Tayari's Blog: The Bootleg Issue: A Message from Tyler Perry

Comment #1, by Shalema

I have in the past purchased books online with bn.com for very little money. It has never crossed my mind to compare this to bootleg DVD, which I do not support nor do I support bootleg CDs anymore. I don't know if I feel that purchasing books for such little money is a bad thing. I have purchased Toni Morrison's "Beloved" for $.75 from NYPL. I have purchased Dorothy West's "The Wedding" and PC's "What Looks Like Crazy On Ordinary Day..." for $1.00 from Strands in NYC. I will be waiting to read your next post on the subject.

Comment #2, by Jackie

At first, I was intrigued, then just a bit uncomfortable as I read your post. I have never purchased a bootleg video and likely never will. I do consider that stealing and before I "steal" a video I will borrow it or check it out of the library (cheaper than Blockbuster).

Then you had to go and mention Amazon and that muddies the water for me. Yes, I do buy used books from Amazon. I also sell off my books on Amazon. Buying used allows me to find books that are no longer on the library shelves or that are full price in the book store and Tayari, I read way too many books to keep buying them at full price (I save that for certain authors like yourself, Pearl, Laura Lippman, Tina Ansa, etc). I decided about two years ago, that five full sized bookshelves was all I was going to own. The overflow was stacked on tables, shoved into corners, doubled up on existing shelves. Then I found out I could resell them on Amazon. Lo and behold, I could also buy them real cheap (sometimes) there as well. Now I use Amazon to keep my book habit under control. Everytime I run out of space, I comb through my collection and choose the ones that no longer hold any interest. I list them first at Amazon. If they don't sell, I take them to a local free book giveaway place. But then I end up bringing home some of the free books. Oh it is a vicious cycle.

I can hardly wait to hear your thinking on the bootleg/resell issue.

P.S. When I go to an author event, I usually buy the book there even though I could get it cheaper on Amazon. AND with free shipping.

Comment #3, by Judy

I have had many discussions about bootleg videos and folks copying music CDs for others. I don't buy used books, and to keep from having to rent another house to store all of my books, I've begun to use the library more. I don't want to criticize anybody, but I've always wondered about the people I know who can spend all kinds of money on authentic coach bags, fur coats, expensive SUVs, then try their best to "save" on those items that might add to a black artist's income, whether it's copying a music CD, buying a bootleg video, or purchasing a book at a used price. Their answer to me, "They've already got a lot of money; this won't hurt them." Yeah. Perhaps I'm being too simplistic, but Lexus, Ford, Chevy, etc. don't have enough money? But I guess I digress. Anxious to hear your comment tomorrow. Glad you're finding the time to keep on posting.

Comment #4, by Dakota Knight

I definitely understand Tyler Perry's frustration, especially when it comes to showing Hollywood that people are interested in what he's making.

I do buy used books. I mainly purchase them at Half-Priced Books and Barnes and Nobles, but I read way too many books and can't buy everything at full price. However, I've discovered some great new writers in the used book section, and then I purchased their other titles at a regular price.

Comment #5, by Tinesha

Whether I buy new or used depends on how I feel about the book. No excuses. If I am buying text books for class - I'm going used - but if I care enough about a book to want to add it to my collection I buy new. However, most classics because they are out of print, I have to go used.

As far as bootleg movies are concerned - I'm into quality - to me it is not worth the money to buy a product that more than likely will be shoddy quality. Most times I rent movies so if I like a movie enough to watch it over and over - I don't want to see Pookie's head three rows up or hear Boo Boo laughing at a joke I may not think is funny.

CDs - puhlease - if you got it can you make me a copy? They're all going to wind up scratched up anyway - so let's keep the party going (psst - anyone got The Best Man Soundtrack, The Best of Anita Baker, that Shirley Murdock, As We Lay joint - mine are all scratched - skipping and missing beats - but I know all the words so I sing through the skipping anyway) - when I like a cd - I really like a cd and I don't care how I get it. No excuses.