Buying "Used" Tutorials

[BrownGirl]

Someone in the GS is selling their entire lampworking set up. One of the things they are selling is what looks to be a big book of tutorials they have paid for and printed out and have put into a binder.

I emailed the seller and asked to buy that book. Then, someone posted in the GS asking if these were tutorials they bought. Is that a "bad thing"? I was under the understanding that it was OKAY to purchase this kind of stuff if the original seller gave up all rights of use. Kinda like when you sell computer software. So, it's not like she is making copies of this stuff and selling off to different people. I think she is just selling ALL of her lampworking supplies and this notebook full of tutorials happens to be one of her "tools".

Any thoughts?

--Monica

[jamie lynne]

For the most part selling e-books is a no-no. Selling a real physical book (not just a print off of an E-book) is ok.

[Polgarra]

You can't sell software unless it is unopened with the license code never used. In fact, even then it might not be legal ( the courts are still working the issue out)

[BrownGirl]

You can't sell software unless it is unopened with the license code never used. In fact, even then it might not be legal ( the courts are still working the issue out)

Oh really? I didn't know that. I guess I was thinking like games and stuff... like Sims or other computer games. Okay. Well, I didn't know that. I sold a few Sims games before.

And, I was also thinking of it along the lines of a book or magazine. You use it and then give it away or sell it. If it's illegal or even a big enough no no that some of the people on here selling tutorials would be angry about, I won't buy it. I really thought it was something harmless.

Thanks for the input.

--Monica

[squid]

You can't sell software unless it is unopened with the license code never used. In fact, even then it might not be legal ( the courts are still working the issue out)

I don't think that is entirely true - if you bought the actual CD, you can sell it if you uninstall it first. If you buy a digital version only, it's different.

[Polgarra]

I don't think that is entirely true - if you bought the actual CD, you can sell it if you uninstall it first. If you buy a digital version only, it's different.

Well, I am basing the statement on a court case. A guy was selling unopened software in eBay and the company sued him. In the courts I believe he won but it might be up for appeal. I am not sure what the court cases say about opened CDs. But realize that they have more money so I would never sell it on eBay or someplace high profile, ya know what I mean? And this could all change tomorrow.

Besides what she is really asking is what the court of public opinion says. I have read the threads. I wouldn't do it.

[AKDesigns]

Selling off ebooks would be going against the copyright terms most of us have in our tutorials. Mine has this in it:
This tutorial is for your own personal use so please don't pass it on or share it with anyone. You may print out a copy for yourself.

[Jennefer]

Okay, I have another question along this line.

I have a folder filled with photos of beads that I liked and forum threads that explained a particular technique. I also have copies of tutorials that were offered for free from websites, I think Cauldron Creations was one of them. I loaned this folder to a friend of mine when she caught the lampwork bug.

I have not passed on anything that I paid for, or had a copyright notation on it, just my inspiration folder.

Is this wrong?

[Polgarra]

If it is free then I can't imagine it is a problem unless there was a specific provision ( which I doubt)

[shawnette]

Okay, I have another question along this line.

I have a folder filled with photos of beads that I liked and forum threads that explained a particular technique. I also have copies of tutorials that were offered for free from websites, I think Cauldron Creations was one of them. I loaned this folder to a friend of mine when she caught the lampwork bug.

I have not passed on anything that I paid for, or had a copyright notation on it, just my inspiration folder.

Is this wrong?

Nope

[squid]

Well, I am basing the statement on a court case. A guy was selling unopened software in eBay and the company sued him. In the courts I believe he won but it might be up for appeal. I am not sure what the court cases say about opened CDs. But realize that they have more money so I would never sell it on eBay or someplace high profile, ya know what I mean? And this could all change tomorrow.

Besides what she is really asking is what the court of public opinion says. I have read the threads. I wouldn't do it.

Are you talking about the AutoCAD case? Because HE sued THEM. :)

[Jennefer]

Thanks for the responses to my question.

Now I won't have to do a drive-by and steal the folder back.:)

[Polgarra]

Are you talking about the AutoCAD case? Because HE sued THEM. :)

You are good! Yes I was. And I was wrong, you are correct, he did sue them for the right to sell.

[LarryC]

I believe that Amy has it right. Transfer of ownership should be one of the items that is covered in the contract terms agreed to at the time of purchase. If not.....The original seller/author may be SOL.

[PerfectDeb]

It's unethical

[Melinda]

interesting.... I'm gonna have to change some wording on the website. I have no problem with people freely sharing the free tutorials that I made, but I do have a problem with them being sold. Other tutorial authors on my website would need to be contacted for permission to share, sell etc... their tutorials.

[dianeconroy]

My thought is that when you are buying a tutorial you are purchasing the information for your own use, and unlike software you can not uninstall/unlearn the information from your brain. I don't think it is right, legal or ethical to sell this information. Most tutorial I have purchased have a statement that reads basically this information is not to be passed along to anyone other than the original purchaser/ reciever. I saw the GS thread you are refferring to and thought it was wrong for them to be selling it.

[Melinda]

What would be the difference between buying an e-book tutorial and reselling it vs buying printed tutorial book and reselling it?

[squid]

Ebooks and other digital media do not have the same Doctrine of First Sale protection that a printed book does.

[swamper]

I think that as long as someone is getting out of lamp working, it is okay to pass along her printed tutorials to the buyer of her equipment. As long as she doesn't sell them separately. But to give them to whoever buys her setup is reasonable. As long as she doesn't give them to everyone who buys a little piece of equipment or sell them separately. Just my two cents. YMMV.

[Chuckie]

If the person is giving up lampworking altogether, is selling the stuff she's printed out on a one-time, this is it, I'm not using this stuff anymore and doesn't keep copies on her computer, I don't see a darned thing wrong with selling the binder. The binder, paper, printer ink all cost her money. I find the idea that you buy it and it disappears forever if you decide never to use it again or keep a copy e-book doctrine very impractical.

[Lyssa]

Actually, it looks like the guy who sued Autodesk for the right to sell used CAD software lost in appeal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernor_v._Autodesk,_Inc.

Personally, I don't agree with the appeal ruling. I believe once you own it, it's yours to do with as you wish, including resell the software (e-book tutorial in the case of our discussion), as long as (like with paper books) you delete it from your computer and won't have access to the material after you've sold it. Of course, this brings on a whole slew of issues, because if you agree with basic "ownership rights" in general, then you can escalate the issue all the way to asking the question "is it ok for people who own pets to abuse them" and of course the answer there is no.

"Ownership rights" is a very messy question. It is the main reason why we had to enforce that African Americans and women weren't property, because if you applied ownership rights to them you'd get all sorts of ugly, inhumane situations.

[squid]

Actually, it looks like the guy who sued Autodesk for the right to sell used CAD software lost in appeal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernor_v._Autodesk,_Inc.

That link didn't work (it moved the period out of the url) but it took me here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernor_v._Autodesk,_Inc. and it said it was remanded for further proceedings. Sounds like it's not done yet.

[Lyssa]

Ok, fixed the link. Thanks for that!

That link didn't work (it moved the period out of the url) but it took me here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernor_v._Autodesk,_Inc. and it said it was remanded for further proceedings. Sounds like it's not done yet.

[Elizabeth Beads]

On April 13, Vernor received an extension of time to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari, to May 18, 2011.

Seems to be over, if Vernor hasn't petitioned the Supreme Court for certiorari. Not to mention that the Supreme Court grants review in less than 5% of petitions filed.

[loribeads]

Selling off ebooks would be going against the copyright terms most of us have in our tutorials. Mine has this in it:
This tutorial is for your own personal use so please don't pass it on or share it with anyone. You may print out a copy for yourself.


Most of the tutorial PDF's I've purchased have this same kind of wording in them. I wouldn't resell them and I wouldn't buy them from anyone other than the original artist/author.

[swamper]

Most of the tutorial PDF's I've purchased have this same kind of wording in them. I wouldn't resell them and I wouldn't buy them from anyone other than the original artist/author.

I understand this, but where is the ethical harm in providing the printed copies with the rest of her lamp working equipment? If the seller is getting out of the business, she will no longer be using them and the buyer will use them. It's not like software being passed around for installation on half a dozen computers. Only one person will have ownership of the tutorials at a time.

I have seen some lampwork teachers who teach techniques they learned in another's class. To me, this is a far more grievous error.

[Polgarra]

I understand this, but where is the ethical harm in providing the printed copies with the rest of her lamp working equipment? If the seller is getting out of the business, she will no longer be using them and the buyer will use them. It's not like software being passed around for installation on half a dozen computers. Only one person will have ownership of the tutorials at a time.

I have seen some lampwork teachers who teach techniques they learned in another's class. To me, this is a far more grievous error.

I think people are responding to the original posters situation. She had offered to buy just the tutorials, not the whole setup. What you are describing is more of a tangent topic.

[Leigh-in-AK]

Welll, can this be looked at as a breach of contract?

If I, as the buyer, have agreed that I am purchasing a tutorial for my own use and will not sell it to anyone else, then I am agreeing to not sell this to anyone else. Period. The e-tutorial is basically for the one person who purchased it. The buyer doesn't have the authorization to turn around and sell it to someone else, BECAUSE the buyer agreed NOT to sell it to anyone else, that this tutorial is for personal use only.

I think this would fall in the same category as if someone bought a hard bound printed book, ran off copies, and then sold those copies to other people.

JMHO

[Alaska]

Overall it comes down to what is practical.

1) If the person did not ask the question who would know that the tutorials were sold.

2) If one of the authors were aware of the issue what would they do?

3) Would the author be willing to utilize a copyright lawyer?

4) How much time, energy and dollars is the author willing to use to make their point?

[PerfectDeb]

Overall it comes down to what is practical.

1) If the person did not ask the question who would know that the tutorials were sold.

2) If one of the authors were aware of the issue what would they do?

3) Would the author be willing to utilize a copyright lawyer?

4) How much time, energy and dollars is the author willing to use to make their point?

Sanity prevails

[ByCher]

You can't sell software unless it is unopened with the license code never used. In fact, even then it might not be legal ( the courts are still working the issue out)

I've purchased used software before. I just ok'd with the company first and they changed the existing license into my name. Wasn't a problem.

[Lorraine Chandler]

Most of the tutorial PDF's I've purchased have this same kind of wording in them. I wouldn't resell them and I wouldn't buy them from anyone other than the original artist/author.

I agree with this and would like to add that I wouldn't loan them or give them to someone else either. I paid for them and the other person can too.;)

[ByCher]

This thread is very interesting, I've had a similar question in my mind lately. When I first started lampworking I bought a tutorial, paid $25 I think, but I've never used it. It turned out to be a complicated technique and I just was never interested in trying it after I saw what it was. I never even purchased supplies to use it. I don't think that reselling tutorials is right, but what about one that will never be used? What if it was deleted from the purchaser's disk and given as a gift? Wouldn't it be similar to purchasing a tutorial as a gift? I only ask because I think it's a shame that such a nice tutorial go to waste.

I might add that before the tutorial was written, the main technique of the bead was shared in the forums. The tutorial, of course, is incredible and outlines an entire art bead.

[AKDesigns]

Wouldn't it be similar to purchasing a tutorial as a gift?

When people purchase a gift tutorial from me, I email the tutorial to the recipient, not the buyer.

[Polgarra]

I would use this rule of thumb, if/when I run into the tutorial writer will I be able to tell them what I did with their tutorial without shame or guilt and will they still respect me? If the answer is No then I wouldn't do it (sell, share, give, buy, etc).

That is my opinion and I am sure that plenty disagree with me. I feel like I sound holier than thou, which is not my intention. It is just honestly how I feel about the issue.

[ByCher]

When people purchase a gift tutorial from me, I email the tutorial to the recipient, not the buyer.

Yes, I know that's the way it works. It's just that tutorial cost can really add up. I'm not saying that $25 or so for a professional looking tutorial is too much, especially a lampwork tut, I don't think it is. But everything is such a secret, I never know what to expect. Sometimes I try to ask questions and am told "buy it and see". What if, due to arthritis or something like that, I am physically unable to make the bead. Or what if certain materials are too costly for me and I don't know that until I see the tutorial? I've got a lot of tutorials that I won't be able to even try until I can afford more expensive glass. Or, or, well you get my point.

Some of the tutorials I've purchased were a complete rip-off, but I purchased them because of professional courtesy. You know when two people happen to be using the same technique, learned from different sources, but one just happens to write a tut for it? People are so touchy I feel like I can't sell an item using that technique without being bashed.

Wasted money. More profit for the tutorial writer. And just to clarify, I'm not referring to anybody here on LE, not even unintentionally. Just sayin'.

[mewkittie]

When I gifted a tutorial to another person, I wanted to get it printed to give with the electronic copy. I asked the seller if I could do this, I had already purchased one copy for myself and this was a second copy that I wanted to give as a present. I didn't want the seller to send it to the person as it was a gift. I worked with the seller to make sure everything was on the up and up.

I buy electronic tutorials with the caveat that I cannot sell or give them away even if I don't like them. I bought a bunch when everyone first started making them. Now I'm more careful of the ones I pick. Not that they aren't any good but it might not be my thing and they will just go to electronic waste once my computer dies.

[AKDesigns]

Yes, I know that's the way it works. It's just that tutorial cost can really add up. I'm not saying that $25 or so for a professional looking tutorial is too much, especially a lampwork tut, I don't think it is. But everything is such a secret, I never know what to expect. Sometimes I try to ask questions and am told "buy it and see". What if, due to arthritis or something like that, I am physically unable to make the bead. Or what if certain materials are too costly for me and I don't know that until I see the tutorial? I've got a lot of tutorials that I won't be able to even try until I can afford more expensive glass. Or, or, well you get my point.


I personally wouldn't buy a tutorial if I didn't know beforehand what materials/glass I would need or if I could physically do the technique/make the bead. I've purchased a couple of tutorials that weren't really my style. I just felt that if I made at least one bead from the tutorial and sold it, then I've paid for and justified my tutorial purchase. But if someone told me "buy it and see", I think I'd pass.


Some of the tutorials I've purchased were a complete rip-off, but I purchased them because of professional courtesy. You know when two people happen to be using the same technique, learned from different sources, but one just happens to write a tut for it? People are so touchy I feel like I can't sell an item using that technique without being bashed.

Wasted money. More profit for the tutorial writer. And just to clarify, I'm not referring to anybody here on LE, not even unintentionally. Just sayin'.

First off, you should feel comfortable selling anything made from a tutorial. Second, It looks like you could to be a bit choosier on your purchases. A good example is the free tutorial section full of information on non proprietary styles and techniques, that are also in the tutorials for purchase section. In some cases there are at least three tutorials for purchase covering a bead style that is also fully covered in the free section. :lol: Of course I have no idea what tutorials you've purchased but there is a ton of free information out there and really, there's nothing like discovering something all on your own too.

[ByCher]

First off, you should feel comfortable selling anything made from a tutorial. Second, It looks like you could to be a bit choosier on your purchases. A good example is the free tutorial section full of information on non proprietary styles and techniques, that are also in the tutorials for purchase section. In some cases there are at least three tutorials for purchase covering a bead style that is also fully covered in the free section. :lol: Of course I have no idea what tutorials you've purchased but there is a ton of free information out there and really, there's nothing like discovering something all on your own too.

Actually, I've bought a few where I was already doing the technique on my own, but when someone else published a tut on it, I felt I had to buy it to continue selling items with that technique. Does that make sense? It's like all of the sudden I have to give credit to someone else for what I was already doing. Not such a big deal really, the tuts weren't that expensive. I guess the whole tut thing sometimes confuses me. This really applies to wirework and jewelry making, I've gotten tons of awesome info here on LE, I love the comradery here! And all the lampwork tuts I've purchases were awesome, even the one I never used, and true, I bought it when I was really new and didn't really know what I was doing :sad:

[mewkittie]

Cher - It's really a nice gesture to buy tutorials that others have published doing the same technique that you do and learned on your own but I really don't get the need to buy tutorials just because you want to sell the same beads using the same technique. If you figured out a variation after purchasing a tutorial, that's great. It's just an expansion of the original idea. So, I guess it doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't make any sense to buy every tutorial that shows how to make a wire clasp no matter how cheap the tutorials are just because I used them in jewelry.


Actually, I've bought a few where I was already doing the technique on my own, but when someone else published a tut on it, I felt I had to buy it to continue selling items with that technique. Does that make sense? It's like all of the sudden I have to give credit to someone else for what I was already doing. Not such a big deal really, the tuts weren't that expensive. I guess the whole tut thing sometimes confuses me. This really applies to wirework and jewelry making, I've gotten tons of awesome info here on LE, I love the comradery here! And all the lampwork tuts I've purchases were awesome, even the one I never used, and true, I bought it when I was really new and didn't really know what I was doing :sad:

[ByCher]

Cher - It's really a nice gesture to buy tutorials that others have published doing the same technique that you do and learned on your own but I really don't get the need to buy tutorials just because you want to sell the same beads using the same technique. If you figured out a variation after purchasing a tutorial, that's great. It's just an expansion of the original idea. So, I guess it doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't make any sense to buy every tutorial that shows how to make a wire clasp no matter how cheap the tutorials are just because I used them in jewelry.

Hmmm, no, I'm referring to something that is a little more specialized than a clasp or simple spiral. Ownership of techniques has been confusing for me, I've learned some since those earlier days tho ;)

[PerfectDeb]

Actually, I've bought a few where I was already doing the technique on my own, but when someone else published a tut on it, I felt I had to buy it to continue selling items with that technique. Does that make sense? It's like all of the sudden I have to give credit to someone else for what I was already doing. Not such a big deal really, the tuts weren't that expensive. I guess the whole tut thing sometimes confuses me. This really applies to wirework and jewelry making, I've gotten tons of awesome info here on LE, I love the comradery here! And all the lampwork tuts I've purchases were awesome, even the one I never used, and true, I bought it when I was really new and didn't really know what I was doing :sad:

That doesn't make any sense at al! :lol:

I'm now going to write a tutorial on making round beads, I expect you to buy it :poke:

[ByCher]

That doesn't make any sense at al! :lol:

I'm now going to write a tutorial on making round beads, I expect you to buy it :poke:

LOL Deb! Where should I send the payment? :lol:

[PerfectDeb]

LOL Deb! Where should I send the payment? :lol:

Www.yeehaifoundasucker.com :lol:

And please take that in the gently ribbing tone that's intended :)

[ByCher]

Www.yeehaifoundasucker.com :lol:

And please take that in the gently ribbing tone that's intended :)

ROFL Deb! You are such a hoot! But seriously, I sure could have used someone like you on my side when I was more of a noooob! ](*,) That'll teach me to lurk for 3 years!

[kandice]

I am a tutorial author - here are my thoughts.

First off, I try not to make broad generalizations. Every situation is different. I try to be fair and ethical based on each individual circumstance.

If someone emailed me and said that they found they could not use the tutorial they bought from me for some reason, I would consider either a refund or letting that person sell their one copy to one person. That's just me, and I have no expectations for other tutorial authors or buyers based on that one situation.

Generally speaking - I don't support the idea of selling used tutorials. A used tutorial is by definition (for me) a tutorial which has been actually used by one lampworker, then sold to someone else. I put the clause in my tutorial descriptions so there is no question that I prefer my tutorials to stay with the original recipient.

Now, there are always exceptions to any rule (as outlined in the situation above) and I take every case individually. I use my intuition about the situation and the circumstances.

I look at all this as an issue of ethics rather than legality - mostly because I am dealing with individuals and basically the honor system. I would *hope* that people would heed the rule I put in my tutorial description, based on their conscience of what's right and wrong. However, I am not naive enough to believe that there will never be a situation in which someone takes advantage of the fact that selling a PDF is easy and they could do it without my knowledge. There's probably nothing much I can do about that - except talk about it in forums and hope that has some effect. An example of this is when, a couple of years ago, someone was buying one copy of a tutorial and then giving it away to multiple people as a secret santa gift here on LE. Talking about it here in public changed the situation.

Now, if someone decided to buy one of my tutorials and then resell it to many people as a way to make money, I would likely have some legal recourse if I hired a lawyer. I would only do so if the situation felt right and if I felt that it would be worth the effort and money. On a personal note, that would devastate me emotionally, because that's the kind of person I am.

There is a difference between ethics and law, sadly. Law means less to me than ethics, but I can't really expect that from everyone.

I think a good guideline to adhere to would be that if, as a buyer, you ever have a question about what you can and can't do with a tutorial, it's best to ask the author. Different authors will have different ideas about what is okay to them. That's the ethical thing to do. We've talked about this kind of thing on LE several times, and I have seen many tutorial authors state that they would work with their buyer if they were dissatisfied with the tutorial in any way. I've never seen anyone say that all sales were final no matter what. If someone bought my tutorial, didn't like it and wasn't going to use it, I would issue a refund. As an author, I want people to be happy with what they get, and to be able to use it and get a lot out of it.

[PerfectDeb]

ROFL Deb! You are such a hoot! But seriously, I sure could have used someone like you on my side when I was more of a noooob! ](*,) That'll teach me to lurk for 3 years!

:)

[Zeke]

very interesting and informative thread. I asked an experienced lampworker if I could buy some books and tutorials from her as she is leaving the hobby. She mentioned selling used tutorials is a no-no. After thinking through her response and then seeking out this posting, I completely understand the need to make tutorials a one owner, non-transferable document. I appreciate Kandice's willingness to take it on a case by case basis for those unusual situations but the rule needs to be understood, followed and enforced, when possible.

[SGA]

I think it's a little like paying your tuition fee for a private session. Once you get there, you video tape the session and attempt to sell it to others for the same amount.

i The instructor was only paid once
ii You benefitted twice, once from learned knowledge, again by selling what you learned


Would anyone here really think about taking a video camera into a workshop at the gathering?

[patienthand]

Selling off ebooks would be going against the copyright terms most of us have in our tutorials. Mine has this in it:
This tutorial is for your own personal use so please don't pass it on or share it with anyone. You may print out a copy for yourself.

Mine have the same verbage. Its a no no

[gemsinbloom]

So here is a question.What should happen to my many and I mean many......binders full of printed off tutorials when I kick the bucket? Serious question here as it is a serious collection. I am starting to wonder how to deal with the business part of my life in a will.

[dla]

I have wondered the exact same thing gems. I have a ton of money wrapped up in tutorials not only in the purchase of them but also printing costs. And no one in my family nor any of my friends make beads or melt glass in any form. As I considered this I decided I would instruct my family to sell the notebooks with the companion disks as well as all my lampworking equipment. Afterall, I'm dead, they aren't going to have any use for any of that stuff. I would roll over in my grave if they just tossed all that wonderful information that is in the tutorials.

[Melinda]

Welll, can this be looked at as a breach of contract?

If I, as the buyer, have agreed that I am purchasing a tutorial for my own use and will not sell it to anyone else, then I am agreeing to not sell this to anyone else. Period. The e-tutorial is basically for the one person who purchased it. The buyer doesn't have the authorization to turn around and sell it to someone else, BECAUSE the buyer agreed NOT to sell it to anyone else, that this tutorial is for personal use only.



JMHO

What I have recently read is in order for a personal use only type of contract, the buyer has to specifically opt in to the agreement. It is not as simple as buying the tutorial. There has to be a specific agreement between seller and buyer.

Best info I can find so far. And my understanding of copyright law. Of course it is not a black and white area.

http://www.tabberone.com/Trademarks/CopyrightLaw/Patterns.shtml

The pattern itself would be copyright. Someone cannot pinch or buy the patterns/tutorials and sell them or give them away. They cannot buy one copy, make additional copies and sell or give away. They could not pinch or buy a pattern and change a little bit of it and sell or give away.

It is legal for me to sell or give away a tutorial I purchased. It is legal for me to sell items I made using the directions in the tutorial.

[RedToroBoro]

Take ego out of it. If there is no copyright, they can be re-sold for whatever somebody is willing to pay.

[Melinda]

Many of us purchased and sold our books and booklets such as Making Glass Beads, Passing The Flame, Spotlights on..., Sharon Peters, Leah Fairbanks etccc... And I have never heard anyone say we should not sell or give them away when we are done with them. They are quickly grabbed up in the GS.

Why is it ok to sell/give away those but not the E tutorials we buy? What's the difference? IMHO, I see no difference.

[Melinda]

whoo hooo, I'm a thread killer...I sleep in the day... thread killer get outta my way.....

[Kevan]

It seems a weird area to me. You can buy a book and lend it 50 times to other people. This is what libraries do. You can sell it in a garage sale, or to a used bookstore who will just turn around and sell it to someone else. You can do the same with CD's, DVD's.

Ebooks cost almost as much as printed books, but with a printed book them major cost is the actual producing a book in print. The author gets very little of actual cost of a book.

[willieswonder]

I wonder how many of the tutorial writers paid ($45) to have their tut's copyrighted?

[Jenne]

I see tutorials more like a class with that artist, rather than viewing it as a book. I'm paying to learn that technique, recipe, etc.. I look at what's advertised for the cost of the tutorial and judge in my mind if it's worth $5, $10, $25, + to learn that specific bead/technique. Some tutorials have been well worth their cost (more in some cases!), and I constantly will refer back to them, for ideas or inspiration. Others have really disappointed me, and I feel like I wasted money.

However, no matter if I feel like I've wasted money or not...I purchase tutorials knowing they are mine and I can't share them. Once I die? Eh, I'll be dead, so I don't care. Sell off my equipment and glass, the tutorials...well, the next person will have to buy their own. By then, I'll probably have hundreds of tutorials I've purchased. (I hope to live 60 more years lol) But like I said, I personally view them as like taking a mini-class with that artist. With the benefit of not having to travel, and having the notes written down for me, with pictures to boot!

I enjoy supporting other hard working artists in their endeavors to make a living in a society that pays celebrities millions to say a few lines and make me believe a story (don't get me wrong, I love movies and some tv). Perceived value.

That's just me though.

Jenne

[squid]

I wonder how many of the tutorial writers paid ($45) to have their tut's copyrighted?

You don't have to pay anything to have a copyright.

[AKDesigns]

You don't have to pay anything to have a copyright.

I think everyone else reading this knew that but didn't bother to reply. Waste. Of. Time.

[PerfectDeb]

Many of us purchased and sold our books and booklets such as Making Glass Beads, Passing The Flame, Spotlights on..., Sharon Peters, Leah Fairbanks etccc... And I have never heard anyone say we should not sell or give them away when we are done with them. They are quickly grabbed up in the GS.

Why is it ok to sell/give away those but not the E tutorials we buy? What's the difference? IMHO, I see no difference.

Because you still have the original - with a book you no longer own it if you sell it or give it away, with an e book you can sell or give away unlimited copies

[Astrid Riedel]

So at the end of the day, I hope that bead artists respect one another, and always ask yourself if you had something to sell, which you have worked hard for to produce, would you like it if it was sold, passed on, copied etc..

If anyone has a question or is in doubt about a tutorial, they should ask before they purchase it.

Forget copyrighting anything, waste of time! Maybe you can protect it??
I found this link about protecting PDF files: http://www.crypkey.com/products/dlm.php
For anyone that is interested read it... I have no idea what the service will cost you.

I trust you guys...for now ;) LOL

[Reenie]

So if I have 50 tutorials bought from lampworkers and I decide to stop lampworking, Should I just throw my tutorial out? That seems a shame.

[Roo Blaty]

It seems a weird area to me. You can buy a book and lend it 50 times to other people. This is what libraries do. You can sell it in a garage sale, or to a used bookstore who will just turn around and sell it to someone else. You can do the same with CD's, DVD's.

Ebooks cost almost as much as printed books, but with a printed book them major cost is the actual producing a book in print. The author gets very little of actual cost of a book.

This ^^^^^

What makes an e-book sacred and un-lendable?


Because you still have the original - with a book you no longer own it if you sell it or give it away, with an e book you can sell or give away unlimited copies

Oh...ok then.
:lol:

[Melinda]

I could also make copies of a printed book with my scanner and then sell the original book.

It all depends on the honor system. IMHO Ebooks are no different then printed books and when someone gives/sells their legally obtained Ebook, they should delete it from their computer.

[Kevan]

Ebooks are going to be the end of used bookstores. That's a shame.

[cgbeads]

Ebooks are going to be the end of used bookstores. That's a shame.

I don't think so. Too many people collect books, they will morph bookstore to collectible and antique stores. If I download a book by Mark Twain, I would still like to have an original copy.

-D

[A_Glass_Bash]

This is where I have issues with ebooks as well. If if I bought a hard copy got rid of it after making copies of the projects I wanted to do, no one would come and check my house for it, the author doesn't get anything off it once it hits the streets again. Just because it's easier to copy and distribute an ebook doesn't mean that people are any less ethical in how the deal with it. If I wanted to get the book an delete it before selling it, I dont' see the difference. I am not trying to keep stuff stirred up about this subject but it is one that makes me sort of crazy on both levels. I live in the used book stores and I can't see the difference one way or another, except people seem to think that ebook readers are less ethically inclined than anyone else and that goes for Magazines as well. There is a lot of great information out there that is going to be lost forever because of this IMHO. Especially if someone is selling their stuff off..