Messages from Usenet group comp.lang.idl-pvwave, compiled by Paulo Penteado
Folks, I was all excited today to get a mock-up of my new book, and I was looking forward to publishing it soon, when I got a bucket of cold water poured on my head. No, not a Super Bowl celebration. A report that my old book, in PDF form, could be downloaded for free on a public web page. Indeed, I just downloaded it. Here's the thing. I'm not out to cheat anyone. Or take money out of anyone's pocket. No one pays me to write books, maintain my web page, or provide free advice to anyone who e-mails me. I do that all at no charge to anyone. In fact, what limited advertising I do on my web page doesn't even cover the cost, so I *pay* to do that, too. I'm sure if I withheld all the information I give away for free on this newsgroup and in my web page and put it instead into books, I would probably be writing 4-5 books a year. I'm probably a sucker to give so much away, but I like the feeling of being in a community, and I enjoy very much being a part of this one. So, don't rip me off. If you can't afford a book, let me know. I'm always able to work something out. I'm not getting rich doing this. In fact, just the opposite. I'm practically driving myself into bankruptcy. I'd like to write 3-4 more books because I think I have something valuable to offer the IDL community. But this kind of news really makes me question whether it's worth it at all. I don't know. I don't feel like working much today. I guess I'll go get a beer. Maybe that will help. Cheers, David -- David Fanning, Ph.D. Fanning Software Consulting, Inc. Coyote's Guide to IDL Programming: http://www.idlcoyote.com/ Sepore ma de ni thui. ("Perhaps thou speakest truth.")