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| "Buy my books!" |
The mysterious blogger whom Kraig conveniently fails to name in the above link is Jack Faust, and you can read the post in question here, which in turn was originally a response to Andrieh Vitimus. Faust also makes a couple more rebuttles on his own blog in response to Kraig. Go read those. Also, Mike Cecchetelli (author of Crossed Keys) weighs in as well.
Please go and read every single link I've provided above. I think it would benefit you much more than just having me say whatever's on my mind which is more so just a re-iteration of Faust's and Cecchetelli's main points.
And Llewellyn doesn't fact-check, so keep that in mind before you buy one of their pieces of shiny. Be really careful both for the sake of your wallet and your practice. I can hear the responses, "Oh but all their material works for me!" Are you really sure? I know that a few of you aren't much for pragmatism. I think it's high time for you to reconsider that position. Of course, that's a discussion for later. Please bag the whole "Well, it's been published by Llewellyn so it ought to be reliable/good" mindset and chuck it into the river.
Other things that you must read:
- Let It Begin: More Piracy Discourse, Less Brutal Rudeness - Faust's third writing on the above shenanigans/piracy as he delves into other areas such as the MP3, ebooks, and current television programs.
- Is Open Discussion Being Discouraged by Donald Michael Kraig and/or Llewellyn? - This is Rose Weaver's first-hand account about her attempts to have an open discussion with D.M. Kraig about the topic at hand. Take time to read it. Insighful!
- Pirates! Pirates Everywhere! Er... - As am author of occult works and a teacher, Frater R.O. weighs in on his thought about piracy. While posting this may appear to run counterpoint to this post, I'm including it hear because R.O. provides value as an author. His writings are worth the dough, yo.
- Pirates & Publishers - Also an author of occult works and teacher, Jason Miller gives his two cents on piracy and publishers. In the first half, he makes note the DMK is somewhat guilty of piracy, however he does not advocate it. In the latter, Miller makes it clear that one should take care not to write off a publisher completely or you just might miss a few gems (and Llewellyn does have a few).
- Dawn of the Occult Library - Justin Patrick Moore proposes that the library (in various incarnations) can be an alternative to piracy and/or shelling out the money for book purchases. Theres' a bit more to it than just what I mentioned, so I do suggest reading this one.
I was just getting ready to write my own blog response to all this because of Kraig's reply to me on his blog... which was simply obtuse. I commented again in reply to him and my comment, which is more "shiny", corrects a misstatement within my first, and slams his errors and assumptions quite nicely, is still awaiting moderation, as are comments from others. He, and/or Llewelsilly, seems to have a problem with open discussion.
ReplyDeleteLike I said on G+, I'd be more than happy to add your post to the list of links here. This a very important discussion to be had. Even if Kraig and company refuse to have reasonable discourse, the rest of us can continue on without them. You can see an evolution going on here: In a certain light, Lewellyn is becoming obsolete. At least that's what I see. When you see the likes of Jack and co. butting heads with the "notables," it's party time.
DeleteOh, no doubt about "party time". I was taken aback by the initial disrespectful elitism, then further shocked by DMK's responses to Christopher Bradford. That was simply uncalled for. One should not piss off a practicing Palo. *chuckle* Although I believe CB may have a bit more class than to allow his feathers to be ruffled by the likes of them.
DeleteNo doubt! I was really horrified when I saw DMK's responses to Bradford's comments.
DeleteI have said it once and I will say it again. I hope some one punches them in their fartboxes. I am a service worker, I shall leave the pretty speech for the PhD's and those who wish to become such. A bunch of grade-A Douchebags.
ReplyDeleteI work at a library... and I wrote my own response as an occultist involved in helping people read books for free, for those who are interested, and also delved into some other topics:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sothismedias.com/2012/09/27/dawn-of-the-occult-library/
Well, hello sir! I just started following your blog as it's nice to see another Ohio-based magician out there. I also used to live in Cincinnati so that's a treat. I'll be sure to read this entry of yours, but what caught my eye first was your "drop-out" piece. Totally understand your pain. I'm also a psychology/religion double major.
DeleteYes, as discussed on your G+ post, my comment was not posted through. In fact, it was deleted and only my comment regarding the Fair Use clause was posted. Unfortunately, as admitted within my blog, it wasn't well written.
ReplyDeleteI've left another comment which I'm sure will also be deleted. The comment is as follows:
"It is unfortunate to see a high visibility publisher/writer not posting and/or actually deleting comments written in reply to you, Don. Fortunately, I posted the comment which you have neglected to post here within my own blog to encourage further open discourse.
I'm incredibly disappointed, but not fully surprised.
I must have struck a nerve, yes?"
Censorship really bothers me.
A Little while back I wrote this post on the same topic: http://www.magicalexperiments.com/a-word-about-copyright/
ReplyDeleteFeel free to include or not, and thanks for sharing all the other links.
Hello, Mr. Ellwood! I do believe I've might have read this back in August, but I would most certainly like to sit down and look at it again especially in light of some of the more recent discussions. Thank you for reminding me of it.
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