Hi there, guy-who-I-won't-link-to-for-obvious-reasons,
I'm Wil Wheaton. I wrote Just A Geek, and I created the audiobook you're helping people steal. You may not know this, but I 'm just one guy, without a publisher, so when you help people steal this copy of Just A Geek by making it available for download, you're basically stealing directly from me. You're not stealing from some big publisher with deep pockets who is trying to rip you off with overpriced stuff; you are stealing directly from me, an indie artist and publisher who counts on every sale to make a living. I have to tell you, guy-who-I-won't-link-to-for-obvious-reasons, what you're doing sucks. It sucks a lot.
I worked hard on this audiobook. I invested almost 50 hours into the production, spread out over several weeks. I priced it under the average market price for audiobooks of its length, and I deliberately did not put DRM on it, because I don't believe in treating my customers like they are criminals. I mean, let's face it, guy-who-I-won't-link-to-for-obvious-reasons, DRM only punishes honest customers, because people like you, who steal from people like me, always find a way around it.
I notice that you have a nice big banner at the top of your webpage, imploring the people who are visiting your site to click on the ads you've put there, so you can keep the site running. I also see that you have a link for people to donate money to you. That's, um, that's rather ironic, isn't it? You are stealing from me and other authors, and then asking your fellow thieves to click on ads and give you donations, so you can make money from our work. Maybe it's just me, but that strikes me as what we would call "a real dick move."
I realize that I can't stop you from doing what you're doing. Even if I went through the hassle of filing DMCA takedown notices and filing complaints with the various authorities who handle this sort of thing, you'd just open up a new site somewhere else, and start all over again. But listen, guy-who-I-won't-link-to-for-obvious-reasons, maybe you don't realize that you're actually taking money right out of my pocket, and maybe you don't realize that what you're doing is no different than walking into a store, putting an audiobook under your jacket, and walking out with it. You're stealing from me, guy-who-I-won't-link-to-for-obvious-reasons, and I hope you'll read this, and stop.
I'd really appreciate it if you'd take these links down, and replace them with links to the place where people can purchase it from me, support my work, and ensure that I continue to release audiobooks without DRM or other annoying restrictions.
Thanks for listening,
Wil Wheaton
That sucks, man! Some people have no common sense!
Aren’t Wil’s books licensed under Creative Commons, so copying is allowed?
Even if they are not, I thought Wil was a big supporter of Creative Commons, so it seems odd to hear him use words like ‘steal’ and ‘thief’ when the central principal of creative commons is that copyright is not property.
No, the stuff that Wil released under Creative Commons license is clearly marked as such (or when it’s a video, he clearly says it on the video). The audio books were not.
Just because someone supports Creative Commons, and occasionally uses it, doesn’t mean they have to use it on every single thing they create.
You’re such a good guy. Makes me want to find guy-you-won’t-link-to and just… well, I’m not as calm and nice as you are. And I have a cane.
I hope guy-who-sucks-a-whole-lot gets his head out of his ass before someone pushes it further. Thank you, Wil!
Wil, you’re a classy guy for not letting this jerk (and other he/she/its like ’em) to ruin it for the rest of us. There’s certainly a part of me that wants you to fry them; but I also wouldn’t want you to waste your time and energy on such an angry task.
Totally sucks. I really hope you sent this letter to them.
For What It’s Worth… this spurred me to finally buy a copy of the audio book. So there, pirate-thing!
Even if the domain name is registered through a private registration service, most of those will drop the privacy if the user is shown to be doing something illegitimate with it. I did that to a jerk who was stealing website content by the page-full from a friend of mine: DMCA’d him off two different hosts, got his anonymity yanked, and caused him enough grief that he finally gave up. In this case you’ve got the host, the registrar, Google, and PayPal to get involved, and any or all of them will probably help in applying the smackdown.
Aside from the fact that he is a dick (if I can call him that without insulting a world full of honest male genitalia and men named Richard), he’s most likely costing you less than you might think. Most of the wankers who would download that copy of your audiobook probably weren’t going to be paying customers anyway. We laugh at Adobe for calculating their “losses” with the idea that every warez d00d with a cracked copy of Photoshop would otherwise have bought it at full list price, which is obviously ridiculous, at least obvious to anyone but Adobe. It varies depending on market, but in most cases pirates are not lost customers; if they can’t get something free, they’re too cheap to buy it. Not that this makes this dick any less deserving of a good cockpunching, of course.
I’m in the process of moving, which is distressingly expensive, or I’d buy the book myself just to help make up for any losses due to the dick. Hmm … does an audiobook to listen to while driving 1100 miles count as a moving expense for tax purposes?
Wil, it’s not like going into the store and sticking the audiobook under his jacket and walking out. In your case, it’s more like he walked into your house as you were about to eat and took all the food and left with it while he points and laughs and prances off into the distance. All the while asking for gas money to help keep his van running.
I think that’s a better analogy.
that strikes me as what we would call “a real dick move.”
Seems as if he/she/it violated the Prime Directive of “don’t be a dick”.
I am the author of a book published by Wiley, and I have found the PDF version of our book offered for free. I know what you are going through, more so than I because you rely more on your sales than I do–my royalties are a pittance, requiring me to work a “real” job.
I don’t know that there is anything you can do, more than you have already. Just know that there are many of use who are on your side, and most of us will do the right thing.
We’re not all dicks.
I completely understand you not wanting to link to his site. However, if there is any other personal information of theirs you would like to share, “Wil’s Army” would be happy to make life hell for him. I’m just sayin…
That’s actually not true. Stores can tell if missing items have been purchased or have been lost via “shrinkage” (read: thieves). If they notice that certain items appeal to the DICKS who steal stuff rather than buying it, they will not stock it as heavily.
Besides, it’s still stealing. When is it okay to steal? When does a company become large enough that you feel it’s okay to steal from?
As many have done already, I just ordered a copy of the audiobook. I had been meaning to, and this seemed like the right time to do it.
Thanks Wil, we’ve all got your back.
Wow. Looks like this has really increased your sales honestly. Seems like this guy did you a favor. People who are going to purchase it will do so even if they can get it for free. What about the poor college student who will purchase when he actually has money. Maybe he would become a loyal fan and over the long term as he did get disposable income he would purchase everything you have ever published?
What about the people who could either eat three meals for the day or buy the audiobook? I know five people (out of 10) at my work alone who could not eat for the day if they were to purchase the audiobook. That accounts for about 40-50% of our population in the USA. There are quite a few people in our society who do not have disposable income. Especially in our current economic climate. (Even more reason they should buy the book, obviously)
I think it really does increase your exposure. I understand it is not right and should not be allowed or condoned. If giving away the material for free killed sales for publishers, then libraries would have destroyed the publishing industry years ago.
You could always do a incentivised program that if people went through and filled out all of your offers they would get the book for free. Shoot you would probably make more money that way as well. lol.
I think that in the near term that people will reconsider the distribution mechanisms in place today and come up with a license system that would blanket all materials from a publisher (individual or large corporation) and would entitle people to download the work from anywhere. This seems like a good business decision to me really. You still get paid without having to worry about distribution.
Oh well, best of luck and I am sure I will purchase your audiobook myself as I am actually interested in the material. You apparently have a good following of loyal people so that should count for something.
On a side note, if my amateur googling has correctly identified the dick in question (DIQ?), then they’re hosting their files through a standard hosting service with which you mayreport abuse. At the least, then, you could get the files taken down, and if enough copyright holders did likewise, force the DIQ to scramble for alternate hosting services.
Send him a “cease and desist” notice. You are the copyright-holder, you have the power!
Makes my misanthropic heart feel all warm and fuzzy to see everyone coming to your defense, Wil. I didn’t CC you on it (as you’re already aware), but I went through his archives and contacted all of the authors and publishers I could get contact info for to make them aware of what was happening on that site. That’s in addition to contacting Google Ads, Adsense, Paypal, and his ISP.
I also linked this blog post on twitter to help spread the message.
On a side note, any time I need a quick pick-me-up, I watch the video of JoCo singing to you at PAX. Makes me smile every time, without fail.
Couple of things – while yeah Wil’s made some sales through this it’s probably also the case that people who are just surfing by here and don’t have any, how can I put it, like sense of loyalty or whatever, might have googled this guy and got themselves the download free, I mean it’s probably generated publicity for both parties. They may not have converted into sales, bit Wil knew he was taking that risk when he posted about it (I imagine).
That site has Dan Brown, Stephen King, Harry Potter, BBC books etc all on the same basis – to say that site (which seems to have multipleposters) is flying close to the wind legally speaking is something of an understatement!
I started to look through (I don’t like audio books, sheer curiosity) and it freaked me out, there’s a lot of stuff in there that’s on my bookshleves, sci fi & horror fantasy, politics, military etc, plus audio book of the new Star Trek movie – it really is like they just have no concept You Can’T Do That!
Oh well – anyway WilW for Prez in say 8 – 12 years – not so much whether he’d be good, but sure as shit no bastard would DARE try to assassinate him! 😉
You know, having bought the audiobook, it IS under-priced. I was overjoyed to find it DRM-free as well. This is just bogus, but you are right in that it would be hard to stop.
Hopefully this douche will stop, but if not, please don’t give up on the rest of us.
Also, Cards in 4.
Wil, I know a guy that will beat people up for a case of beer. Let me know if you want me to get in touch with him.
Wil, do you realize how f-ing awesome your fans are? I gotta say, the response to this dickwad has proven with out a doubt that we, you humble fan base, totally rock.
You must really be doing something right Wil, Keep it up!
I have a Kindle copy of Just a Geek on my iTouch. I don’t buy audiobooks cause I can read faster than I can listen (and I’m impatient), but I’m going to get a copy of the audiobook and a paperback too.
I wish I could agree with you Wil, that this guy just doesn’t know what he’s doing, but I went to the website and I’m going to have to side with the other comments – DICK. I noticed several other audiobooks on that site, including Carl Sagan’s Contact. I wonder what his estate would have to say about that?
However, I think DICK is shortly going to realize that he had a very, very bad idea.
Suuuucks, Wil! Cheers to you for being so adult about this. Been reading you for a while and you never disappoint me. Ima go buy your audiobook now.
Love,
Another Geek
What a douchey move. Thanks for the link to buy your audio book. I’ve been following your site for quite a while, have enjoyed (a LOT!) Memories of the Future audiocasts, and have shared many of TNG stories with my fellow geeks here at work.
I’m happy to snag a copy of your book. You rock, Wil. Anyone who has followed your blog/career knows you are the real deal. It feels like one of US is making it work, and when you get ripped off, it makes ME feel ripped off.
F this guy and his douchey ways.
Actually, the central principle of Creative Commons is that copyright is property but that creators should consider applying fewer restrictions to the use of that property than “mine, mine, all mine, death to your whole lineage if you touch it!” So CC licenses are a convenient, standardized way to establish the freedom you want other people to have with regard to your work somewhere between “all” and “none”.
Before you regurgitate the corporate Kool-Ade like that, you might want to read the CC website, where it says in big letters “Creative Commons is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to making it easier for people to share and build upon the work of others, consistent with the rules of copyright.” (emphasis mine) Also, “Our licenses help you keep your copyright while allowing certain uses of your work — a ‘some rights reserved’ copyright” and “Creative Commons licenses are not an alternative to copyright. They work alongside copyright, so you can modify your copyright terms to best suit your needs.”
There is a difference a mile wide between “please share your toys” and “toys are not property”, and anyone who claims they’re the same is either woefully ignorant or a shill.
The audiobook *is* CC-BY-NC-SA. This person’s website is most certainly not in compliance, though, as he/she/it is encouraging people to donate money and click on google and adbrite ads so he/she/it can continue putting copyrighted works from me and others on this website.
You’re one of the good ones, David. Check your e-mail 🙂
Well, it makes me incredibly sad that you think so little of me, and apparently know so little *about* me, that you’d suggest I planned out some kind of complex marketing scheme to take advantage of good honest people.
I’m simply not that kind of person, and I’m really disappointed that you think I am.
Jive Ass Sleepers released his album on Magnatune, under a Creative Commons license that allows their music to be used royalty-free for non-commercial purposes.
Fabulous comment Wil and thank you for treating me and us as adults. I’ve always intended to buy Just A Geek but haven’t gotten around to it. Well now is the time so I will buy Just A Geek from your web site through your link so you Wil, get your proper and well deserved compensation. Thank you, sincerely thank you Wil. I look forward to taking my Golden Retriever (Catcher) on some long walks while listening to Just A Geek.
I haven’t been involved with CC in recent years, but I remember when Lessig set it up I read some of his books and attended his lectures and he seemed to clearly view copyright as separate and different from property rights. If you are correct and CC are now pushing the corporate “copyright is property” meme then that is a major turnabout and I certainly won’t be supporting them in future.
I totally root for you, Wil.
As you have mentioned, some people don’t seem to understand that their own act will end up ruining the whole thing–creation and appreciation of art in any form–in the long run.
I had the similar experience with my part of post-production work for a film, which I worked so hard and spent so much time to complete, was totally ripped off and distorted by someone who just wanted to make fast money on the net. When I found it out, I was ENRAGED. Then I sent them an email asking them to withdraw the “distorted ver.” from their site, pointing out what they were doing was copyright infringement, they responded in a few days but there was no word of apology. I really appreciate people like you are articulating the importance of respect to creation and art because laypeople like me in the world are helped by such words.
I’m looking forward to your new work on my toes!
Thanks for writing this, Wil. I found a site posting a ton of my stuff last night. Even when the content is published by a big corporate behemoth (and in publishing, authors usually license specific rights to their work rather than sell them outright), it’s still stealing from the author.
In addition to an upfront advance payment, I get credited a percentage of every copy of my book sold. When that percentage adds up to equal the advance payment, then the percentage of every additional sale goes to me. (And I get to keep the advance payment no matter what.) It’s a different business model than self-publishing (and we can debate its advantages and disadvantages), but when people take my book without paying for it, they’re still stealing from me.
Generally, I think the people who post stuff without payment or permission are probably dicks, while the people who download them probably aren’t. But I wish they’d realize their actions directly impact my ability to make a living.
*grabs her pitchfork and torch*
Hey Wil,
Im sorry some turd is going all pirates of the carribian on you. Just so you know my hubby is a fan of yours and is currently looking for your audio book on itunes. simply because he liked your work on Star trek, Good luck to you Wil.
This really makes me angry. While I have next to zero artistic ability, I have many friends and family members who support themselves through creative art. Copyright laws are one of the few ways that such artists can secure their income on that productivity. Violating that for selfish gain is essentially attacking the very fianacial ability for this art to be created and made available to those it enlightens and entertains. When artists have to do other things to pay the bills, they produce less art. Period.
Due to some restrictions, I cannot purchase the audiobook from work, but I’ll be ordering when I get home.
(Cards in 4)
Heh. I’m hopeful that the Dodgers got all their “holy crap watch just how badly we can play” out of the way near the end of the season, and will bring their A game for the playoffs.
EEEP, god no wil, I’m really sorry, that’s not what i meant at all. I was just playing devils advocate. I’m not saying you knew people would buy more copies or anything. I really just meant that you handled this really shitty situation in a way that worked out by trusting in the loyalty of yer fanbase. you raised the hue and cry and we rallied around you in out undying support.
I in know way believe that you would attempt some shity marketing ploy to make us buy more books, really… sorry.
True, but there are still only 24 hours in a day. If the artists in question have to spend more of those hours working a non-art job to put food on the table, then they have to at least reduce the quantity or quality of the art they do produce.
just bought the kindle version just cause I fall asleep listning to audiobooks.
I hate when people are dicks.
And i’ve been wanting to read it but keep forgetting about it.
Actually, I was thinking of Wil doing this, in a Mirror, mirror sense.
“Evil Wil, with his groomed Van Dyke and kilt, plans the most evil way to manipulate sales for his audio book. Muwahahaha!”
Of course you wouldn’t do that, Wil. But it was funny while I entertained the thought.
I’ve been thinking about buying the book, and I will admit I looked longingly at those links on his site, but, like your son said, “Your killing my college education.” He needs it too. (You’re) 😛
Audiobook= Purchased!
Download= Failed. Uh oh. Help?
I decided, fuckwit is going to steal your stuff and give it away, I would buy one! Honestly, audio books aren’t something that appeal to me, but supporting you is. And my husband likes audiobooks. But dang it if it wasn’t actually a little confusing to purchase using the link on your website, taking a few clicks and a wrong turn before finally buying it. And then joy of all joys, the thing is broken and won’t give me my download.
Sometimes stuff like that is what drives people to steal instead of buy, but it’s never a valid REASON. It’s an excuse. When I get home again I’ll be pursuing getting my copy through the site that did the transaction.
As nasty and unethical as those responsible for this site are, it bears repeating that they wouldn’t exist without people, many of whom have cobbled up some sort of justification for their behavior, deciding it was okay to download for free what they might otherwise buy.
Of course it is full of gray areas like mix tapes but you know, all aspects of ethics are full of gray areas. I keep thinking back to J.R.R. Tolkein’s foreword in the Ballantine American edition of the Lord of the Rings, in reference to the unauthorized editions of his work that were circulating at the time, and his gentle admonition that “those who approve of courtesy (at least) to living authors” would choose to purchase the books that had been issued with his approval. I waited a long time to buy the Just A Geek audiobook because it was a lot of money compared to what I generally pay for entertainment. When I felt like it was a purchase I could justify I bought it and consider it well worth the price.
That’s too bad Wil. Some people can’t help being dicks! It’s genetic!
I am still waiting for the Just a Geek regular book to show up at Amazon Japan. It’s been on order for months now, but no go yet. I’d order it directly from you, but I’ve no credit card and Amazon Japan has COD (YAY). I have gotten, and read, Dancing Barefoot tho.
Keep up the good work Wil and don’t worry, your real fans will still pay for your work no matter what.
(takes big bong hit)
But Wil, they’re JUST BITS MAN. Bits don’t have value, man! The information wants to be FREE, MAN!
…just channeling the typical hypocrite pirate. Or free software ‘tard. Take your pick.
This sucks. I don’t know what more to say.
I’m a computer geek. I support privacy and copyright reform. I believe in the web as an open platform.
So in the spirit of the open internet, I am buying a legit copy of the Just a Geek audiobook in honor of Mr. Thief even though I already own the paper edition.
Aside from being a statement, I also get to swoon to Wil’s geek-dulcet tones, so we all win.
I understand that the demand for orders has been so great, it’s caused problems with the site where you purchase the audiobook. I’m really sorry that it’s caused an annoying delay for you, and I’ve let David (who runs it) know, so I know that he’s on top of it, and will make sure you get your book as soon as humanly possible.
Wil,
I feel you. I just underwent a similar battle against a dick who was offering ebooks of some of my novels for illegal download. I spent some time every day for a couple of weeks filing DMCA notices and getting the servers he was using to take down the files, plus working to get Blogger/Google to shut down his sites. Eventually they did–the two sites I was aware of are both gone now–but that, of course, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have new ones. People like that, who take money from our pockets and food off our tables, then claim they’re doing us a favor by “promoting” our work, all the while soliciting donations so they can profit off their theft, are scum.
I recommend that you go ahead and report his abuse to whatever file server he’s using, and his blog’s host. You don’t need to make it a crusade, as I did, because that takes a lot of time and effort. But do what you can to enforce your copyright, because dammit, it’s yours.
See you at RinCon, man.
Whether you’re actually loosing money or not (I’m not too sure as to how it all works, just know it’s illegal) it’s the principle of doing something so rotten to someone who is not only awesome but does his very best to be accessible to his fans that makes me mad.
Just wanted to add to your support circle, *HUGS*
As it was explained to me in a recent interview, CC sits on top of Copyright. It does not replace it. It allows people to share work as long as no profit is to be made from said sharing. So things like lending a book to someone or sharing a CD of music is not illegal and breaking copyright and distribution laws.
Some artists under CC allow people to make CDs of their stuff and distribute them as long as they are not sold but it always best to double check with the person distributing something under CC how exactly their stuff can be used. It also allows people to use different propriety material in podcasts etc without having to pay royalties etc. Again, as long as those podcasts are not for sale or intended to make money in any way.
IMO, since this guy was making a profit off of his site, or at least trying to by attracting people to it with hot ticket items and then asking them to click links, that is a violation of CC. His intent is to make money off of these items either directly or indirectly.