>Mike, Bonnie said it perfectly. It is completely inappropriate to do that without the author's full blessing (and perhaps even the publisher)

I have purchased numerous technical books books over the years. When I no longer need them I either donate them to the local library, or give them away to future programmers (kids and adults).

I am not violating any copyright law by doing this.

Mike is doing the same thing. He is giving the book away. The person he gives it to is free to do whatever he chooses. He can keep it or give it to someone else.

I am not an attorney, but because I write code and want to be protected, I'm familiar enough with the law to know that in this instance there is nothing improper going on.

The author is benefiting from this discussion. As others have already stated, they will probably consider buying her book(s) in the future. You can add me to that list. I'm always looking for good authors and because of comments resulting from this discussion I now have another name that comes highly recommended.

I really don't think the people that have asked to be on the list are doing so because they're too cheap to buy the book. They're probably doing it because they want to be part of something special. This book will be a keepsake for the lucky person that ends up being the last person on the list.