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molluskus t1_iqteasn wrote

I get LibGen for overpriced college textbooks, out-of-print work, or if you're broke and looking for something specific, but authors really should get paid for their labor. Your local library, local bookshop, or Bookshop/Bookfinder gets them paid.

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mjarthur1977 t1_iqx7zee wrote

Libraries and used books don't bring them more money...

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molluskus t1_iqxbcbs wrote

Public libraries pay for books they purchase (generally a higher price than retail bookstores) and many governments also have public lending rights that pay royalties per individual borrow.

I never said anything about used books, but they're basically considered a given and not something that can/should be fought in the first place. Used book sales are always going to exist, and have existed since the first books did. Besides, the first buyer counts as a sale, and most used books go through only a handful of readers.

Again, LibGen is great if you're broke and looking for a specific book. Not hating on anyone in that situation. But if you can afford it, or if you're looking for something more general (e.g. "a mystery novel set in the 80's"), then buying new or going to the library/bookstore, respectively, is preferable from the POV of the author.

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