[ SECRET POST #5189 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #5189 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.


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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 02 pages, 50 secrets from Secret Submission Post #743.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

[fscom]

04. https://i.imgur.com/SL2iy0I.jpg

What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

I don't see anything wrong with what you are doing, but I feel like this is kind of what libraries are there for - books to read for free.

Our local one is open in a modified way - you put books on hold and can pick them up (returns and check-outs were already automated before the pandemic). But there are also several online library services we can get through our library like Hoopla and Overlook. And then there's the Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/).

+1

[(Anonymous)]

what I was gonna say, lol

If it's a sin to go to a library and only ever patronize the library to get any and all books for free then sign me up for hell because I sin hard.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

Can you use online library services on a laptop or do you have to have a bunch of e-reader tablet malarkey going on?

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

Most library ebook services I know of are app based but you can absolutely use them on a laptop or desktop. The only device I've seen people have problems with is the Kindle Paperwhite, and some services will still work with them.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

Yes, but also, at least in my state (California, but we can't be the only ones who do this) you can get cards for most public library systems in the state just by being a state resident; it's not limited to city or county residents. So in California you can have library cards for San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and use all their online services. The problem right now is traveling there and physically going in to verify you're a state resident, and some systems have waived that requirement because of COVID.

So it's worth checking if the biggest county or city library systems in your state will let you sign up for membership online and use their e-resources.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

ayrt

The one I use, Hoopla, you definitely can. (https://www.hoopladigital.com/)
I think OverDrive is for phone or tablet.
There's another library in my area that has their own cloud library and e-books can be accessed on a PC, as well as phone and tablet.

The libraries in your area might have all of these or something different. But there's also Open Library (https://openlibrary.org/) and a few others.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

DA

My library uses an app you can out on a tablet,phone (and I'm guessing computer as well,). Where I am there is Libby (the one I'm using now), Overdrive, and eReader (a name similar to that). So you should be able to check out what/some of your local libraries (or larger libraries in surrounding areas) may provide.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

Not OP, but my issue with libraries is that I end up forgetting to return things, because I get too excited and check out too many things, and rack up fines that I then don't have the money to pay so then I can't check out any more until I happen to have some spare money to pay off the fine.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

ayrt

Maybe try an online version? With the version I use, Hoopla, books are e-format and you can stream movies, TV shows, and music albums and they all return automatically when they are due, if you don't return them before then.

For the physical media, my library always sends a reminder email three days before something is due and if I can't get in to return it, I renew online, though they do have book drop that is available whenever. (I think they actually also have a grace period of 24 hours.) It's a really well set up system. The local library is kind of amazing - the only thing I have an issue with is the online search algorithm, it's just too broad in some areas and too specific in others and so takes some effort to find things if you don't have an exact thing you're looking for.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

Can you sign up to get alerts when your items are due? My library can call, text, or email me when my books are due. My library will also automatically renew my books near the due date unless someone has a hold on them.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

You may want to check with your local library to see if they are even still doing this; current industry trend is to do away with late fees altogether. Though they will still charge you a replacement fee if you NEVER return the material.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

I totally get checking out too many things, but I mark my calender, get emailed notifications, and take the printed receipt from checkout and put it on the fridge.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

This feels kinda like a lecture because this is exactly what publisher's book clubs and promotions are for - books to read for free.

Re: What about a library?

[(Anonymous)]

You can use OverDrive on your laptop, I have been abusing my local library's ebook collection lately lol.

Also as an author (only one thing published), thank you for not pirating. I understand utilizing legal free options (as you've listed) though. <3

[(Anonymous)]

As someone who has many, many friends who write for a living, what you're doing is stealing. I don't have a lot of money, but I PAY for books. It's like having the person you work for short you constantly on your hours/pay.

Writers write for you - and what you're doing mostly hurts mid-level writers. It doesn't do anything to the millionaires. But that's no justification.

If you can't be bothered to use a library, then you should just read fanfic. It's made for people like you.

[(Anonymous)]

OP isn’t stealing books though. The secret says that they get free books offered through reading lists (ARCs, maybe?) and get books from Amazon with those non rush credits. They’re not pirating the books, just getting them through other means.

[(Anonymous)]

They're not stealing. They're taking advantage of legitimately-offered free books, or using what is essentially store credit to get books without putting down cash. There's nothing wrong with that. It's a legal channel, and it counts towards the author's readership stats.

[(Anonymous)]

Someone didn't bother to read the secret.

[(Anonymous)]

They're not stealing though. The books have been paid for, just not by the OP.

[(Anonymous)]

Seconding the library option, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with not buying books. I only ever buy a book when I have checked it out of the library dozens of times because I want to keep rereading it. I have my favorite authors and I look forward to their new books, but I always for the library to get them first.

[(Anonymous)]

I don't have any evidence or information or citation, only a semi-drunk thought, but I was in college in the early 90s when the internet was still new and Amazon only sold books. I feel like buying books prior to that point was for collectors, people who wanted to read the same book over and over or have it on their shelf, while people who just casually read and only cared to read something once were entirely library patrons, and yet the publishing industry still worked just fine. But then came Amazon along with mega-bookstores B&N and Borders, and there was a push to buy your books, buy them new, buy them now.

I'd be interested to see if my memory serves true in terms of money changing hands, statistically, and whether library patronage changed in correlation. But I don't have the time or attention span to go down that rabbit hole. Anyway down with Amazon up with libraries.

[(Anonymous)]

(Cozy Werewolf Anon)

As an indie author who has picked up a lot of indie books for free by putting them in a wishlist and waiting, (not that it helps but err... there is a good reason for this, aka quality issues in indie,) you're doing okay. You are using the services as they are meant to be used.(I literally can't judge you right now b/c I'd have four fingers pointing back at me.)

One little favor, if you really, really loved the book, go somewhere like GoodReads or Amazon and leave it a review. It doesn't have to be long. It just has to exist.

May I also recommend going to Wattpad or Royal Road to read free books. AND, you can always get free books through Netgalley (though they will want reviews in return) and Prolific Works (Used to be instafreebies, weirdness.) And um, Smashwords I think does free books too. If the author is giving away their works for free, feel free to take advantage of it and many of them do. (Since we don't know your country, I will not add onto the "go use the library" thing b/c that is so US centric.) There's a lot of free original content out there that doesn't require stealing at all.

Unless you're a trad pub book snob that is. Then, yes, stealing is going to be more or less your option outside of book giveaways and err... the library.

[(Anonymous)]

Go to your local public library and apply for a library card if you can! (It should be very low-cost or free to get a card). Plus you're keeping the library open and funded by patronizing it, and keeping its staff employed!

[(Anonymous)]

Do you know any authors? Or creators? Maybe it might be worth just having a general discussion about them about why they value their work. Perhaps in return, you can explain why you don't value this type of work.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with using free resources to read and more power to those that do but I think the biggest issue I take with this secret is you saying you don't value the work that other people do. Why not? I think that's the thing I can't wrap my head around.