reviews on goodreads, Amazon, Facebook Pages, and more."

Hmmm, I think the giveaway was clear. The eBook version from Amazon was part of a fundraiser. And where are you traveling outside the World Wide Web you can't log into your Amazon account?  I gifted them the eBooks instead because that's what I said I would do. As of 12/17/15, their gift goes unclaimed.  Hmmmm....yep, makes me ill to my stomach. If I would have had what they requested, would they have 'shared'?   I think I owe the swear jar about fifty bucks.

Join in the conversation.  What can be done to stop the piracy? And those who think it's okay to allow these pirates to profitWhere do you draw the line at 'sharing'?  

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Fan Girl Activated: Bibliobules Author Signing and Mixer Event

It's December.  What else do you do except decorate, go to parades, eat cookies, etc.  Well, what do I do? Author Event!!



Bibliobules hosted a small, intimate book signing event.  Events this size are my favorites. I had the opportunity to actually chat with the authors for longer than it takes them to sign their books.  In addition to speak with two additional vendors I will feature below. Hint: Chocolate!

First, I need to give a huge shout out to Authors Martha Sweeney and Thomas Sweeney .  Okay, really Martha *wink*.  This was their first event and worked tirelessly to promote, get authors and vendors. Their next event is schedule for April in Florida.  You can find all the details at their website: Bibliobules.

First stop on my Author room sweep, Melanie Shawn.  I love these Central Cali ladies. If you haven't read their Crossroads series - it's a recommended series read from me. And shout out for donating a third book for Dexter's giveaway! 





Round the table to the fabulous Julie Prestsater.   I'm so looking forward to reading her Fire Me Up series. On the TBR. I love her Against The Wall series. She was a gem to speak with. She didn't even mind when I called her character Chase a 'douche'.  Well, he is  -although I did love that she gave him a book in Playing Chase and I found his soft, squishy center. As the event winded down, we had the mixer portion and I won a copy of Against the Wall which I 'made' her sign for my personal collection. 





Now, as I move to the next tables, all three authors are new to me.  First was Melissa A Hanson, a young adult author.  Who is on my TBR.  I know - gasp.  But the synopsis sounds like a very awesome read. 






I love intrigue and books that keep me guessing.  Elisa Marie Hopkins' series Diamond in the Rough offers me just that.  So, add to my TBR.  Besides being one of the co-hosts for the event, her Mother was her PA.  Let's just say she's a hoot and an awesome cook!  The event had a raffle prizes and, ta-da, Elisa was the first winner.  I love when I can snap some candids. 




Last on my table journey was the gracious Jan Moran.  She writes Women's Fiction. Which I have lots of friends that don't always want all steam.  And true for me too. Sometimes a good story with strong heroines is what you need.  Her books promise to deliver just that.  In addition, if you choose one of her books for a book club, she is more than willing to Skype in. How cool is that! Jan and I sat next to each other during the mixer.  Loved getting to know her better.




Did I mention there was chocolate? And super cool bookmarks I got as gifts for friends.  Please click on the links to their websites to visit their wares.  PS: Sinless is guilt free.



So where is my picture of the event hosts?  Yes, I am lame. Did I have time? Yes. Did I do it? No. It didn't occur to me until after I reached home. #fangirlfail.  But, we did chat off and on. We did speak about their books.  Martha writes erotic *fans self* menage.  Okay where have I been? Click on TBR. Tom had a copy of The Harem just for me. (or at least that's what I'm telling myself). The novel started as a screenplay that morphed into a novel. Can't wait to read. I may not have individual pics of them, but here is Tom's book. 




At the end of the signing portion, group pictures were taken.  Wait, does it count I have those of Tom and Martha?




While authors are breaking down to join the mixer portion, I get this wild idea.  I'm going to do a week long giveaway at Darlene & Dexter's Book Nook.  So click on the link and join our fabulous group of bookworms.  From Dec 14th through 18th,  the giveaway will feature one of the authors or two.  Besides books signed by the attending authors, the winner will get plenty of swag, some signed. Not all invited authors could attend so I have a few 'Blind Dates with a Book' to add to the Friday's double giveaway.  
Bibby the elf approved of my bookish finds.

Now, I've got to sort it all.  Who's idea was this? Oh, yeah - Mine.



Last but not least, is my favorite raffle prize: A reading lap blanket. Want one for yourself or a bookworm friend, click on the link to Bibliobules to order today. 






What type of author signing events do you favor? Huge ones with lots of authors, models and vendors?  Or small intimate ones where conversation can happen?  Join in the conversation below in the comments.