[guidoism]

It’s easy to take this stance in a rich country. But what about the people in countries where one of these books cost the equivalent of a year’s wages. Not so black and white eh?

[whydoyoucare]

As far as I know, prices of books differ between rich and developing nations. For e.g., The C Programming Language that costs $50 in the US [1], is sold for Rs. 259 (~$4 US) in India. I believe that is the case with most "economy editions" specifically targeted at developing nations. It certainly isn't an "year's wages".

While I do understand your point, it still does not justify encouraging modern-day Robinhoods' and breaking the law.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Programming-Language-2nd-Brian-Kernig... [2] https://www.amazon.in/Programming-Language-Kernighan-Dennis-...

[esotericn]

Hi.

You're speaking to someone from the UK. When I grew up we had to walk uphill both ways, to quote the Four Yorkshiremen sketch.

I couldn't afford to buy things like books, operating systems, games, etc. We spent the money on food, rent, and on the Internet.

People like that past version of me are going to pirate regardless of what you say. Law breaking? You can't see me grinning ear to ear.

I like to think my tax bill makes up for that.

[guidoism]

Economy editions are nice, but only make up a tiny fraction of what's out there to consume. Again, $4 is great for a relatively rich nation like India, but what about Eritrea?

Maybe that was a little flippant, but The Law in a big rich country is pretty meaningless to someone trying to make a better life for themselves in a poor country.