David Flanagan on Google and E-Book Piracy

David Flanagan:

When my jQuery pocket reference came out earlier this year, I was shocked to discover that Google was giving the ebook download sites higher placement than reviews of the book. And now JavaScript: The Definitive Guide is out. I don’t have a copy of it yet, but illegal copies are free for anyone who wants one. And Google will suggest those illegal downloads to anyone who tries to research the book (see the screenshot). I’ve worked really hard on this book, and I’ve got to say that this just feels like a kick in the gut.

He’s been writing technical books full-time for 15 years, but is now looking for a salaried job. (Via Michael Tsai.)

★ Tuesday, 26 April 2011