While I understand the concerns expressed in the article, I am relieved that no one has suggested closing libraries in order to protect publishers of books, cds, dvds, and videos!

oh no, libraries are a different matter altogether. I absolutely support public libraries, and I encourage readers who can't afford any given book to turn to their local library rather than a used bookseller. If you look up 'library' in the search box to the right, you'll find I've said this before.

In this context, I don't see much difference between buying used books and fan fiction, With the latter, instead of writing producers, networks, or publishers every week to say how much a book/show/etc is appreciated, fans divert attention from the original product to something that gives them ego strokes and doesn't impact the production of the original story world.

Hmmm. Ter, I think there is a difference in most cases. First, I wouldn't assume that people who write fan fiction *don't* support the original writers, producers, etc. From what I know of this crowd, they are very supportive. I will admit, though, that I'm not versed in the wider community of fan fic writers.

Second, I'd have to see data that supports the idea that an active fan fic community actually hurts the original. I've got this idea that it may give the original a boost by drawing in more potential readers/viewers.

And finally, a lot of fan fic is written about work that is no longer being made -- Buffy, for example.

Or have I misunderstood your point?

The only time I have bought a used book off Amazon was when the book was out of print. At that point, what else can you do?

Jennifer -- I buy out of print books anywhere I can find them. OOP books are fair game.

I have to admit that for me, it comes down to money...if I am uncertain about an author and/or novel, I would rather pay $8 for a second hand copy rather than $21 for a new one. So saying, if the book is available in K-Mart, I will spend the $12 to buy it new, for exactly the reasons mentioned. Unfortuneatly K-Mart generally has a very poor, very select range of books...so maybe the answer is to find away to lower the cost of books in book shops to a comparative rate with second books and K-Mart...

I feel this is all rather subjective. I have bought several copies of Into the Wilderness in used bookstores and given them out to friends who have never heard of you. Every single one of them has gone to the bookstore to buy the other books in the series because they liked it so much. I think used book stores can be a good way to introduce people to an author they've never heard of, and it leads to more sales than you would have had if I had never given them a copy. Just a thought.

Good points, all. It's all very complicated, which is why I make it a point never to say 'this is bad' but only 'please think about this'

Actually, I firmly believe that used book sales help authors financially (as do library books), based on my experience at working in a used and new bookstore and libraries. I would be happy to explain this, but it takes some time. Would you like me to try?

sure, I'd be interested in your perspective.