Romance By Catherine: Ticks me off!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Ticks me off!

*up on soapbox*

This is a message to anyone who has read my work through the illegal downloads over the net. If you downloaded my work for free, and it wasn't something you won through a contest I offered... and you're not a reviewer... what can I say other than "That sucks"

I found yet another thread of "Oh, yeah... we can download Catherine Bybee's work for free" with 95 thumbs ups - I don't know who you are angelbabe1980 - but did you know that you're hurting me the author? I'd be happy to tell you where the best price is to buy my work. But when you tell the world about pirated books, you're hurting the authors who really don't make a ton of money in the first place.

I've even found people writing reviews on Soul Mate after they say they've 'picked it up last week' - Soul Mate has been out of print for months. Months! The only place you can get it is on a site stealing from me.

I'm disappointed. I want fans, want people to enjoy my work... but is it too much to ask that you fork over the cost of a Latte for a few hours of pleasure?

*off soapbox*

7 comments:

Joanne Stewart said...

I'm sorry to hear this is happening to you, Catherine. That really sucks. Sad to say that in this day and age they're getting away with it all too easily. Hope the sites your stuff is on gets shut down! <3

AJ Nuest said...

Here, here, Catherine! Is there room on your soap box for two? My DH found a copy of my first novel online yesterday, from some dude in Indiana (where I live) asking $45 for the book! What the heck?? I've got a box of them sitting right here at my feet, and feel bad asking for the price I paid, $10!! Grrr... I'm with ya' sista!

Catherine Bybee said...

Joanne ~ It just makes me cry at times.

AJ ~ It kills me when I see that. I want to shout to the world... hey, I'll give you a signed copy with a bookmark direct from the author for that price.

Shawna Thomas said...

AMEN!

There seems to be an incorrect idea that all writers make a lot of money and so it's okay to steal... We know it's absolutely not true and even it if was... it's STEALING! Ticks me off.

Thank you for speaking out, Catherine!

Kaye Manro said...

I here you, Catherine. I've seen this same kind of crap happening all over the place. I'm not sure if it's the fact book stealers think authors have lots of money but more like -- they just enjoy getting something for nothing. It's not right, and it's one of those things that I feel publishers need work on for their authors.

Catherine Bybee said...

Lynne - hear, hear!
Kaye - I agree. I'd like to see a stronger publisher push to rid the net of this stuff.

BecK said...

That is terrible for you Catherine. Angelbabe1980 sounds like a real pain. Can you do anything about it? Have them reported maybe?