I read many years ago that it was a tradition among writers - something of a rite of passage - to steal a copy of your own [first] book from a bookstore. Of course, back then, there weren't as many video cameras as there are now.
So... I divide the question into 2 parts:
a) Would you steal a copy of your first book if you were sure that you could get away with it? (i.e. Would the moral aspect not bother you?)
b) Given that you stand a higher chance of getting caught, would you dare to try it (in order to comply with this tradition / rite of passage)?
I agree with the general feeling that theft for any reason isn't on. What if you were published doing well and got caught in the act, would that bad publicity end your career as an author. I know this is just a rhetorical question so you won't be doing it will you!!!!
Paul.
No, on the grounds that I wouldn't steal anything, and I don't believe in any such "rite of passage". Passage to what - author as thief? Would you jump off a cliff because someone said all authors should do so when they are first published?
What would be my right to complain if other people then stole my book, and so deprived me of the income?
No also on the grounds that bookshops have enough trouble staying in business without someone stealing from them.
What an interesting (two part) question Emilie?
I immediately had an image of myself edging past a camera to the store entrance, book pressed by one misplaced arm under my jacket, trying to look nonchalant, perhaps whistling softly. So it seems my answer to both a) and b) might be yes.
However I still have to publish my first novel. If only that was as easy.
Which raises the Faustian question: what would you do if the devil said he could arrange to have your first novel published as long as you promised to steal it from a bookstore within one year? A question I'll now raise under 'Questions and Answers' (and earn myself a few points)