Frankly speaking, I do not have too much money to buy brand new books. But I love to read. I mean I read everything - thrillers, dramas, adventures, romantic novels. Absolutely anything. So what I do is buy old books. I would love to have new books but since I cannot afford it, I just make do with the old ones.
But I have a college mate, who thinks I am crazy. He is of the opinion that by buying a second hand book I am actually helping piracy and the publisher and writer of the books are not getting any benefits from this. He asks me to buy new books all the time. I went to buy books with him a couple of times and after the terrible experience I have stopped going with him, specially when I am planning on buying books.
Do you also think that buying second hand books is wrong? Do you buy second hand books?
[question posted by sagnik42]
responses and comments:
You are actually helping the environment when you buy secondhand books because that is reusing or recycling. I do that a lot because you only read a book once. What is the use of keeping it for a long time after you have read it? I find it more practical to buy secondhand books. [Cutie18f]
Hexeduser, you look quite concerned for the environment. Well I am starting a "BAN EXAMS" club. Would you like to join?lollol [sagnik42]
Yes, I buy second hand books, and I see nothing wrong with it. It is not piracy, because the author and publisher have already been paid the royalties for the copy you purchased. Tell you friend that Libraries must be pirates too, since they loan out the books, but the author and publisher don't make money from it... [The_Lamb_Lies_Down]
I keep the books which are my favorites, to pass on to my children or borrow them to friends, But I give away as charity those that I think are not so beneficial to me, because I know a lot of people like books but cannot afford to buy new ones, as they are getting more an more expensive nowadays. [Godmother]
Hi ! I don't think it's wrong at all, as a matter of fact I don't even have the cash sometimes to buy the second hand ones..lol! so I've joined these roadside library, where they take a minimum deposit and lend you the book. In case you do not return, to take another one, then it's enough money to give it away as second hand. So they don't lose. And if you area regular, in taking from them, then they allow two or three books at a time, depending on how fast you can read. time frame for returning it is a week. [vidasandii]
Welcome to the club of 'not enough money to buy books' Yes, I also buy books from them sometimes and they give it out real cheap. Incase you do return the book they return most of the money. That way I have read books priced at Rs.500 for about Rs.15 or something. That is really cheap. [sagnik42]
Are you kidding me? LOL..I don't see anything bad in buying second hand books. I mean, i pretty much prefer buying used ones because it's cheaper. Physical appearance cannot guarantee beauty but the quality is just the same, nothing more, nothing less. In my opinion, yes in a way piracy can be dealt here and your friend was quite right about that, however, we also need to take into consideration that reading is our passion and sometimes the only way for us to have one is to buy second hand ,other than brand new which is quite expensive. Getting brand new is not bad either, in fact i like it more if i can afford..But due to financial constraints, second hand books are in demand lol... [underdogy]
shocked..I am with you..LOL..I can lend you some if you wish to lol. Have a wonderful day! [underdogy]
What?! I don't get why he called you crazy just because of buying second-hand books. I don't think it's wrong. The publisher and the author have already earned from the one who bought it brand new. I have already bought a second-hand book by Stephen King, "The Green Mile". [mjcookie]
I assume that by the time you read this you've already seen the movie. :-) That's cool, you really research about the book. I'm like you, too. [mjcookie]
I don't think buying second hand books is wrong. I buy them all the time. I actually collect older books. Does your roommate rent dvds? does he purchase used dvds? Same thing. I don't thank it is piracy at all. Copying a book would be piracy and it is illegal! (It would actually be more expensive than buying a new one! w00t) Tell himto buy you the new books and you'll go for it! [macdingolinger]
w00t Actually he irritated me so much one day, that I finally asked him to buy the books for me. Of course, he didn't. I do not know whether he rents DVDs or not and I could not care less. And just for clarification he is not my roommate. Just my class mate and not even a very close friend.doh [sagnik42]
i also sometimes buy second hand books. i see nothing wrong with it. it isn't piracy either. because it was once an original copy, just changed hands or owner. it's not as if you made a copy of it before it was out in the market or tried to pass it as new and original. i don't know why your collegemate has a different opinion on it and why he thinks you're crazy. [mylesnarvaez]
Maybe he is crazy, that's why...lol The copied book will be much costlier than the new book, I think. It is too much of manual labour to copy every page of a book and then print it again. [sagnik42]
Even though second handbooks but quiet meaty and good content its really nice one. The importance is that you get something in it. Knowledge is powerful than having a new books without a very good content and we cannot see and read what we like to know. It is not wrong if we buy some of it, its a kind of striving to learn more and more than nothing at all. It is very helpful to read whatever books that is developmental and historical whatever that can add our minds and thoughts of history and events that can be useful in our daily living. [geniustiger]
After all what we are thriving for is knowledge. That was pretty enlightening Genius. Many people love to read books. And if we all buy the books brand new, we will have be millionaires. Unfortunately, many people has not reached that stage and so, we should definitely look for knowledge in these crushed, torn second hand books. I buy them all the time, and I think most often it is money well spent. From what you have written I think you have a passion for history and art. Am I right? [sagnik42]
I buy a lot of second had books. I usually know a person, who has got brand new books, which are sold to him after a couple of readings, and I usually get it for about 30% of the orginal rate.I cannot offered the price of the new books. I also buy some specialised magazines second hand.These magazines are quite expensive, and I usually get it after a month or after a couple of months later, for just 10% of the original rate. [rameshkumaar57]
Wow, that is just great. You sound just like me. I buy any book that I can land my hands on. I am not too much into magazines except for those computer related ones. But those I get from my friends, so don't buy them personally. Wish I had a seller like you have. I have to go from shop to shop to see who is charging the lowest prices and the best quality. Both are very important while buying a second hand book. [sagnik42]
My views are that the book was paid for once at full price (most likely) and the author got the money he or she deserved. If you dont have the money to buy new books all the time you shouldnt feel presured to do so. Old books are just as good! [Ambitiouslyleiah]
Yeah, Ambitious, you are right. Old books are really as good as the new ones. Thank you for the response. [sagnik42]
I don't think there is anything wrong in buying second hand books. I also do this. I think it is practical since you will save money. I also don't think that buying second hand books is in any way associated with piracy since you are still purchasing it and not just downloading the story from the net. We are also saving the trees =) [brew2x]
Of course. I know thatrolleyes, but I will love myself for doing that. [sagnik42]
I'm not a book lover but I think buying secondhand books is not a bad thing at all. I would not call it "piracy" since the book you bought is an original copy, the difference is that it was already owned by someone. Being practical, buying secondhand books is a one way to satisfy your needs at a less cost. Technically speaking, put the lessons you learned in economics. If the cost of a new book is less than the benefit you'll get, then go ahead and buy a new one. But if not? You already know what to do. [anjel016]
Yeah right Angel. I am not good with economicswhistle, so I will better take the safer route. That is the option you mentioned. Thank you for the response. [sagnik42]
Dear sagnik42, your friend really has a very unique way of looking at this matter. To me, it is perfectly all right to purchase 2nd hand books. Let's see an example. Not many students has the means to buy brand new textbooks, especially books of technical nature like programming, computer networking for example. These books usually come with a hefty price tag. Buying 2nd hand books will be a more affordable solution for them. On the other hand, students who have no more use for their textbooks after they graduated can sell off their used textbooks and get some money in return. If buying 2nd hand books is infringing copyright laws, why do I see so many 2nd hand bookstores around? [myzire72]
Nobody has any problems with second hand books or the stores who sell them, apart from my class mate. I have always bought second hand books, specially the story books and would continue to do so. I really do not care really what he is thinking. I know you are supporting me and that is all that requires. One crazy guy cannot stop me from buying old books. [sagnik42]
To be honest i patronize second hand book especially those interest me like novel books. Well it is wrong i agree with that no excuse its probably embracing piracy.But, for who is unfortunate then we choose to buy we can afford instead of buying new one.Beside i never heard of any one go to jail from buying second hand books. [Charm21]
Me neither. Well, as others have correctly pointed out, it is not a copyright infringement. So, the term piracy doesn't come in this perspective. It helps people like us, who does not have that much money to read books and increase our knowledge. [sagnik42]
In buying second handed books you will be able to save money and you are helping the seller of the book to earn. As long as the book is still in good condition then buy it. But for me, I like to buy books on sale than second handed books. [maria1081]
We do not get a very big sale in here. So, I will have to rely more on those old book stores to satisfy my need and budget. Thank you for the response, Maria. [sagnik42]
true book theft is when you buy ones with ripped off covers-it could be one reported to the publisher as "destroyed". no,they don't make money on the second sale,but to call it piracy is stretching it. consumers have the right to resale after they've legitimately paid the first time. copying it in bulk and reselling that would be piracy if it's still in print. i buy second hand books all the time-sometimes it's the only way to find rare and out of print books. [scarlet_woman]
I have not seen any cover less books in my city. The only ones that do not have covers are the ones which are ancient and you can hardly expect a cover on those things.wink I buy all kinds of books second hand. Recently published, ancient,in print, out of print. Actually I go to these old book stores first. If I do not find the desired book there, I go to the stores who sell brand new. I am not a member of a library. So, I cannot go to them for renting. [sagnik42]
there is nothing wrong with buying second hand books, you just recycle the books and there is no need to cut trees for the paper to publish another. another factor is that second hand books are much cheaper. i think it is not piracy. the original owner who bought the book has no more need for it so it is his prerogative if he wants to sell it and make a profit of what he owns. he can either give it or sell it. he sold it and you bought it, where is the piracy in there? [liamsam]
No piracy. That is the best thing about it. It is quite legal(I hope so. I am studying law and do not even know about this.angrysurrender) [sagnik42]
Oh wow, this makes me think a lot. I am a fan of books and for me all books need to be read at least once. Even the oldest of books should be read. Though I get your friends' point because secondhand books dont give the writers and the publishers the credit that they deserve for making those books. However, I feel that secondhand books also have been bought by people when they were new, and this is the value of that book. Since the older the book, the cheaper it gets there's really no reason that the writers and publishers dont get their value. They could protest to secondhand books if over time the books get even more expensive but that is not the case. Buying secondhand books is definitely not wrong. In fact it adds value to the book because it has a new owner. It can share it's information or provide entertainment to another person. That is the whole purpose of a book's existence after all. For me, Id rather see a book being sold at a secondhand book store rather than on a pile of rubbish for disposal. [bjcyrix]
My point exactly.^_^ Everybody respects books, it would just be handed down from person to person and sometimes for free. It just ends up in a secondhand bookstore because times are tough. Like you mentioned new books are expensive, so secondhand books still give us the information but it is more affordable which would make us buy more secondhand books to enjoy.happy [bjcyrix]
I never had an habit of reading novels or any kind of books but my mom is crazy about those and she used to lend books from a library and pay back with some rent added to it.i still remember those days when she used to forcibly take me to the library man---i hatedcry that place coz its too silent and i cant keep my mouth shut and i used to create a mess around by disturbing others(serious readerscool) so that my mom would pick a book faster and get me out of that place else she would be at the racks for hours searching.she used to read all those fictional and suspense genre mostly. According to my observation she never read a book twice---dont know if this happens with everyone or not---may be if its too intersting then one would buy it so he can read it again.So there is nothing wrong in buying second hand books---it saves a lot of money coz some doesnt carry out the story with the same pace till the end right.great day. [sunnycool]
So what happened to the rest of the Holmes stories? I have read all the short ones. But there are a few large stories of him which I have not yet read. That is something to make a note of. I will get back to them. Thanks for reminding me. Do you still go through cartoon comics? Or have you grown up that little bit? [sagnik42]
Your friend needs a serious wake-up call. If you are in college. What does he think of the furniture that you are forced to use in the dorms. Does he consider it piracy that he has to re-use what is there? If it weren't for the second hand shops, then things would end up in the landfills and cause more environmental issues. Or how about those who have yard sales? When we may need a little pocket money? Are we considered pirates as well? As many others who have responded have said, they publisher and writers have already been paid. That is in their contract. What happens after wards with the books. Well, that is the responsibility of the person that purchased it. [chulce]
Actually, even though we are in college, we stay in our own houses. There is no dorms or hostels in our college. You are of course right about the rest of the part. I have not yet sold my books for pocket money, but since the prices on all things are increasing, and I am not getting much money, I may to sell them soon. Keeping my fingers crossed. [sagnik42]
there is nothing wrong with buying old books, new books also may not be used forever. If you do not have the money to buy a new one for what you force your wish. I don't think you're crazy, you do the right thing. Before you buy old book make sure the content same with new book. I also buy old books because the writing was not legible I keep in the closet as a memory. [May2k8]
Hi May, I do make sure that the book has the same content as the new one. The old books stores are pretty honest about this. If you find some defect like pages missing or the print is illegible they promptly change the book without any further issue. They are nice guys. Thank you for dropping by. I, on the other hand have been dropping in yours all the time.lol [sagnik42]
Why do you think it would be wrong. What are people suppose to do with their odl book burn them or throw them away. I buy second hand books, pirses, dishes and even some items of clothing. It i a common thing here in the USA. [muscles4me]
I do not think it is wrong. My class mate thinks that. I was just asking you guys. I have restricted myself to buying second hand books only. We get the rest of the things brand new. [sagnik42]
HI! I think there is nothing wrong about that buying books second hand.There are many people buying second hand books, there are also many people buying second hand clothes, and I don't see anything wrong in that to buy something second hand! I think it is good, because when you buy the book, you give it a new life, I mean its last owner has rode it and maybe he will not read it again, and when you bought it you give it new life, because now you will read it and maybe you will give it to someone else who can read it too! We must not throw our books away. Books are like treasure! And we must keep them ! [nautilus33]
Hats off to that nautilus. That was pretty cool. Books are indeed treasures and I do like to keep them. I have not yet sold any book I have bought. I sometimes take books on rent from some of these stores and then return them after a specified time. It is pretty much like the library, only that I do not need to get a membership. Thank you for the response. [sagnik42]
I do not think its bad to second hand books.I used second hand books in colege,a nd they were smart investment.Plus its effective use of books.Moreover, i used to sell my books to second hand stores, so taht someone else could use it.There could be people who afford things, and would be looking for a cheaper price.I do not think it is something that piracy people would be interested in.But think in this way, you are spreading the needed knowledge at a lesser price to someone needy.Thanks! [UltimateAsoka]
Yes, it is practically an all win situation. We are happy because we get some money from books which would otherwise be eaten by worms. The stores are happy because they will make a little profit. And the person who again buy that book will get it at a very cheap price. So nobody loses, everybody is happy. [sagnik42]
That's a silly question. :) Books are wonderful and it doesn't matter what condition they're in or how many times they've been passed around or anything like that. And that stuff about piracy is a total crock. If it was piracy stores like "Half Price Books" would never be allowed to resell them. That's like saying Good Will is piracy! [Trojin]
Right. That is just about it. Books really are wonderful things. They are great friends, they help us increase our knowledge, makes us a better person (usuallyrolleyes). I really love books and love to read them whenever I can. I agree I do not read books as much as I used to when I was a kid. There was no computer back then. Now computer takes up a lot of my time, but still I read at least a couple of pages of any book. Like to keep the habit intact. [sagnik42]
Booksales are all over the world, and there is nothing wrong with it. It gives books second lives. Because some people read books once, and don't mind them after that. So it is better when somebody else, without the financial capacity to buy a new one, read it. You are just being practical, I think your friend is just rich, and he shows that he can afford to buy new stuff all the time. [kafueenu]
Well obviously he is very rich and he hates second hand stuff. But I really do not care. I just get so irritated by him now a days. Thank you for your response. Happy mylotting. [sagnik42]
...Hi there sagnik42, There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing used books. I have gotten some great used books off of ebay. There are people who collect books and when they expire, the family may not be interested in the books for whatever reason, and sell them off in lots. They wind up in different places. If you are lucky you may find some gems out there, rare books. Your friend does not have an appreciation for used books. The only thing I would suggest is that you air them out somewhere, in case you might have something small, using the book as their home "o) Take care. [artistry]
To me it does not matter old or new book, because the information or knowlage you will aquire from there does not matter, the book can be old in some onces hand but in your hand it is new book, ok. [faithdonic]
I read many second hand books. In Australia, by buying our second hand books we are helping charaties, and the people who buy them would hardly buy the book new, so the author's royalties would be minimum. On the other hand the author is becoming better known. [mipen2006]
that's the nature of the second hand market. the Artists don't get any money from things being sold second hand, but that's life. when you buy a second hand car no one gets uptight about the car company not getting your money. if people throw books away, it makes me sad. books are too special to be treated like rubbish. much better to pass them on to someone else who will enjoy them. [Galena]
That is a load of rubbish I buy mine second hand as like you I can not afford brand new ones If anything is going to break the writers it is that People are able to read books on the Net from what I heard At the end of the Day buying second hand is recycling, not everyone can afford new Books and why not pass them on, also most second hand books you can buy in Charity Shops so you are giving to But I would say do not listen to your Friend there are many People that buy their books second hand [gabs8513]
If it wasn't for second hand books or libraries I'd not get to read what I want to read. I don't like paying the price of a new book, call me cheap but I just don't see it benefiting me. I do read some books over but most of the time I only ready them once. [Jae2619]
I buy second hand books too. I love second hand books. I have never really thought of it as being piracy. It would be no different than buying second hand clothes or furniture in my opinion. I hate that he makes you feel like that. What about the libraray that let's everyone use books. I guess that would be piracy too. I wouldn't let him make me feel bad..there's nothing wrong with buying your books used in my opinion. [JenInTN]
It's not wrong, and it's certainly not the equivalent of piracy. I buy secondhand books all the time. But I also would recommend that you buy new books as often as you are able because the publishing industry is suffering these days. If more people bought books new it would help a great deal in bringing them back. I like getting a good deal on a used book, but I prefer getting books new because that way I am actually directly paying the author and the publisher. I've adopted a new saying these days, "Feed writers, buy books!" [allyoftherain]
That is not true at all, it is perfectly fine to buy used books. If there was any question of piracy or what not, then second hand book stores would not be in business. Besides I think that you are doing your part by recycling the books that would otherwise end up in a land fill. I think that your friend is entitled to his opinion but I think that in this situation you are right. I personally buy a lot of used books and I find that not only am I stopping them from going in the trash, I also help out the book stores by providing them with business. Besides like you said, not everyone has the money to go out and buy new books, I know I certainly am not going to go out and spend a bunch of money on one book when I can spend the same amount on a bunch of different books. Happy mylotting. [CRIVAS]
sagnik42 If buying Second hand BOOKS is wrong why is it all the custom of the Governments and museums and the like to do it. If you find the DEAD SEA SCROLLS, yes I will buy them from you and don't care what others may think about Piracy. If you are at College or University you buy second hand books to complete your studies.No matter who you are or how wealthy you may be, as some of these books are out of print. Name any person in high position in your Country and I am sure they have in their time in their Education in life have bought a second hand book. That is why they are where they are, so how wrong is it, I can see now wrong. HICCUP/ [hiccup]
I love second hand books. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be able to get many as expensive as they are first hand now days. I think that if you are sure you are ordering or buying from a reputable company then there shouldn't be a problem. There is piracy and situations that make it difficult. I order from Amazon.com and I know there are such as Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc. that have a good reputation. No, I don't think that buy second hand books is wrong! It is thrifty and wise. [celticeagle]
I also buy new books and never really considered teh royalty issues .The fact of the matter is that new books are really expensive and not all these books are still in publishing so this may be the only way to get them.He has made a good point though ,dont know if I will stop though because in these time we all have to be frugal [ronnyb]
No. For me it's not wrong to buy second hand books. I also do it sometimes, since some books can be very expensive. I actually like the idea of buying second hand books, I love the smell of old and used paper.. I don't why..haha.. [Mebgem]
I don't see anything wrong with buying a second hand book. "Used" or "already read" books need homes too, you know. They're much better off with you than in a landfill.*Gasp!* You can tell that to your college buddy.:) Some people sell or discard books after buying them and reading them once or twice to book vendors, used book shops, or give them to non-profit organizations, such as Goodwill. When you buy a second hand book, you are giving that book new life by taking it off the shelf and reading it. The author doesn't get extra benefits from the book you buy used, but the author/publisher was already payed for that used book (someone had to buy it from a commercial bookstore first...). You're certainly not crazy to buy used books and I'm sure not many writers will be offended by you doing this. lol. Writers truly appreciate anyone who is willing to give their book a read, whether you by it new from the bookstore or lend it from the library. After all, most writers write to have their ideas heard by the public. The more people who read their book, the better! On another note, after so many years, certain books can no longer be found in print at commercial bookstores. The only way to find them is by searching used bookstores and buying them second hand. I had to find this novel titled, Passing, by Nella Larson that was no longer in print for one of my college courses. (Great book, by the way). The only way you could purchase it was to find it online on ebay or other used book websites. There are many excellent reads out there that are past their...I guess...publishing contract...and you have to hunt used bookstores or libraries to find them. I call 'em "hidden treasure." ;-) [SpaghettiEqualsYUMM]
Hey sagnik! Your friend is an idiot! And you can tell him I said so! There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying or reading used books! What does he think a library is? What kind of moron is he? Does he use a library? Does he not realize that there are thousands if not more people who read the same used books and there is nothing wrong with this? He is totally stupid! It has nothing to do with what money the writer makes! A writer wants people to read their books and doesn't care if their books end up in libraries or as second hand books for sales! That is the reason they write the books! Many people who buy new books who can afford them give them to libraries either to sell or just to put on their shelves! Show you stupid friend this discussion and let him see how stupid his idea is! [Opal26]
i don't see anything wrong about buying second hand books. I love buying second hand books and magazines too!As long at it's still readable and the cover as well as the pages had no tear, it's okay if the color turns light brown.Usually old books had unpleasant smell, all you have to do is to let it stand for an hour or two under the sun and then put in in front of electric fan,let the air touched each page, finally you may cover it with a new plastic cover,then kept on a dry and clean area. [jho2010]
I think there's nothing wrong if you are buying second hand books. Like others stated, you are saving the environment which is more important. Also you are saving money thus, buying more books. Piracy issue? I think it is not as long as you are not illegally reproducing the book by any means (photocopying/xeroxing). You are still buying the original copy of that book. Another thing, if you are referring to novels, you are going to read it once and keep them in your locker afterwards. I, myself, prefer to buy secondary books, even reference books as long as it is in good condition. [asdomencil]
I dont see that buying a second hand books is wrong.Me too, i am just buying a secondhand books. We are just being practical in our life. And i would like to comment on your friends view regarding it.He percieve it as a piracy? How.?? There is no violation regarding buying a second hand books. I think he is crazy not you. [nexan29]
I dont see that buying a second hand books is wrong.Me too, i am just buying a secondhand books. We are just being practical in our life. And i would like to comment on your friends view regarding it.He percieve it as a piracy? How.?? There is no violation regarding buying a second hand books. I think he is crazy not you. [nexan29]
no friend.. there is nothing wrong in it.. that is not called piracy. Second hand books are really good thing for making profit both sides.. so nothing wrong in it. I used to buy second hand books when i was in college.. so i was getting some helpful tic marks on that old books from some seniors.. ha ha... [padhiaranand]
I don't think there is any problem with using second hand books.From grade 6th onwards I have been using second hand book.If you are in higher grades, thee is an advantage too with second hand books, your old book might be marked with importants notes.Go for it. [shanrox]
Sorry, i have been talking more int educational aspects.There is no thing like piracy in buying a used book.It is actually a green movement. Now a days you can get e-books from net as well.If you want the e-book of 5 bucks a day, visit my blog. [shanrox]
there is nothing wrong about buying second hand books... it is in fact the secondhand thing that is best to buy. it's not like a second hand car where u will have to spend money to have some parts repaired. You can read the second hand book without spending so much on it. The things that a brand new novel has is also present on the second hand novel. so it's a good deal. you can read what the first one had read without spending much. [chikahdorah]
I used to buy second-hand books when I was a student, but now I'm not a student anymore, I prefer buying new books. In your case, if you can't afford buying new books, it's absolutely not wrong to buy second-hand books. As long as you're not photocopying any books or buying photocopied copies of the books, it's not piracy. The rule is simple: if one day the authority defines second-hand books as illegal just as pirated goods are, I would say it's wrong to buy second-hand books, because I trust the authority would have done sufficient research to believe that second-hand books actually do harm the interests of publishers. Until then, I still believe it's nothing wrong to buy second-hand books. After all, it saves trees to circulate used books instead to printing all new ones, and reading is good habit, whether or not you can afford buying brand new ones. [amonyel]
i also buy old books. there are a lot of old books for sale now here in the philippines. first, it is cheap, the price is cut into more than half. second, you can sell yours too (i think) if you are done reading. previously i do not buy books because i dont want to have a lot of books which will occupy a lot of space and use up a lot of money, now its easier to give them away when you are done because you got them at a low price. [thebestmom]
There is nothing wrong about buying and using secondhand books.What matters is that the content of the book. If the book gives you a good information and knowledge,then the book whether old or new should be taken. Response above gives a true argument, that you are helping the environment by using old books. New books means new raw materials that are being used and using those old books is a small contribution of helping the environment and the natural resources. [varron]
there is nothing wrong with buyying second hand books, I do it my self. it is a cleaver thing to do, we can get more book with the same amout of money compare if we buy new books. well the most important is what is inside the book rite. here in my town, we have lots of famous second hand book market [jengkol]
Wrong??? No of course it is not wrong. You read a book because it is interestng, not because ut is new or old dont you? And books second hands are not less interesting than the new ones - stories inside are the same are not they? [bgangelrs]
Hi sagnik, I don't think buying a second hand book is wrong. Since you can't afford the price of a new book and you want to satisfy the desire of readinghappy. For that you can buy second hand books without any guilty feeling. I really appreciate your love of reading and you are not borrowing books but getting your own books with an affordable price. I never bought any second hand book so far (In fact I am not spending time for reading books now). However once I purchased a book, I don't want to loose itrolleyes. Yes I really love to collect the book for future (for my kids).happy [Sreekala]
There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying second hand books. Recycling books is great thing. If I read a really good book I usually give it to someone else to read or I mail it to my parents to read. It saves them money. When I do buy a new book I make sure I'm buying it at the cheapest price possible. I actually brought the whole Twilight Series (4) books for less then $30.00. [lelin1123]
i dont think it is wrong....... i do go for second hand book sale........ we can get good books in good condition........... i do get books very cheap in those sales.......... very happy to participate in this discussion........ having a place to share our opinions,views and feelings is a most pleasurable thing in life........ mylot provides those opportunity for all mylotters......... feeling happy doing mylot......happy mylotting to you....... you do keep lotting......help yourself to keep earning too....... very happy to share my views about this topic........ have a good day.....cheers......... [crushy79]
It is not wrong to buy second hand books for as long its not delapitated and the pages are complete. You are right brand new books are expensive. Since you are fond of reading books, you can rent it or go to library and read . My daughter is also a bookworm, meaning fond of reading books. Everytime we go to mall, she will go straight to a bookstore, get some books and sit down and read. Even in her school she always stay at the library and read . If she had money , she will buy her favorite book. [nemrac12]
I'm amazed - I thought second hand books are old and used books. To me, pirated books are those that are printed without permission from the authors or publishing houses - these books are usually new and printed on low-quality paper. I prefer buying used books - mew books are expensive. Your friend must be very rich to be able to afford new books all the time. [lazeebee]
I think second hand books can be cool because of the fact that they are there like for those whom can't afford to buy at the original price. As long as they are not really directly in a black market sort of thing, I would consider buying it for sure.. [zed_k4]
no nothing is wrong to buy secondhand books because school children getting books secondhand book is useful for using again and again [pradeep12]
i don't think there is any wrong in buying second hand book. the ultimate goal is to study and not to run behind branded book. if a poor boy had to study then how he would be able to buy all those branded books. don't see the world in an as usual way see the world from your point of view. and always challenge the world. then only you are going to be a winner. [komalsintu]
No, I think it is not wrong, even buying second hand book is good, because we can save money. [januar1986]
It's not wrong at all. I myself buy secondhand boooks every now and then, especially those old editions which are hard to find. It's practical to buy secondhand books which are in good condition. It's not piracy at all because there is no duplicity of the book. [arystine]
Hi, sagnik. No, it is not wrong at all to buy second hand books. Your college mate does not know what he us talking about.. Just as long as someone else bought that book brand new, the publisher and and the writer will still benefit from the book. Once it is bought, then the book has made a sale. The sale may have not came from you but it came from someone else. I have bought used paperback books form may yard sales. And I paid like up to a quarter for them. They are really cheap books. And since you like having and reading many books, going to the yard sale would benefit you greatly. That means that you won't have to purchase these books out of your own pocket. If your college mate does not like it, then tell him to go and purchase any kind of books that you like to have. Let him pay for all of the books that you would like to read. And let me see if he can handle dishing all of that money out of his pocket for you.rolleyes [cream97]
I don't think there is wrong with that. Me too, if I see some second hand book which caught my interest, I will really buy that. Why should be ashame of buying those books?? Is it because one person already use it?? I don't think that's a good reason. [joannaleed]
Hi sagnik! I don't see why buying second hand books is wrong. I don't even get the logic on why it could promote piracy. It doesn't. And buying second hand books are NEVER wrong. Almost 90% of the books I bought are second hand ones. And it's NOT true that writers are not getting benefits from buying second hand books! They already got their benefits when it was bought new by the other person right? So it's NEVER wrong to buy second hand books. New books are really expensive and for a bookworm like me, my money would just evaporate if I'd always buy new books. So that's why everytime I'd want to read another book, I always go to a booksale and buy second hand books :) [veronizm]
Buying second hand books is definitely not related to piracy unless the book has been photocopied and sold to you. There is nothing wrong about buying second hand books - after all, if the owner does not have use for them anymore, they are better sold to another person who can use them than left to gather dust or rot in the garbage bin. I buy second hand books lol I have a lot of them - many are second hand but still look like they are new [joyadalia]
hi, i never read any books such as magazines or any novels.i had none .either i didnt even try to think of them.in my childhood we had some books which had poems or some short story books .they are english part II and not more than that i read.till now i didnt even think about writers or novelists. [umabharti]
According to me, buying second-hand book is not helping piracy at all. I comment on this not because I am also buying a second-hand book. Well, maybe some of my friends consider me as a person that don't have much money if I buy second-hand book. But in my opinion, second-hand book is similar to other goods, such as second-hand computers, second-hand cars, or maybe second-hand house. I know that books often linked to copyright, but it related to publishing. Are we publishing the book if we buy the second-hand book? Well, I don't think so. For some reason, I bought second-hand book for my need, and at other times, I certainly buy brand new books. That way of buying books implied back then when I was in college. Right now, I still fond of 'preying' second-hand books that I can't afford buy in normal circumstances. [iharidh]
Hello, I always buy used books, new books only if I can't find the used one. I went to college and as you know college books are so expensive. Some books are more than a $100 and I couldn't afford to buy those new either. So, I bought used book and there is no different at all. Plus, I just take good care of it and then I can sell back as well... Old and new are the same ... but the price is different so which one your prefer? I will use the old one... im sorry if I dont give the value of the writer but that's all I can do. And they made more than anything already, so it won't be hurt if I buy the old one right ? [smileonstar]
second hand or first hand you gain the same info and knowledge... so no matter which book you read its all about what you get from it.. [kaarthick]
I think it's not wrong at all. It's the same book, you know. The story's the same, the author :) Only the cover and design are maybe different a little bit. Also the used book is cheaper than the new one. When it's in good condition, why not? [stand87]
I bought second hand books many times.In recent weeks I rather rent them from the library.I don't see nothing wrong in buying second hand books.I am interested only what it contains,not the cover.A book should be judget only by it's containing,and not by it's cover.So for me it's not wrong at all to buy second hand books. [numberoneplayer]
there are several points - buying second hand books instead of new does mean less money goes to publishers and authors on the other hand it is a form of recyling so you are helping the environt. and in your case you aren't not buying new books anyway so this 'friend's' argument does not make much sense anyway. enjoy your reading and ignore his advice - he sounds a very bossy man. [jb78000]
I only ever buy second hand books and when I've finished reading them I usually donate them to charity shops so they can resell them and make a little money for the charity they are representing. The idea that buying second hand books is helping piracy is a strange one to me. Perhaps your friend has more money than sense if they make demads of only ever buying new books. When the books where sold new they would have earned some money for the author. [yorkshirewriter]
sagnik42, John Adams once said: "The preservation of the means of knowledge among the lowest ranks is of more importance to the public than all the property of the rich men in the country." If secondhand books are illegal then I am sure the one at fault will be the secondhand bookstores or dealers. If there was any piracy issues, then I am sure these secondhand bookstores and dealers would already been shutdown by the governments all over the world. The way I see it, secondhand books' circulations are really doing this world a better good. For one, it could really mean that needy people would be able to afford the books that they need. Be it paperbacks, classics or right down to school textbooks. The next issue I see is the eco-friendly issue, where the demand for reprints will be quelled, reducing the demand for papers which means chopping less trees. It is just more of a cause and effect issue. I know every writer will be concern about their works and loyalties but I am sure they will agree that at least their books are being greatly and rightly enjoyed. Furthermore, the outreach is much more extensive with a little tinge of philanthropy and contribution to society in the process. I am sure they are aware and mindful of it. "Knowledge is not simply another commodity. On the contrary. Knowledge is never used up. It increases by diffusion and grows by dispersion." Daniel J. Boorstin. [skysuccess]
Tell your mate, it is not piracy to buy a second hand book. If you go and copy the original, that is piracy. What is wrong with him. Maybe he doesn,t read. No offense. I buy most of my books secodhand and i treat them as i would a new one. You go ahead and buy that secondhand books AND enjoy them. Do not lend your friend your books, he can go out and buy himself new ones. [saphrina]
There is nothing wrong with buying second hand books. Used book stores have been around for ages. No writer has ever complained about having their books being bought second hand either. So your friend is the one who is crazy, there is no piracy involved, it is completely legal aspect of books. I buy second hand books pretty frequently, sure I prefer a new book since it is in better condition, but I can't afford them usually and used books are just as great. [AllenWiggs]
I buy second hand books a lot. It is very popular here to buy second hand books. There is no way it is piracy. Piracy is when material is copied illegally. I love reading too, and my favourite is historical fiction. Im always on the lookout for second hand australian history books. I would love to run a second hand bookshop, or at least sell books on ebay. But Im not sure if there is a good enough market. [jennybianca]
I buy second hand books ALL the time!!! I don't consider it piracy. It would be piracy if I let a friend buy a book & then make me a copy to read. I consider buying second hand books to be recycling. If I have a book that I've read & don't want to reread, it would probably go into the trash. If you want to buy it so you can enjoy it or learn something new, I think that is GREAT!!! Your friend sounds like a spoiled brat who doesn't have to worry about money. For those of us who don't always have the funds to buy new books, recycling is the way to go!!! Buying second hand is NOT taking money out of the writer's hands as those of us who can't afford to buy new books wouldn't buy the book at all. Saying that buying second hand books is piracy is like saying checking a book out from the library is illegal!!! I think I'd keep buying second hand & ignore an ignorant friend!!! [LadyMarissa]
Hi sagnik. I do buy second hand books because they are cheap. Now with all due respect your friend is wrong to think that way, becasue that second hand book you are buying somebody already bought it before you. SO the publisher did get the credit for it. There's nothing wrong with buying second hand books. I don't bother to buy new books becasue I want to save money and trees; not to mention most of the time I can assure you that after I read them I don't keep them, I make a donation to the local libraries becasue I don't want them just lying in my closet. I want somebody else to use them as well. [Adalie]
I don't think that it is any more wrong to buy used books than it is to borrow them from a friend or from the library, so, no I don't think that it is wrong. Granted the authors of books are paid based on the number of copies that their book sells, but still, not everyone that reads a book buys it brand new. I would rather buy a used book than to get a new once because it saves me money and also saves some space in a landfill [dorannmwin]
Thats a really silly idea that your friend has. Of course it's not wrong to buy secondhand books, I've done it all my life and I've bought new books as well of course. But browsing through a secondhand bookstore is one of the great pleasures of life I think. happy I can rarely walk passed a secondhand book store without going in, hnd having gone in, I rerely come out again without having bought at least one and more likely several books. Thats one reason that my home looks like a library annex - with catslol [jwfarrimond]
Hello Sagnik, First I would like to say what a great discussion and very unique. It gives moment for pause. I have never seen this discussion discussed on a talk show or even in the news media before. Yes I guess it's a shame that the writer only receives his royalties once but, on the other hand what would people do with books if they didn't turn them into used book stores, or thrift stores or sell at garage sales I think that our land fills would be filled with books and that to me would be sacrilege. I'm an avid reader and have enjoyed reading since I was a little girl and yes I do buy new books, but I also buy a lot of used books. I buy new books from my favorite authors that I plan to keep and add to my library, but I buy alot of used books that I will donate after reading. Since I also will read just about anything. I don't believe it's wrong, although your friend does have a valid argument, but since it's not illegal to purchase used books then I see nothing wrong. It beats the Alternative of landfills filled with unwanted books. That's my two cents worth. [beaniefanatic13]
it`s OK guys. whats the fault if we only second books? the books both new book or second book is still the book. their content is still same. so what`s the different? the different is only from the cover of that book [adhyz82]
I dont see an issue with buying second hand books. I mean if you are low on cash. I have bought several books second hand and even sold some of mine sold back to second hand stores. I see it as sharing your books, does he have an issue with that? [rmuxagirl]
Your friend's definition on book piracy is wrong. Schools and libraries would be considered big pirates if this was true. There is nothing wrong with buying a second-handed book. College students due it all the time due to the expensiveness of books. I even bought a used fiction book once and it was in good condition. Granted I like new books because I like that fresh crisp feeling opening the book. But hard to find books, I usually head for the "Used Books" store. [Firestorm0122]
There is nothing wrong with second hand books. They are merely sold and repurchased by stores, which makes this their business to do so. I remember wanting to get rid of books before and found a used book store. They took the ones that were in demand and paid me a fair amount for them. The others I ended up donating to the library. [libby2009]