TUEBL was a torrenting site that specialized in sharing illegal copies of ebooks. After facing much backlash, it later changed its name to Ebook Bike and continued operating under the same business model. Ebook Bike, ran by Travis McCrea, claims that it does not intent to share illegal works and that it makes it easy for authors to report their illegally obtained works through filling out a form on the site. However, many authors have reported that this form is mostly for show and that even if a stolen copy of their book is taken down, it often is reuploaded a short time later.
Currently, the rebranded TUEBL, Ebook Bike, is facing a lawsuit where it will have to defend its business model and how it justifies having so many illegal copies of books for free download. While current lawsuits are focused on targeting the site and the users uploading the illegal copies of books, an increasingly frustrated group of authors and creators are pushing for lawsuits that also target the users taking the books. They believe that it is only through targeting both the people uploading the books and the ones downloading them that there will be law reform to better protect creators and their digital works.
While some readers are sad to see both TUEBL and now Ebook Bike shut down, many readers are happy to see the sites go. Many readers wonder why users need sites like TUEBL and Ebook Bike when there are so many legal and free ways to get free books.
2019 Alternatives For Downloading Free Ebooks Without TUEBL
If you’re itching to get your hands on some new material to read but don’t have the budget to quench your reading appetite, then there are many places still offering free ebook downloads, including:
Libraries
Many libraries now make it possible to borrow both hard copy, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Legit Ebook Downloading Sites
Just because TUEBL and Ebook Bike used illegal methods to collect ebooks for their sites, doesn’t mean that all ebook downloading sites are illegal. Many sites, like Book Cave, work with authors to bring free and steeply discounted ebook deals to readers. This is done as a way to help authors promote their books to new readers. So when you download one of these free ebooks, you’re actually helping and supporting the author.
If you’re not certain whether an ebook downloading site is legal, there are subtle clues you can look for. First of all, legit ebook downloading sites often are much better put together than illegal ones. They are reliable, and do not have frequent periods of unexplained down time. These sites only have one version of an author’s ebook listed that is spelled correctly and professionally formatted when downloaded. Illegal sites often have multiple counterfeit versions of a book, and some of the versions are often spelled wrong or poorly formatted once you download them. Legal sites often have links back to the author’s own sites and newsletters, whereas counterfeit sites have no ties to the original authors because they don’t want to be found out. Legal site also often have clear ways to contact the site, and responsive customer support. Illegal sites often don’t care what you have to say. These are just some of the ways you can vet whether or not an ebook downloading site like TUEBL is legitimate before you download any books. If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to an author or publisher and ask if they are aware that their book is being featured on a site. If they are, then you’re good to go. If not, they’ll appreciate being notified of the theft of their book.
Amazon
Amazon originally started as a bookseller, and they still boast one of the largest book market places out there. A quick search for free ebooks will pull up hundreds of ebooks that can be purchased for free. Hundreds of more ebooks are available if you sign up for their Kindle Unlimited program for a small fee.
Public Domain Ebooks
Did you know that hundreds of great books are part of the public domain? These popular classics can be downloaded from sites like Project Gutenberg for free. Check them out to see a full collection of books in the public domain.
Authors Themselves
Did you know that many authors will give out their own ebooks for free? That some authors have their older books permanently listed for free? They do this as a benefit to both their loyal followers, and any new readers who might be interested in their work. Authors may also give out free ebooks in exchange for signing up for their newsletters. Authors may also give out free ebooks as part of giveaways or during limited time marketing promotions. If you’re curious about whether an author you like is giving away any of their books for free, visit their official website. Oftentimes, their free ebook offerings will be featured right on their homepage.
By using these five sources, you should be able to read any number of fantastic books at no cost. And four out of five of these sources will provide you with ebook downloads that are yours to keep. So the next time you’re looking to download some new books, we encourage you to try these places instead of sites like TUEBL.
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