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> You cannot sell them, or lend them Yes, because it doesn't even make sense. This is why I simply don't understand this conversation. There's nothing for me t
by awj 15y ago
> You cannot sell them, or lend them
Yes, because it doesn't even make sense. This is why I simply don't understand this conversation. There's nothing for me to resell, because we're discussing a virtual good. Implicit in the resale of an item is that I can no longer possess that item.
Talking about reselling eBooks makes almost as much sense as talking about reselling the sandwich I just ate for dinner. The only mechanism for creating personal value has been irrevocably consumed.
The points of ownership, right to resale, and lending are important ones. They represent a fundamental divide between two entirely different technologies used for the same purpose. At a very basic level comparing eBooks to print books makes almost no sense. As soon as we can dispense with the comparison we can start thinking about each system according to the value it creates.
- Dylan16807 15y agoWhat do you mean? Ebooks don't get consumed, they don't degrade. And how you sell it is quite obvious. Like you said, the new person possesses it and you no longer possess it. Give them the file and delete any temporary copies you may have.
- quanticle 15y agoThat isn't an analogous scenario. The problem with trying to compare physical and virtual goods is that, for virtual goods, transferring requires copying. There is no way to transfer an electronic data file without copying it in some way. Until such a process is developed, analogies between physical and virtual goods will always be flawed.
- phaylon 15y agoYes, because it doesn't even make sense. This is why I simply don't understand this conversation. From what I gather, the point is exactly that: That one should be aware that there are more differences than eBooks being electronic versions of books. I think the controversial points come from people having different use-cases. I wouldn't want to not have control over my books about Hebrew numerology that took me a while to track down. I wouldn't worry nearly as much about a book about a programming language. For some books, real possession is part of the value. For others, everywhere-accessibility is worth more. Edit: Fixed "about" -> "over";