Are e-books vulnerable to being stolen?

1. 87

   innerspinposted 10 years ago

   Are e-books vulnerable to being stolen?
   
   We all know that, sadly, online articles are often stolen Does the same apply to e-books?

   replyreport
2. 60

   Johnjfernandoposted 10 years ago

   I think its impossible because there is a unique ISBN code that is on there just like on hardcover books that is there for the purpose to which when the book or ebook is purchased, the royalties go to the author, agent, and publisher in a percentage-wise manner.

   replyreport
3. 83

   Express10posted 10 years ago

   I think that if someone wants to do so badly enough, they will. Also, there are some e-book authors that are DIY types who may not be able to afford litigation or simply aren't that sophisticated to use online resources for tracking thieves down. If people are in that negative mindset and feel they may get away with it, they probably will try to steal someone's work.

   replyreport
4. 66

   Mhatter99posted 10 years ago

   I imagine if there was money it, someone would find a way.

   replyreport
5. 57

   zanaworldposted 10 years ago

   Any item with value is vulnerable to being stolen.  Be it gold or e-books!
   
   If an e-book has unique ISBN code (as pointed by @johnjfernando), you can safe guard it.

   replyreport
6. 67

   marwan asmarposted 10 years ago

   I think yes, since everything is liable to be stolen. The thing is writing is a tricky business because we are dealing with words, and it can sometimes  be very tempting to produce similar stuff, aside of course to total plagiarizing

   replyreport
7. 90

   Georgie Loweryposted 10 years ago

   E-books of just about any type (.mobi for Kindle, PDF, etc) can and are stolen and passed around on peer to peer sharing networks all the time. ISBN or no ISBN - just like music, movies and video games.
   
   As far as plagarism, there always seems to be a writer filing suit because someone has copied their work, but rarely in full. Sometimes book fans will cause an uproar because someone's plot or characters too closely resemble someone else's work.
   
   There is also a huge black market for mass-produced, illegal copies of popular novels in some countries. I think that, when the final Harry Potter book was released, it was actually bootlegged and sold in China before or close to the actual release date, but I could be wrong on the timing,

   replyreport
8. 68

   WalterPoonposted 10 years ago

   It depends on what you mean by "stolen". If I buy an e-book and I sent copies to my friends via email, is it considered as theft? If so, then e-books are not just vulnerable to being stolen, but very, very vulnerable. For every sales you make, you probably lose at least 5. And that's even before taking outright piracy into account!

   replyreport
9. 69

   Mathewsonposted 10 years ago

   yes, the same does apply for all e-books, so far as I know. It's very sad that people have resorted to stealing novels and written works for profit.

   replyreport
10. 60

    kj forceposted 10 years ago

    innerspin...This is a very interesting question and I hope that someone who has credibility will present the correct answer...I am not an authority on this issue, but the way the world is today nothing much surprises me....just yesterday, my husband and I went out to a very upscale restaurant with friends, I removed a ring I was wearing ( not expensive) but a cherished momento . I was using soap to wash my hands, and turned to dry them..three other women were in the restroom.. I turned to WHOA, my ring was gone..They all denied seeing it..I looked everywhere on floor etc...so I trust no-one...I don't believe if it has an ISBN it can be stolen, BUT..do e-books even get one ? as you have to pay for them..

    replyreport
    1. 68

       WalterPoonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       KjForce, everything happens for a reason. Because nothing happens without God's will, I believe God wants to teach you a lesson in non-attachment. The ring must have looked expensive, otherwise why would anyone want to take it, LOL.

       replyreport