I very much liked this post about the ethics of file-sharing, especially of e-books: http://deepad.dreamwidth.org/61462.html
Obviously, as an independent bookseller, I am in favor of physical copies of books. But there’s a lot to chew over in this space; e-books vs. paper books; illegally sharing e-books vs. using the library or buying used books. As the post points out, just having the option of using an e-book means you’re in an incredibly privileged position:

To have the ability and the desire to read an e-book, one must first, have the privilege of being literate. Second, literate in a dominant language like English. Third, have computer literacy enough to be able to navigate the internet enough to obtain the book. Fourth, have sustained access to a computer or other electronic device in order to be able to read it. Fifth, have access to whatever complex catalysts of creative and societal stimulants that foster a spirit of creative consumption - the desire to read, and the desire to read that particular book. And then finally, after all those barriers, the book must be there.

A used book store like Anthology tries to lower the entry barrier to reading, by making more books available to more people for less money. Books don’t need expensive equipment like a laptop; don’t even need electricity. They are freely sharable, nearly untraceable, and don’t become obsolete. But of course, getting a book from a used bookstore or a library doesn’t benefit the author either.

It’s a complex issue, and there are no easy answers. What do you think?