Ethics Question - Advice appreciated

[Greg P.]

Hello, I've heard and read some posts about asking realtors to pull up comps when you know you're not going to use them etc. This is unethical and I would agree. Treat others how you would want to be treated, but here's my question. We are always trying to save money, time, etc, and I see a lot of people on here including myself buying things on Ebay like courses etc. Would you say this is also unethical because you are buying a product which the creator does not want you to buy from ebay etc and only want to buy from them directly? Ethics is tough it seems and would like some opinions. Thanks

[Jon Holdman]

I don't think buying a course on e-bay is unethical any more than buying a used book is unethical. As much as software vendors would try to convince you its illegal to resell a program you don't want, I don't think that's unethical, either (I'm a SW guy, by the way.)

I do think its unethical to make copies of CDs, programs, or the forms in a course, then resell the CD, program or course. Just like I think its unethical to make copies of a book. Its rarely done for books because the effort and expense doesn't justify it (though I've seen it in university classes). But the fact its cheap to copy digital data doesn't change the ethics.

A recent ruling favors sellers of used software. I have no doubt this will be challenged.