You’ll be hard pressed to find another horror author who gives as much back to his fans as I do. That’s not immodesty or braggadocio. It’s a fact. The reason for that is because I genuinely like 99.9% of you. If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t have written a free novel for you called Deluge: The Conqueror Worms II, and I wouldn’t have offered it here for free, with the understanding that once it was finished, I’d remove it and then sell it in book form (which is how I make my living).
Recently, I announced a second free book. It was to be called Dead Air. It was to feature Black Lodge in all out war against the Siqqusim. It would have also featured spot illustrations by Steve Wands. It would have been cool. And free. But I’m hesitant to do it now, because this morning, I was alerted to a digital pirated edition of Deluge available online. That didn’t hurt. I’m used to piracy. What hurt was the pirate’s identity. It’s someone who has been a long-time reader. Someone who was an active and valued member of the old Keenedom forum, and indeed, who is active and valued as a reader in the genre. This person even joined in the fight against Dorchester when they were ripping many authors off. Except that he was doing the same by pirating the shit out of our books.
After I sent out the DMCA notices and contacted my attorney and did some digging, I was amazed to find that many of this thief’s cronies were also fans and readers whose screen names I recognized. Some from the old forum. Some from Facebook and Twitter. Some from elsewhere. All good people, or so I thought.
Now, I know not everyone takes the same view of electronic piracy that I do. So before the comments section here gets filled up with excuses from the online piracy apologists, let me play both roles:
ME: Deluge was pirated, and the print edition comes out six months from now.
APOLOGISTS: Well, you did give Deluge away for free when it was on your site, so that’s not a big deal!
ME: Well, they also pirated editions of Dark Hollow, The Rising, City of the Dead, etc.
APOLOGISTS: Well, those aren’t available yet for Kindle and Nook. You’re fans really want to read them bad. You can’t blame them for not being able to wait.
ME: They also pirated Urban Gothic, Shades, the Clickers series, Take The Long Way Home, Castaways, Dead Sea, and everything else that IS currently available for Kindle and Nook.
APOLOGISTS: “Oh… um… well… you’re rich! You can afford it! You’re part of the one percent! Occupy Brian Keene!”
ME: I make, on average, $35,000 a year. Sometimes it’s a little more. Sometimes it’s less. I’m able to survive on that because I live in a rural area. I have two sons, one of whom is in college and the other of whom is in daycare. Both of them require money. So when you steal from me, you are stealing from them. I also have no health insurance, which means I’m paying the hospital bills for my heart attack out of pocket. I also have no 401K and occasionally enjoy paying for things like my house, my groceries, etc. I cannot pay for these things when you steal from me.
2010 and 2011 have shown me betrayal from all sides — old friends, new friends, lovers, peers, and publishers. As the Year of the Hermit (see previous Blog post) begins, I thought to myself, “Well, at least I can still count on my readers.” But apparently, I can exclude about three dozen screen names I recognize from that list. I’m hard-pressed to understand why I should bother investing the time or energy to do Dead Air as a free, weekly serial here when it will just get fucking pirated by a bunch of people to whom mutual respect and appreciation are foreign concepts. If it’s not appreciated, then it seems to me like it would be a lot less strain to just write it and release it the old-fashioned way.
If this upsets you, I’d tell you to take it up with the main offender, but in the last hour, he has apparently deleted both his Facebook and Twitter pages. Make of that what you will. If he’s reading this, a simple apology would have been just as good.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna get back to making Play-Doh Cthulhu with my toddler, who has been waiting patiently while Daddy dealt with this bullshit.
UPDATE: I’ve now heard from several of those involved, both via the comments and via email. In fact, I just heard from the main offender via email and I believe his apology to be sincere. Like many young people, I don’t think he quite understood how such a thing impacts the artist. Now he does, and hopefully others do, as well. So, with that, I’m closing the comments discussion, which has sort of gone sideways with the whole rape discussion anyway.
Disclaimers:
*I would like to point out that post-heart attack Brian avoided calling anyone out by name in this entry, or starting a flame war that would have yet-again engulfed the genre.
*That is only being pointed out to a handful of people, and each of them knows who they are, and more importantly, they know why it is being pointed out to them, which is why it’s here at the bottom of this post.
*A special “Hi” to those people. And here you thought I wasn’t listening to you…
Sorry you had to deal with that, my friend. Hopefully in 2012, you’ll have to deal with less bullshit than you’ve dealt with this year.
Here’s to Deluge being a successful book in print as it was as a serial!
Slimy Bastards. It kills me that shit like this goes down, Brian. I know it gets harder to do so, man, but keep the faith and your head held high, brother. They’ll be up against the wall soon enough…
Much respect Brian. I’ve been a fan of your work for quite a few years. That’s all I can say, much well deserved respect toward you & your family.
I say release Dead Air as a signed limited!! I’ll be waiting to purchase a couple of copies! Hell yeah!
Brian, 2012 is almost here man. Maybe all this bullshit will stay behind as the rest of us move forward?
Oh Brian, I’m so sorry – please remember however, that quite often the exception is what proves the rule. If this kind of betrayal happened all the time, perhaps you wouldn’t be so hurt? Just a thought. Though I’d love the freebie (the Siqquism are my favorite thing in your universe), your readers will understand if you don’t offer it.
-Erin
I’ve yet to read Deluge, but I plan to pre-order it the day it becomes available. I loved The Conqueror Worms and hope that Dead Air gets released in some form.
It always sucks to get stabbed in the back, either serial or limited Dead Air sounds like a solid addition the the book list and one that I will look forward to reading in one form or another, don’t let them get you down! Thanks again for Deluge as it was a great novel through and through.
It sucks that people who consider themselves fans of Keene and the horror genre can go so low. Especially long term “fans” who would have known that Deluge would have been going into print and that by giving it away now would stop you from earning money. I would love some of the books currently not available but would never screw the author and get them for free – I’d rather wait and pay for what they had created.
Am looking forward to Dead Air – however you decide to release it
Very sad to see that happen especially by people known to you. It’s sad that a few jerks might ruin Dead Air for the rest of the real fans who pay for your books, follow your blog, and generally do appreciate all the work and effort you put forth. Good luck in 2012!
What cretins. When I pirate Brian Keene novels, I do it with a ditto machine, dammit!
That’s seriously fucked up. I really hope things get better for you next year. All it takes is one fucktard to screw things up. Does he not understand that what you put online will probably be changed when it finally hits the shelves?
aint that a bitch!
Love your writing & collect all your books. Firm believer in what goes around comes around. Best wishes for the coming year.
There’s no way anyone justify knifing you – or any writer – in the back like that. I say do what you need to do to protect your work and livelihood. Personally I don’t care who it was. Screw the bastards.
What a douche. I wish I knew who it was. Fuck ‘em anyhow.
Free or not, I can’t wait to read Dead Air.
Release “Dead Air” in paperback form and on KINDLE. I really do wish to pay for your books as they are so good and do deserve a monetary payback. “Deluge” was a great gift to us all and I appreciate it but if your books continue to be pirated, then it is a useless exercise.
Brian, you know how to reach me if you feel my services may be in order.
I am in agreement with a previous commenter. Screw the bastards. Fuck ‘em.
People who want to read anything you write should have no problem: (1.) Buying a limited; or (2.) Waiting for a mass-market publication; or (3.) Buying a legitimate copy on the secondary market; or (4.) Waiting for a legitimate digital publication.
People who would think less of you for discontinuing your free serial releases is a loser. Fuck them, too.
This is one of those times when “what an asshole” is the only thing to say.
Sorry to hear this, Brian. Keep your chin up…there are more who love you, respect you, etc than not.
It’s a shame when this stuff happens. You have my support. I like to believe it’s the minority who condone piracy. I personally was gutted when Entombed was released only as a limited, as I simply cannot afford to buy it, so I hope you are not put off by this piracy and continue to make your work readily available, either free on-line or as regular releases. I look forward to Dead Air and Deluge.
Sorry to hear about the piracy problems. I know some fans are overzealous. Please try not to think of all of us that way. I personally didn’t read Deluge while it was no here for free because I intend to buy it when it becomes available in book form. Yeah, it was hard not to read it because I love your work so much, but it was a choice made out of respect for what you do and how you deserve to be compensated. Hang in there.
Obviously, somebody needs to get their ass kicked.
I think I’m guilty! Being lazy I wanted an easy way to read Deluge on the kindle and I saw a version online which I downloaded. My stupidity was in not thinking it through and you are, of course correct. It is piracy and I apologise. If it’s any consolation I have all your paperbacks and Kill Whitey in hardback and nothing will prevent me buying Deluge when it is published. If I am one of those who has pissed you off Brian then it was through stupidity and not through an intent to steal from you. Sorry.
Brian, do what you need to do. I plan on buying the Deadite version of Deluge to put in my collection, and I’ll buy/read Dead Air in whatever format you decide to release it in. Personally, I can’t wait to find out more about Black Lodge and their war with the Siqqusim.
Hi Brian,
Sorry to hear that, my friend. It sickens me that people think they can just steal our work like that. I found a site giving away copies of my books and when I had the nerve to go online and ask them to stop, the bastards actually attacked me for it. They said if they liked my work they all buy my other books so what I was doing was cutting my own throat by being such an asshole as to want them to pay me for my books. I don’t know, brother, the last year has really kicked me in the ass as well. I’m sick to death of it all at the moment to be honest. Totally support you not wanting to put Dead Air on your site for free. Make it a subscription only thing, and people can pay to see the book develop week by week. I think that is fair and would probably fly. Up to you of course.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Gord
They didn’t pirate THE DAMNED HIGHWAY? Tasteless philistines!
Sorry to hear this. I’d like to know who it is. Out the fucker(s)! Especially since they were “supposed” fans, FUKU members. Not to start a flame war but to give a heads up to everyone else who thought they were friends with this person(s).
I just wanted to say that I currently own five of your books and I plan on buying all of the ones I don’t have. I love your books!!! Keep up the good work.
Wow fuck them whisper their name to me I’ll take care of blasting their dumbasses all over the Internet! A thief is a thief. Isn’t the excuse always I didn’t know I was stealing everyone else was doing it!
Sorry Brian. That sucks ass (and moose cock). I don’t blame you at all for heading toward hermitdom and not wanting to publish another free serial. Your true fans will wait and willingly pay for your words.
Happy new year to you and yours xxxxx
Sheldon: The main culprit was one of your recent contest winners, and recently sent Jeff Strand gummy bears. That’s hint enough. (Oh, and he also just made his FB super secret and deleted his Twitter account).
As a huge fan I am proud to say I have purchased everyone of your bo oks. I see that as guaranteeing me a chance to read more of your amazing books.
This makes me sick. I’m so sorry this happened to you. As Gord said, I agree with a ‘pay-as-you-go’ model. I’d sign up right quick, and I sure as shit don’t have the money for it! I’d find a way. It’d be worth it.
Thanks, man! I’m looking into it and keeping my eyes peeled. Deletion of the FB and Twitter accounts isn’t obvious, is it? lol.
Well isn’t that so very special. Sorry that happened to you and that your trust in some people has been abused; been there too often and will spare you my opinion.
As for Dead Air, your decision is sound, besides I’ll buy Deluge and Dead Air.
Take care of you and yours.
Cheers
Happy New Year
Jeff
Brian – I loathe to see this happen. I’ve had it happen to me. It hurts. It is a violation akin to rape. By all means, fight like hell! File those take down notices and get your attorney working to get your money!
Perhaps if we dealt with pirates as they have always been dealt with, these violators would shun such action for other activities.
Wow, B, this totally sucks! I am sorry you have to go through all this crap just to make a living. Makes me want to get some of the old gang back together and go pay these butt munchers a visit with my bosun’s knife.
While I would never claim to be whiter than white when it comes to piracy as I do download the odd tune and US tv show from the internet I can’t stand people who are so two-faced about it, how can you claim to be a fan if your the one putting up the pirate content?.
If there’s something special of Brian’s that I want to read but can’t afford it as its a limited, then I bloody well save up or do without until it’s out via Deadite. I was in such a good mode earlier today because I tracked down a brand new copy of the hardcover of Shades for £19.99!, been wanting to read that one for ages, now I come on here and I’m getting worked up about these arseholes.
I think you should just fuck em Bri, don’t put the novel up here, while it’ll mean we don’t get it early on here it’ll be worth it just to wipe the smug grin off their faces. I hope this shit doesn’t put you off writing the book altogether as it sounds like a cool story.
I am sorry if you only make $35K a year. I honestly find that very hard to believe.
Yes I have probably downloaded some of your books. I also probably spent over $120 on your books last year.
If someone is ripping you off maybe it is your publisher.
There is nothing anyone is going to do to stop file sharing so get over it. All you are going to do is alienate people bitching about it.
If you do support legislation like Protect IP and Sopa I will not be buying any of your books in the future.
Mark
Brian, I’m so very sorry this has happened. Folk go nuts and do the most stupid things, without ever considering the consequences. Hopefully, now the word is out, it’s within their power to put it right.
As if 2011 wasn’t a big enough pain in the arse. Stay strong, man.
Hi, Brian,
Long time reader, first time comment-writer.
I wanted to thank you for the many things you do for your readers. An entire novel online…for free? Why would anyone do such a thing when there’s money to be made in publishing it the usual way? I know I would–and probably will–pay to buy Deluge when it is published. So when I read that you were thinking of doing the freebie thing again, a part of me wondered how you could even consider it, especially after the financial troubles you’ve been through as of late.
If you decide not to put Dead Air on your website, I completely understand. You owe your readers nothing. You may disagree with that statement because you’re grateful to have people who are willing to read the stories on which you worked so hard and spent so much time to create. But you’ve done so much for your readers already, and I would not be bothered whatsoever if you decided against posting Dead Air on your site. That’s no one’s choice but yours to make. We are not entitled to another free book. Your true fans–the ones who enjoy and appreciate your work–will buy your books, regardless of whether or not you’re giving some of the product away.
If you decide to go ahead and serialize the book on this site, you have my gratitude. Just remember that more of your “friends” will likely betray you again. The temptation to pirate is just too great for some people to resist. It’s sad that this is the thanks you get for trusting people.
I apologize for the length of this, but I’d been thinking about hopping aboard this comment section for a while. This incident made me feel like I couldn’t be a silent observer anymore.
Oh…wow. A contest winner? That’s the icing on the turdbake.
My best to you and your loved ones, Brian, and may 2012 be a happier new year for you. Be safe and healthy. Hello to my fellow comment-writers, by the way.
See you ’round, man.
Sorry to hear about all the B.S. This is just another reason why I wait for your announcements for the release of your books. That way, it makes it harder to “take food out of your mouth.” At least I hope it makes it harder. I do collect your older stuff (I just got #187 of “Shades” in the mail today, don’t even ask what I paid for it) and wouldn’t hesitate to buy a limited release. Just as long as I know you will get your share for your work. Anywho, good luck to you and yours this coming year. And I will continue to look forward to buying from “Keene-approved” sellers of your upcoming works.
Dude that sucks. Whether Dead Air gets released via paperback, limited edition or Kindle I’ll be all over it (along with pretty much all your other fans) just like all your other novels. Do what’s best for you and don’t worry about the rest of the nonsense.
I think I should come forward and apologise for being guilty as well. Yes, I downloaded Deluge (and even Tequilas Sunrise).
The only thing I can say to…well…justify my actions is that I own all of Brians books in paperback. And for Deluge, I even saved it completely in my RSS-reader – it was just easier to get this formatted version for my kindle (which was not the right the to do, obviously.
Another (lousy) excuse: it is almost impossible to get kindle-versions of any of Brians books here in Germany. None of them are available off amazon.de – only thing to do is to buy it off amazon.com with another account, convert it to html and then back to mobi…what I did with “take the long way home” (and lost all the nice formatting).
I also hereby pledge to buy Deluge immediately, once it gets published (would have done that either way). And I will switch my Kindle to my U.S. account now…so I can get the kindle version of Ghoul easy and legally.
I also might have an idea for Dead Air, make the whole thing password-protected, maybe even take a small fee for the opportunity to read it. I would be in for that!
Sorry again.
Losers. Absolute. Complete. Losers. I’m sorry this had to happen. I’m not sure why people think they can do some of the things they do….
That is scandalous shit, man. I’ve been out of the loop since moving, you had a heart attack! That’s the worst news imaginable. As a loyal reader I will be reading Dead Air whether its free or not. Can’t wait! Keep writting em, and ill keep reading em! Can’t wait for the collaborations of Wrath, Ed Lee and yourself… It shall be brutally awesome. Most importantly, keep your health in check, so there is plenty of Keene for the future. Losing you could kill the horror industry, and that would kill me.
Sorry to hear about that Brian. I never read Deluge because I can’t read on the computer (not novel reading anyway). I’m looking forward to buying it for the kindle,as I will do for anything else you publish. You are one of the authors I buy “without question.” That list includes you,Curran,Lee,Kenyon,B. Smith and a few others. Best of luck and I hope the new year is good to you!!
Dennis
Sorry to hear of this, Brian. Extremely shitty move by some “fans”. I personally look forward to every new title you publish and , get this, buy them! In paperback form! Its thanks to walking past “The Conqueror Worms” in a Borders back in 2006 that I’ve read horror beyond King, Koontz and Lovecraft, so I believe in good old fashioned support. You don’t owe me a damn thing except to keep writing! Screw the infidels. FUKU Forever!
This is probably just me, but I don’t think they should do it and then say “Oh well, you’re part of the 1%.”
The REASon I don’t think that is as simple as knowing someone who IS part of the 1% but didn’t start out that way and is NOTHing like the people are accusing him of being; and, besides that, so what if you ARE rich?
That doesn’t make your work suddenly turn into THEIR work, especially when it’s a work of art. It means you thought it up yourself, so it’s yours.
That’s the way I think about it, but my mom used to tell me that “if it isn’t yours, you don’t take it.” Simple as that.
I’m not completely on-board with Occupy Wall STreet, b/c I think they’re occupying the wrong place. I agree that the difference in 1% to 99% should probably be more fair, but I don’t think you’re going to make it happen if you Occupy Wall Street instead of the lawn of the House of Representatives, and specifically Eric Cantor and his partner in crime John Boehner. They’re the ones actively trying to STOP things from happening, why isn’t anybody yelling at them or occupying their lawn?
I don’t know if you know this or not but, as long as you’re consistently working to pay off a medical bill, the people that you deal with in that area can’t force you to pay more than you can afford for it. I mean you could pay $1 a month if necessary, and they can’t send your account to bill collectors. Nobody WOULD pay only a dollar b/c, with a heart attack, you’re suddenly pushing thousands of dollars worth of medication through the patient just to keep him alive-but, according to a law signed into effect in 2006 (by none other than Bush Jr., amazingly enough) Trauma 1 care by ambulance is free to people who can’t afford it.
Most heart attacks are Trauma 1, I don’t know which kind you had (but if it was STEMI, it was definitely Trauma 1), so you wouldn’t be required to pay the bill from what they did on the way in to ER if you don’t have the money.
I work on the ambulance. Different states have different laws but the making people pay for Trauma 1 Care when they’re destitute doesn’t exist anymore – and it took until 2006 for people to care enough to do it. Not that Bush CARED but that’s irrelevant.
Even if you have no job, no health insurance and no home, you can’t be made to pay for life-or-death treatment. In the ambulance anyway. I don’t know what it’s like at the hospital. I hated in-hospital care and went back to working in PRE-hospital care b/c of how much I disliked in-hospital care.
Mark seriously blame the publisher is the best you can come up with as an excuse for you to steal? How can you say probably you either did it or didn’t.just cause try spending 120 dollars in a store then walk out with something worth 10 dollars without paying for it please!
ill keep reading your books no matter what!!!! write a short story where you kill all of the dumbasses, ofcourse names will have to be changed. hope 2012 is a great year for you
Chris Hearn: Entombed will be available in paperback and digital next April.
Brian:
Honestly, I wasn’t familiar with your name or work before a link to this came across my Twitter feed. If it helps at all, I plan to purchase a book or two of yours on Kindle now. Yes, it hurts to have people you thought were fans and friends pirate your work. I know — as a creator myself I’ve been there. But you seem like an upstanding guy who cares, and that’s worthy of spending a few bucks to see what your work is like. I hope others who came here the way I did will do the same. Nothing stops electronic piracy, and it is foolish to spend a lot of effort trying, especially if it inconveniences the people who ARE spending money. But quite often I find even pirated editions floating around do expose your work to people who end up buying. I hope that is the case here.
Brian. Check out the link below.
And no, it has nothing to do with the film Pirates of the Caribbean but piracy in general and coincides with the crap that’s going on here. This is from the director Ti West.
http://www.glasseyepix.com/html/PiratesOfTheCaribbean.html
Brian, I just want you to know, that when I’m too broke to buy your new books, I don’t steal them, I just bug my mom to get them for me for Christmas! And what a haul this year! 5 new Keene’s bringing my total number of Keene books to 20! A merry Christmas indeed!!!
Mr. Keene, Sir, I will read “Dead Air” In whatever form it takes! I have always and will always support and admire your work…I have a section on my shelves for all things Keene!
I truly wish your next year be better than this one.
Mark Wilson – This is probably one of the most ill conceived comments I have ever read on this site before. You’re uninformed and idiotic. Let’s break down what you said, piece by piece, shall we?
“I am sorry if you only make $35K a year. I honestly find that very hard to believe.”
Brian has been pretty forthcoming with his monetary situation as of late. Hell, as long as I’ve known him, he’s been pretty open with fans about his place in life. He’s said it time and time again, unless you are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, or (god fuckin’ forbid) Stephenie Meyers, it’s hard to make a living off of writing. $35K is a pretty average salary. Hell, I’ll come out and say that *I* make that a year. But even though I don’t have nearly as many expenses as Brian does, *I* still find it hard to live on $35K a year.
He has no health insurance. He lives alone. He has two sons that he supports as best he can. He needs to live. Eat. Breath. Pay electric. Internet. Expenses. Etc. $35K is very hard to do that all with.
As for you finding it hard to believe, well, you maybe you should look back on the past few years of his life, and his various troubles. The most recent of which being how Dorchester owes him a very large chunk of change for his books. So, I find it hard to believe anything other than the fact that he makes about $35K a year. Your statement is unjustified and can’t be backed up by anything except you thinking it. How do you know otherwise? Do you have an all seeing crystal ball that allows you to see into Brian Keene’s wallet? I doubt it. And if you did, that’s a shitty crystal ball, and you should probably return it for a better one, like one that looks into Jessica Alba’s bathroom while she is showering.
“Yes I have probably downloaded some of your books. I also probably spent over $120 on your books last year. If someone is ripping you off maybe it is your publisher.”
Does spending money on something make you feel justified in ripping them off as well? No one forced you to spend $120 on his books. You could have just as easily spent it in another place. You could have used it to buy food, pay a bill, go to the doctor. But no, instead, you chose to spend it on Brian’s books, and in turn, helped him pay a bill or buy food. Thanks for that. But it’s not like Brian Keene came up to you, took the $120 out of your wallet himself, and then walked away, is it? Granted, he’s been known to do that from time to time to his friends, but he didn’t do that to you.
And on top of that, of the $120 that you spent, how much do you think Brian gets? The WHOLE thing? Because you’d be wrong. He’s lucky to get maybe half of it.
But just because you spend some money doesn’t give you the right to download their hard work for nothing. How would you feel if you made something from nothing, and then others were getting it for free while you were trying to make a living off of it? It would suck, and it would hurt your pockets. It’s a shitty thing, being ripped off. Especially when you took the time to do something FOR FREE, for your fans. Only, in turn, to get ripped off by it.
We already established that his publisher ripped him off. It’s an on going battle. We all know it. But you ripping him off even more isn’t going to help his situation at all.
“There is nothing anyone is going to do to stop file sharing so get over it. All you are going to do is alienate people bitching about it.”
You’re right. File sharing is a big deal these days, and it’s here to stay. It’s not going anywhere for a very long while. It’s world wide, and it’s a problem for artists everywhere. But Brian has every single right to bitch about it, because he’s losing profits because of it. He’s not alienating anyone, except for the people who pirate his books. He’s making his voice heard, like million of other artists out there. Big Studios can deal with pirating a lot better because they are multi zillion dollar companies. Brian Keene is one man. He’s got bills. Lots of them.
Can you pay his bills? Can you pay his telephone bills? Can you pay his automo’bills? If you did, then maybe we can chill. But, I don’t think you do. So you and him are through.
“If you do support legislation like Protect IP and Sopa I will not be buying any of your books in the future.”
While I don’t agree with a LOT of what the Protect IP and SOPA things stand for in their current state, they ARE trying to protect artists and intellectual properties. They most definitely need to be adjusted so the government isn’t controlling things like 1984.
Even if Brian DID support them, what do you care? So you wouldn’t be able to pirate his books anymore? You can’t get your free stuff online anymore? Too bad. Get over. Support the people who made them.
In conclusion, please use facts to help support your arguments. Also, die in a fire.
- Jeff
NEIL and MAX FULDER: Thank you both for being honest (and Max, yes, yours was one of the screen names I recognized). Your apologies means a lot. All is forgiven. And Max, German digital editions are something we’ll be focusing on for 2012, so you won’t have to wait much longer.
MARK WILSON: The difference between the folks above you and yourself is that they have class and integrity. They apologized, and were sincere. You… not so much. But let’s parse and address your comments:
“I am sorry if you only make $35K a year. I honestly find that very hard to believe.”
Then you are one of those fools who incorrectly assume that anyone at a mid-list level in the entertainment industry is making fistfuls of cash.
“Yes I have probably downloaded some of your books. I also probably spent over $120 on your books last year.”
Translation: I raped you, but it’s okay because I bought you dinner beforehand and flowers after.
“If someone is ripping you off maybe it is your publisher.”
No, it’s you (and others like you).
“There is nothing anyone is going to do to stop file sharing so get over it. All you are going to do is alienate people bitching about it.”
If I alienate thieves by expressing my opinion that I don’t like thieves, then I consider that a good thing.
“If you do support legislation like Protect IP and Sopa I will not be buying any of your books in the future.”
Well, I’m pretty much a Libertarian who leans to the Left when it comes to social issues, but I support any legislation that endorses protecting my individual rights, including my right to make a living and not be stolen from. So yeah, I guess you’d better stop buying my books and stick to stealing them. As for SOPA, no, I do not support the law as it is written, because it directly violates the principles and laws this country was founded upon (see Libertarianism above). SOPA is like trying to kill a cockroach with a nuclear bomb.
Have a nice day.
Though I visit regularly, I’ve never posted here, but I had to comment.
That anyone would take advantage of an author’s generosity in this way is horrible. That someone pretending to be a ‘fan’ would do this is just disgusting. Strangers are one thing, but people you thought you knew?
I know how thrilled I am to talk to writers I respect; the idea anyone would abuse that privilege boggles me.
Why people think there should be less loyalty on the internet than in ‘real’ life, I don’t know. Stealing is stealing. I find it hard to believe these people would run off Xeroxes and hawk your work on the street. Then again, maybe they would. Ick.
I’m sure 2012 will be better, Brian. Best of luck and Happy New Year.
wow…string ‘em up
The world, unfortunately, is full of assholes. If you appreciate someone’s art, then you should reward them with your entertainment dollar. I buy a Brian Keene book not only because it is enjoyable, but because I hope my purchase will ensure future books as well. And though Deluge was a free serieal novel, I will certainly be buying a copy when it is released in complete form. Hope the new year holds better days for you and all of us Brian. Thanks for being the most accessible and down to earth author I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
I wasn’t going to post on this thread. I thought it went without saying that stealing something from someone who put their time (not to mention their heart and soul) into it is wrong. Then, in steps Mark Wilson. Let’s talk about him for a second. I believe Brian and Jeff did a good job breaking down his retarded statements. How anyone can JUSTIFY stealing another person’s work is ridiculous to me. That’s like me putting in a full 6-day work week and when it comes time to collect my paycheck I’m told that someone stole my it. Because that’s exactly what pirating is. You are stealing money right out of the pockets of artists who make their living off of their art. Brian has had some troubles recently (personal, financial, and healthwise) but how dare he bitch about people stealing money from him that he works his ass off to earn. You, (I’m talking about Mark…and other like-minded fucktards), are the reason books, music, and movies are so expensive. You are the reason people like me, who have no issue PURCHASING things with my hard-earned cash, have to pay more every year for the things that entertain us. In conclusion, Mark, before you die in a fire, I would also like you to eat a bag of dicks.
I missed the last two paragraphs of your post. I’m really sick with the common cold, but I feel like I’m dying even without having a fever.
BTW STEMI is a big fancy name for ST-elevated myocardial infarction, which is what is commonly called a massive heart attack, but not in the coronary part of the heart. A massive coronary is a little different, but the infarction (dying of heart tissue) can occur almost anywhere.
In ST-elevated heart attacks, the infarct occurs in the part of the heart that’s responsible for the creating the elevated ST wave on the EKG. In other words, it happens in the part of the heart cycle that’s at rest. It’s a long story and I’m not feeling well enough to tell it. I just didn’t want to say STEMI and then leave everyone hanging; thinking what the hell’s that?
ADDENDUM FOR MAX:
Here’s what’s currently legally available in Germany for Kindle: Castaways, Kill Whitey, Dead Sea, Darkness On the Edge of Town, The Rising, and City of the Dead. I believe Take The Long Way Home and The Cage are imminent, as well. Links to all can be found here: http://www.briankeene.com/?page_id=9868
NNNOooooooooooo! Someone is screwing us out of free zombies?! That’s pretty screwed up folks. It doesn’t matter if Brian makes $35k a year or $350K a year, stealing is stealing. Would you think it was okay if your employer told you that you weren’t getting paid this week for your work, and it was perfectly okay because they did pay you for working last week after all? I didn’t think so.
Okay, there’s a guy on Twitter who has apparently taken offense at the rape reference in my response to Mark Wilson. If anyone was offended by that, I apologize. It’s 9pm. I’ve been up since 5am, have spent the day taking care of my toddler, and have many hours of work yet before I sleep. If I fired something off the cuff, and you found it offensive, then apologies.
Brian,
Having been a long time fan of yours, I feel for you and your family who rely on your income. This really sucks. I was there in the early years and bought The Rising as a limited edition when it was hard to justify a $50 purchase to my wife. I have purchased limited editions, trade paperbacks and sometimes duplicates of your mass market paperbacks for my boys and myself. I would never think of making an illegal purchase as that is just not cool. I really want The Rising, City of the Dead, Entombed, Deluge and Earthworm Gods on my iPad but I can wait because it’s the right thing. C’mon, you that are stealing….let’s think before we steal intellectual properties from the artists!
Troy
Brian, I look forward to Dead Air in whatever format it comes out in. I’m also super excited to hear that Entombed will be available in paperback in April. I couldn’t afford to buy it the first time around, so I look forward to getting a chance to read it.
Regardless of whether or not you post another online serial, either way I’ll continue to buy your books and help support the art you create.
Brian
I first wanted to take the time to tell you how much I enjoy your work. I started reading your work May of this year while on deployment. I made it thru 4 of your books, two of which I bought and the other two were very dog eared copy’s of (The Conqueror Worms & Dark Hollow) that I got from a couple of my brothers in uniform.
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for the talent you have been blessed with. Your gift gave to me the escapism I need when not on watch. So I truly just wanted to say Thank You.
Now as for the other issue, have you ever concerned setting up a one time fee kind’a like Stephen King did a couple of years ago with The Plant? Just a thought.
Brian,
You are truly one of the best & my favorite! You rock! There are alot of asses out there! Be encouraged that a lot of your fans aren’t! Love u!
For what it’s worth, it was incredibly easy to figure out who the douche was who created this mess – in case anyone is naturally curious, like I was. And his FB page must not be that hidden. I saw it in less than a minute. There’s only one name who’s listed as a winner in a Sheldon Higdon contest and also posted about sending Jeff Strand gummy bears. I don’t know the guy, but if I find it hard to believe he’s truly a “fan” of Brian’s.
And I do happen to agree with whoever on Twitter didn’t like the rape analogy. The entire situation sucks hardcore, but I certainly don’t think it’s on the same level of degredation as rape. I doubt you do either, Brian, and were simply writing an emotional response, which is completely understandable.
CRAIG wrote: “And I do happen to agree with whoever on Twitter didn’t like the rape analogy. The entire situation sucks hardcore, but I certainly don’t think it’s on the same level of degredation as rape. I doubt you do either, Brian, and were simply writing an emotional response, which is completely understandable.”
Fair enough. And again, I apologize to anyone who was offended. Let’s try a new analogy:
I stole your credit card from your wallet but I let you keep your bills and your Blockbuster Video card.
Better?
I think the analogy Brian was trying to make with the rape reference was that he was put into a position in which he had no control, in which someone took something from him without permission, and that when he publicly complained that he had something taken from him, some/all of the blame was put on him. I think on an emotional level, it’s a fare analogy. Perhaps not the _best_ analogy, but one that I (speaking only for myself) understand and take no offense with.
Ha! Well done, Brian!
My sympathies don’t count for a whole lot, but you have them in spades, Brian. On a business note, I’d like to suggest instead of free serials/books you consider maybe something like “Reader appreciation pricing”, releasing a book or novella for a low digi price (like $2.99 or even a limited time $.99). I know that’s pretty low, but those who are willing to pay would hopefully be able to offset those who pirate some, making you feel less taken advantage of, but also enabling you to give your readers a treat.
Got a $25 gift card for Barnes and Noble for Christmas…spending it on Brian Keene Nook books!
Now which ones are extended or author’s preferred editions?
Thanks again for 7 years of great reading,
Troy
Bah! There is more than one definition of the word “rape” including: an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation, which fits Brian’s use just fine, imo.
So someone took Brian out for dinner, walked him home, then knocked him over the head, took everything he owns, and sent flowers to his hospital room.
That way Brian still gets to be raped without any offended Twits.
Jeesh, reading this thread makes me sick in the pit of my stomach. That people steal someone’s work and follow that up by justifying it (or worse, by berating the victim of the theft) is hard to comprehend. Heck, I’ve been putting off buying the used version of City of the Dead–and do you have any idea how hard that is after reading The Rising and one of the best cliffhanger endings ever?–because Brian won’t make money off of a used book. I’m hoping Deadite or some other publisher comes out with a digital version soon so the money can go to, you know, the guy who wrote the story. Crazy concept, huh?
The only other thing I’ll say is this: Brian, I respect your devotion to your boys and your fans and am very sorry this is happening.
While I would miss a weekly free novel. I would rather pay and make sure the money goes to Brian for his hard work and great books.
Brian, I say you go through with Dead Air–mostly its for the selfish reason that I want to illustrate it–but I have to think that most of your fans will still want to buy it in the end. Is there a way–maybe a site–that would make it difficult to pirate the story from? How about a pay as you read serial via a site like smashwords? There are certain foreign markets where authors are paid as they write the book–like a subscription. Maybe a series of chapbooks released every few months–five or six chapters per book with a few illos? Or, we could go door to door kicking the shit out of these pirates?
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I personally liked the rape analogy far better than the credit card one
Anyone that got offended by that is far too sensitive. I mean honestly, how in the hell do you even make it through one of Brian’s books if something like that offends you? Anyway, getting back on track, hate what the guy did to you Brian and I am really hoping this is the year that good karma swings back your way. Keep that chin up, we all love ya here.
WOW, I think it’s disgusting when any author is stolen from, especially you Brian. You have done so much for fans and fellow authors. I was really looking forward to Dead Air but it is completely understandable if you do not put it here for free as you did with Deluge. Honestly, in your shoes I wouldn’t. People sometimes think authors make millions of dollars, but they don’t understand that not all authors make what J.K. Rowling does.
However you decide to release Dead Air, I will be reading it. If it’s a free serial, a Deadite paperback or a limited hard cover. I have been hooked on you since a few years ago when I picked up a copy of Ghoul. One of the best books I have ever read. I am sorry that this happened to you. You deserve better, especially from fans.
There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to steal an author’s written word regardless if it was given away for the readers of the forum. That material is still owned by the author. I simply hate these individuals because they ruin for everyone else. Just apalling behavior and really pretty stupid if you thought were not going to get caught. Morons!!!!!!!
I like the idea somebody suggested about paying a small fee for a password to
read Dead Air. Instead of calling it a free novel
maybe call it “Help pay for my heart attack & medical bills”.
Somebody come up with a snazzy slogan.
In an alternate universe, your enemies are trapped on that castaway
island with no hope of getting off… ever. And when eventually
pass on, they appear in the Urban Gothic house, then they have deal with
The Rising, etc… etc… infinity.
Hope 2012 is better for you & your family.
Proud owner of Entombed and Is there a demon in you?
d Typing on my phone… excuse
the ugly formatting and bad grammar.
I don’t post here a lot but I am a big fan. I am sorry this happened to you. Piracy really pisses me off. I try to teach my 6th grade students why it is so very important they support that which they love and not take something which wasn’t freely given. It feels like an uphill battle sometimes. I appreciate all your hard work.
Ok, please don’t flame me for my confusion. I understand that Deluge is going to be released in hard copy so it’s stealing for someone other than you to share it online for free. Illegal piracy is a major offense to artists. But here’s where I get a bit confused…I read books for free all of the time. I check them out of the library. I borrow paperbacks from and lend them to my friends. I participate in book trading sites like paperbackswap.com. I also, while it’s not free, buy books from used bookstores. I purchase books new, as well. So how are libraries, bookswapping sites and used bookstores viewed by authors? Are they stealing? Am I a bad person because I checked Dark Hollow out from the library? I apologize if I’m comparing apples and oranges.
God damned douchebags! I was tipsed about this awesome author called Brian Keene from a friend of mine back in 2008. I bought The Rising paperback from the sci/fi-horror bookstore in Sweden. On the train I started reading it and immediately the book impaled me with its awesomeness-hooks. Since I’ve been a loyal fan and own 15 editions of you’re brilliant fiction, 12 from Douche-chester and 3 from Deadite. Anyhow, what I wanted to say is that you inspired me to start writing and this monday my horror short fiction collection was released on a Swedish publishing house (the book’s written in english though). It’s so tragic with these people that steals, rips, plagiate etc. I just wonder what happened to the fact that those people can’t see the beauty in going to the store and get your own copy of a book, expand the library and be happy to support the author whom you apparently love to read, damn, is the economy in the world sooo fucking shitty that some readers can’t afford a book for a small sum.. then stop reading! Anyway, all my respect to you! Keep the horror going for you’re a true master and inspirational beacon!
Michael Faun
Can’t really add much to all this except that, while I am certainly not entirely innocent when it comes to piracy in general, I wholly support Brian here. This just isn’t fair. The only thing from Wilson’s post I can agree with is that Protect IP and Sopa need to get off the table right now.
The rest is bullshit.
Besides, 35k sounds heavenly to me. I work in a friggin callcenter and make about 15k a year! Brian gets more doing what he loves to do…and i think we all ought to make sure he can continue to do it. I hope you do reconsider putting up Dead Air here but even if not, count on me to buy it (and anything else you put out in affordable paperback…as for the limited edition, see above…can’t really afford ‘em, sorry).
SARAH: I think you’ll find that most authors (or at least the sane ones) are very supportive of libraries, etc. That’s because libraries actually support the author and publisher by purchasing the book they then lend to their readers. They are also supportive in hosting events, discussions, appearances, etc.
EVERYONE: The rape thing – see my comments above. Final word: Several people near and dear to me have been victims of rape. It has impacted my life in a very real and personal manner. If the rape analogy offended you, my apologies. If it still offends you, I suggest you read the afterword to CASTAWAYS.
Brian,
I wanted to first thank you for all the postings and everything that you have done for your avid readers. I completely understand your reluctance to post DEAD AIR, and would not think any less of you for doing so. Even though I took part in reading the DELUGE online, and enjoyed it immensely, I will make sure I am one of the first to purchase the book when it becomes available in print and I am sure that many of your true fans here will do likewise. This is one of the ways we can give back for all of your personal generosity. ( I’m sure we all can think of other ways.. [ insert evil laugh] )
By the way… You can have my Blockbuster Video card…lol “Theft is Theft” that’s all that needs be said.
UPDATE: I’ve just heard via email from the main offender (whose name was not mentioned above) and believe his apology to be sincere. Like many young people, I don’t think he quite understood how such a thing impacts the artist. Now he does, and hopefully others do, as well. So, with that, I’m going to go ahead and close the discussion, which is beginning to go sideways with the whole rape thing anyway.
ALSO – here is an update on those German Kindle editions we were discussing above: http://www.briankeene.com/?p=10269
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