| A Plea for Fair Behavior [message #74949] |
Mon, 07 February 2011 14:04 |
David Fanning
Messages: 11724
Registered: August 2001
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Senior Member |
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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.")
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