This happened with us (in all but the final set of CD/artifacts) a long time ago.
Now that I have my Sony Reader, I’ve started to get rid of most of my paperback books too. Post-scarcity, the electronic books that I download have become the equivalent of an ultra-convenient public library. If I find that I like a book enough, then I’ll purchase a hardcover copy because I want to support the author, and reward them for doing a good job. It’s the ultimate try-before-you-buy, no return policy required.
Everyone knows that libraries are a-OK. And everyone knows that stealing is bad, mmkay? But, how is electronic book “piracy” any different from what a public library does? You still read the book for free, even if it’s not sourced directly from the library. I’m still paying taxes to have access to these books. Where is the ethical difference here?
The fuzzy digital media aspect? Heh. I was just reading about libraries and the concept of first sale, which is what allows them to lend a item. There a lots of limits of copying of items under the fair use doctrine. So basically some of the differences between public library lending and downloading pirated copies of books is the permanency of it.
That said some libraries are starting to lend out digital copies of books.I haven’t look into how they are doing that yet, but I think is very cool.