Bootleg copy of DCS COMPANION on eBay

I don't think it was ever offered in that format.  The cover looks bogus, not like the ones I see.  In any case, the ad states Copyright 2009, so it's the original version, not the vastly updated one.  The latest version was released in 2017.

It probably one somebody bought the digital version and printed it out for themselves. I know a lot of folks have done that. Not saying it's right to sell it but I don't think it's as nefarious as made out to be. 

Not that nefarious, it most likely costs more to print it than they're asking for the copy!   Besides, as I said, it's an ancient copy, I believe the first edition.

About 10 or 12 years ago I was building a layout for an MTH DCS fanatic.  Looked like he had one of everything Mike produced,  He gave me a loose leaf DCS folder to guide my work.  He was never one to cut corners.  I tend to think it was an early offering.   Have to see if I can find it????

I actually talked with Barry years ago about selling my copy after I had updated to a newer version. He was completely OK with it, and I sold it on the forum. 

Just curious; what makes it a "Bootleg copy"?  It may very well be a "copy", but why "Bootleg"?

@JohnActon posted:

...here is a link for the proper people to check into the authenticity of this item and shut it down if indeed it is a illegal copy.

Just who would the "...proper people..." be? And how could it be an "illegal copy"?

If I bought a book from someone, then decided I no longer needed it and wanted to sell it, there's nothing illegal about doing that.

And, if I am reading the offer correctly, all you are getting is the binder... I see no mention of the manual PAGES (and the seller doesn’t accept returns)!!!

@Apples55 posted:

And, if I am reading the offer correctly, all you are getting is the binder... I see no mention of the manual PAGES (and the seller doesn’t accept returns)!!!

There are several pictures of actual pages in the listing, as well as the phrase "Great shape in binder".

If the pages were to not be included, it's curious what else would be in great shape in the binder.

And yeah, as much as the seller "doesn't take returns" this one would be a slam dunk with eBay if an empty binder was shipped.

-Dave

The seller's listing states: "Manuel Binder". It might be the super rare Spanish language version.

@Rich Melvin posted:

Just who would the "...proper people..." be? And how could it be an "illegal copy"?

If I bought a book from someone, then decided I no longer needed it and wanted to sell it, there's nothing illegal about doing that.

Rich nowhere in my original post do I infer that one cannot sell their original.  If someone bought a hard copy of the book scanned it and sold copies it would be an illegal copy and subject to copyright laws and fines.  I think MTH published Barrys work and thus would be the proper people and it was my hope that someone from MTH would see my post.  If you purchase a legal version of the book and sold it that is completely legal and no harm is done.  If you purchase a digital version of a book and make copies for your own use that is legal, however, it is illegal to sell that  version that you made. If you purchase anything digital on a CD, DVD etc that is original as received from the publisher you can sell that.  You cannot make a print of a digital version and sell the copy legally till the copyright expires. You can sell an original whether print or digital as long as it is on the medium you purchased it on. If you download a digital version to a computer and sell the computer with everything on it's drive your probably OK but I would not swear to it I simply do not know in that case. There could be some legal caveats at play.    I was also thinking about Barry's widow and what may be due to her. Short version, You may only sell originals you may not sell reproductions, in any form, unless you hold the copyright.         j

Rich

I agree with JohnActon. To put it more easy terms if I buy a digital subscription from you and give out my info so others can use it NO HARM? What if I buy a DVD from you and copy it? NO HARM? I don't think so! You worked hard to create it and deserve all the PROFIT and CREDIT. If for no other reason just on the morals of it. I consider it stealing from you not me! I quote Barry's book a lot but always refer to him and SUGGEST to buy the book from MTH. OLD or NEW version I FEEL it is wrong. My Opinion.

Curtis

Funny thing is, if it IS a printout of the digital version, you can buy the actual digital version direct from MTH for less, and print it yourself...

@Magicland posted:

Funny thing is, if it IS a printout of the digital version, you can buy the actual digital version direct from MTH for less, and print it yourself...

And you get the current version, not the 2009 version #1.

I went to that link and was surprised to see what prices are being asked for MT catalogs.  Having all of the MTH catalogs, I could make a nice amount if those were the actual prices at which catalogs could be sold.

@RJR posted:

I went to that link and was surprised to see what prices are being asked for MT catalogs.  Having all of the MTH catalogs, I could make a nice amount if those were the actual prices at which catalogs could be sold.

If you don't know what something is worth you start high and lower the price if it doesn't sell.  Though,  I see sellers with an ebay store list the same item on eBay for years with it automatically relisting each month and they never lower their price. Guess if you open a starter store for $8 per month or $60 per year for 100 listings you just list items and forget about them till they sell, or not.  Selling can be an illogical pursuit. Back when I was actively selling on eBay sometimes when an item did not sell I raised the price and sometimes it sold at the higher price. If you search for anything on eBay there is a narrow column on the left if you scroll down about five inches their are some filter buttons and two of them are SOLD, and COMPLETED items if you check on completed it will give you the items which sold as well as those which ended without selling and the prices of all. That info can be quite informative. Also consider this more people on eBay are selling items which they know absolutely nothing about than people who are experts on what they are selling. The people to watch out for are the EXPERTS who know "absolutely nothing" about what they are selling. You must ask very pointed questions to pin these guys ,and gals, down. Untested means broke 80% of the time.         j