Is this legal? What would you do?

67 replies
Is selling a book about illegal things illegal?
#legal
  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post


    Assume that this "drug kingpin ebook" is the holy grail for any wannabe drug dealer. How could I help him sell it legally?

    Assuming you find a legal way to sell this book -- why would you want to?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042260].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Ensure to write a GREAT disclaimer IE: This book is entirely fictional. THIS BOOK IS A WORK OF FICTION. etc.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042269].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author StevenJones
      Originally Posted by Sarevok View Post

      Ensure to write a GREAT disclaimer IE: This book is entirely fictional. THIS BOOK IS A WORK OF FICTION. etc.
      ^^This, and don't leave any trace leading back to your friend or is done for.

      Or just give your drug dealer friend an eBook how to earn money online and quite living on the edge.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042522].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Andrei
    I don't know what you should do but at a short search in Google for the keyword "how to grow weed" over 10 million results were found so it seems like information is available everywhere. I think that talking about drugs is not illegal... Doing what his e-book is teaching may be
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042282].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AlphaWarrior
      Originally Posted by Andrei View Post

      I don't know what you should do but at a short search in Google for the keyword "how to grow weed" over 10 million results were found so it seems like information is available everywhere. I think that talking about drugs is not illegal... Doing what his e-book is teaching may be
      Isn't weed legal in Calif. for "medical" purposes?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049459].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
        Originally Posted by AlphaWarrior View Post

        Isn't weed legal in Calif. for "medical" purposes?
        17 states plus DC:

        Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, DC, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland (kind of - affirmative defense for possession), Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont & Washington.

        Hello, IM niche. Of course, still federally illegal and the feds have done some of their 'make an example' crap, especially in Cali, but they are wising up now and realizing the tax revenue they can get their grubby meathooks on.
        Signature
        One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothing can beat teamwork.

        - Seldom Seen Smith
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049497].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author J Burgess
    I'm suspecting that he is admitting to doing certain things, therefore if it gets into the wrong hands i.e. the police, he can be arrested for it.

    I personally wouldn't sell a product like this since you are encouraging illegal activities.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042284].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ebizman
    Why would you blast away illegal info about "your friend" on a public forum?!
    Signature
    Restaurant Online Ordering System | FREE 30-DAY TRIAL!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042289].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Google luck getting it hosted anywhere. Most hosting companies won't allow you to host anything that encourages illegal activities.

    You'd have to host it yourself on a machine in your home and if your hosting provider finds out? Good buy internet too!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042305].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Centurian
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      Google luck getting it hosted anywhere. Most hosting companies won't allow you to host anything that encourages illegal activities.

      You'd have to host it yourself on a machine in your home and if your hosting provider finds out? Good buy internet too!
      This will also get you banned from your payment provider. It could also get your identification black-listed in the network database from other payment providers.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046434].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael D Forbes
    If your friend really makes that much money, he needs to hire a scumbag attorney that can answer these questions for himself. As for you, I hope you've heard of the term "complicity". If not, you might want to get familiar with it fast.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complicity

    This might be one of the worst places on earth to attempt to get advice on such a thing, but I'll give you my advice. Don't even think about getting involved.

    And yes, I am totally questioning your sanity.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042334].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OmarK
    Are you sure your friend will appreciate you talking about his 'business' publicly on the internet?
    Signature
    "Try not to become a man of success, but rather to become a man of value."
    -Albert Einstein
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042336].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author datingworld
    stay away from his ebook
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042373].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author akmal
    OMG. Internet marketing sure a big pot of gold from everybody's eye.

    Say to him "Sorry buddy I can't help you this time. Maybe you can create WSO about How to be a great dealer..no drugs of course"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042398].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael D Forbes
    On further reflection, this smells so much like a troll. By the way OP, don't be too surprised when the police come knocking on your door wanting to chat with you about your "friend".
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042401].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chase Shelby
    Personally I would steer clear of anything that you have to ask "is this legal?" because it's probably not.

    Let's say that someone bought it. Gets caught dealing drugs. Tries to bargain with the authorities by saying he learned everything online from a particular ebook. Then you have authorities at your door asking why you know all of this information and why you are distributing it. Is that something you really want to go through?

    And if you STILL want to promote it after all of this... Get a lawyer to advise you, not some people from a forum
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042419].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sadas
    Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

    Hey guys,

    I was confronted by a friend that wants to sell an ebook online. The problem is that his ebook is about how to be a drug dealer. Not just any drug dealer, the head honcho. He goes deep into the illegal drug industry and shares some of his own stories. He even includes how to get in contact and make relationships with other dealers internationally over the internet and specifically where to do it. He basically shows everybody how to emulate his success.

    This guy is a straight up drug kingpin that makes $50,000 a month easy. I only know because I am long time friends with him.

    My concern with his ebook is that he shows people how to do illegal things. I mean 20 years to life felonies. He also talks about his own personal story (which is actually incredibly interesting).

    So my questions are:

    Is it legal to sell an ebook like this?
    If not, how could he make it legal?

    I know hip hop artists can rap about all the drugs they sell and do. So is it the same here?

    Assume that this "drug kingpin ebook" is the holy grail for any wannabe drug dealer. How could I help him sell it legally?

    Thanks,

    Brad
    Wait!! if he has done illegal activities was he not arrested
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042441].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Another idea is to like.. "convert" the discussion.

    For example, make the title of the book "how to sell and grow as a professional" instead of "how to sell drugs and grow as a mafia kingpin"

    Talk about acquiring goods, how to locate prospects, how to locate tradesman, etc.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042486].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brooke Milt
    I would say you are going to want to put MANY disclaimers in the book if you plan to sell it starting with we are in no way responsible for the outcome of your actions following this book. I would also be sure to say that the book is fictional in nature and change names. Be careful with this one.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042504].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EllesBelles
    Has he done time?

    I believe, from the law modules of my uni course, that you cannot profit from crime. So when criminals write books, they do not receive any of the sales. This probably isn't a flat law, but it's something you'd need to look into.

    To be honest, I wouldn't touch this with the biggest bargepole in the world. It's got so many potential problems...I'd also refrain from mentioning having a drug-dealer mafia-king friend in public.
    Signature
    Social Media Strategist. Digital Storyteller.

    LinkedIn
    Social Media Consultant

    If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042557].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Fred_Acker
      Don't know if it's legal but I'll take a copy

      Your friend may have a problem excepting payments unless he gets his own payment processor since companies like paypal will probably revoke his product.
      Signature

      Right Now. What a wonderful time to start!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042595].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      That's the kind of book you publish only when you retire and move somewhere people can't find you.

      I didn't realize that authorities watched over this market. Probably why drugdealing.com has nothing on it lol.
      Are you serious? Not only would legal authorities be on him - but releasing contact info would make him a target in the drug trade, too. That would extend perhaps to anyone who helped him "publish".

      If this "friend" is truly so smart - he'd know this already...sure this isn't your idea?
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      ***
      One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
      what it is instead of what you think it should be.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042738].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EllesBelles
    Has he done time?

    I believe, from the law modules of my uni course, that you cannot profit from crime. So when criminals write books, they do not receive any of the sales. This probably isn't a flat law, but it's something you'd need to look into.

    To be honest, I wouldn't touch this with the biggest bargepole in the world. It's got so many potential problems...I'd also refrain from mentioning having a drug-dealer mafia-king friend in public.
    Signature
    Social Media Strategist. Digital Storyteller.

    LinkedIn
    Social Media Consultant

    If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042575].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rooze
    There's something messed up about this picture.

    He makes $50K /mth and he wants to sell eBooks on Kindle?

    He's committing one of the most serious felonies and he wants to open an Amazon account and publish a book about it? From his prison cell, maybe.

    If I were him I'd be living in a hole somewhere wearing shades and a fake mustache. This would be like Bin Laden wanting to publish a back-packing guide to the mountains of Afghanistan when he lived there in a cave.

    Sorry, it does not add up.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042608].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Kast
    Wow. a lot of diverse respones.

    Thank you for all the advice. I was only curious because the demand for this product is high and the market is untapped. Check out the keywords yourself. Now, I can see why.

    I didn't realize that authorities watched over this market. Probably why drugdealing.com has nothing on it lol.

    By the way my friend has a clean record and is actually a smart guy, he just likes to take crazy risks. I'm sure you all have friends like that.

    Oh Michael Forbes maybe you should read the wikipedia link you posted. Complicity is not a crime. And there is no possible way to prove any of this is even true. I could have been lying to you right from the start.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042613].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PatriciaJ
      Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post


      By the way my friend has a clean record and is actually a smart guy, he just likes to take crazy risks. I'm sure you all have friends like that.
      No I don't have friends like that any more. Not since I was an impressionable teenager. Once I grew up I knew that I didn't want anything to do with anybody who deals in death and misery for others including people I cared about.

      Can't understand how anybody can openly claim a drug dealer as a friend, boast about him being smart and want to help him spread the misery further. Plain daft.

      What would I do? Tell the cops.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043548].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Michael D Forbes
      Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

      Oh Michael Forbes maybe you should read the wikipedia link you posted.
      I did. You should make sure you actually understand it.

      Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

      Complicity is not a crime.
      Correct. I truly hope your understanding of the intricacies of the term extend beyond that.

      Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

      And there is no possible way to prove any of this is even true.
      There are a large number of highly trained professionals that can really put a cramp in your lifestyle trying to get to the truth though. Care to go through that?

      Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

      I could have been lying to you right from the start.
      Exactly why I suspect you could be just trolling.


      You look like a young man Brad, with a lot of life ahead of you (most likely). You asked what I would do, presumably so you can learn from it. I would run as fast as I could from such a situation.

      Do what you will with that advice.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043562].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aaaa33030
    1. Since being a drug dealer is illegal, then obviously selling an ebook about how to be a drug dealer is illegal.

    2. To make an ebook like that legal he can make the ebook about "How to spot a drug dealer and alert the feds"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042630].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
      Originally Posted by aaaa33030 View Post

      Since being a drug dealer is illegal, then obviously selling an ebook about how to be a drug dealer is illegal.
      Not so "obvious" over here.

      Obviously, since driving too fast in unsafe conditions is illegal it is illegal to instruct someone about what to do if they are driving too fast in unsafe conditions.

      Obviously, since prostitution is illegal one can never write a book about tricks of the trade.

      Obviously, since murder is illegal no one can write a book describing how they committed a murder.

      Obviously, since violating Google's TOS is an illegal breach of contract no one can write an article, forum post, or prepare a WSO about how to do ____ with Google.


      .
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042675].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
        Banned
        And there is no possible way to prove any of this is even true. I could have been lying to you right from the start.
        Could be? I assumed you were. Either you're lying, or you're friends with the dumbest drug kingpin in the world. I'm going with the former.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046225].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author 22SunnySideUp
        Be inventive with your marketing and have an iron-clad disclaimer and i'm sure you could sell it.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049494].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author nickdamodda
      Originally Posted by aaaa33030 View Post

      1. Since being a drug dealer is illegal, then obviously selling an ebook about how to be a drug dealer is illegal.

      2. To make an ebook like that legal he can make the ebook about "How to spot a drug dealer and alert the feds"
      Legal in other country's.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043460].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    The First Amendment is a wonderful thing.

    The 'smaller' you look, like an ebook on some website, the more problems you may encounter. But if you have a publisher, are on Amazon, etc., then it may be a question of how to best hide your identity on the talk show circuit.

    .
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6042633].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DanMurray
    LOL. Make sure to get a good lawyer!

    Spreading the word on how to be a drug dealer doesn't sound like the best way to make money online...there are ways of selling products that will help people POSITIVELY!

    But if you insist, get a damn good lawyer.

    Daniel
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043020].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DanMurray
    LOL. Make sure to get a good lawyer!

    Spreading the word on how to be a drug dealer doesn't sound like the best way to make money online...there are ways of selling products that will help people POSITIVELY!

    But if you insist, get a damn good lawyer.

    Daniel
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043035].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author stephaniek
      Not "illegal" by US law but probably not ok with companies and services you'll need to publish this as an ebook... even web hosts usually have caveats about promoting illegal activities.

      If it's an interesting story, make a deal with a real book publisher. Call it "How to be a Drug Dealer" for a nice attention grabbing headline if you want, but write it as his story of how he did it. But for heaven's sake don't make it an instructional manual.
      Signature

      Woman: How much do I owe you for the sketch?
      Picasso: 5000 francs.
      Woman: But it only took you 5 minutes!
      Picasso: No madam, it took me all my life.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043178].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    There are ways to do this but why would you want to be a part of it? There are lots on mafia tell-all stories out there full of stories about how Bennie the Bull whacks Tommy the Turd and ties him up with barbwire then drags him through the Bronx behind his pickup.

    Then Bennie makes a dramatic speech to witnesses telling them he'll sneak into your open bedroom window at midnight and cut your off privates along with the privates of your WHOLE fcukin' family if you ever mention what you saw. No real names are used and no real locations.

    Another way to go is to do it as a guide on how NOT to be a badguy. Then the stories can be told but the book is full of ridiculous disclaimers like, this guide is not intended to illustrate how to break the law... etc. Be smart, leave it alone. Nothing good can come of it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043539].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yas347
    Better not to indulge in any illegal work.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043560].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chloe Emerson
    You are either crazy like a fox or dumber than dirt, I can't decide which.
    You sure did get a rise out of us though, didn't you? As well as numerous suggestions for books.

    I suggest writing a nice eBook called "How I Hid Out From The Mob" - you may need your own advice after posting this in a public forum.

    ~Shakes my head~
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043824].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    I think that each and every person in this thread has the situation all wrong. Let's take a look at his first sentence:

    I was confronted by a friend that wants to sell an ebook online.
    Not approached, but confronted. I'm sure if he could have put quotations around "friend" he would have done that too. This is quite obviously a cry for help. One that went unheeded. Now, the mafia has found him, and taken over his account while he sleeps with the fishes, as evidenced here:

    I could have been lying to you right from the start
    You see! There they are, covering up their tracks.

    And you all allowed it to happen...for shame.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043879].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sitestomp
    Police aren't going to be knocking on your door over an ebook. The amount of paranoid people out there never ceases to amaze me. Sheesh.

    In any case though, it's probably not the best niche to pursue. The real problem won't be law enforcement... it'll be payment processors and hosting companies that won't want to touch your product with a 10 foot pole.
    Signature
    ** Professional, Quality, and Experienced Conversion Website Designer **
    I can handle all your web design needs | Skype: Sitestomp


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6044195].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Sitestomp View Post

      Police aren't going to be knocking on your door over an ebook. The amount of paranoid people out there never ceases to amaze me. Sheesh.
      It's far from paranoia. Let's face it, if someone is selling a book on the web telling people how to become a drug-dealing kingpin it is going to generate quite a bit of buzz. Eventually, word is going to get to law enforcement.

      Naturally, they will want to stop someone from learning to be a drug dealer by going straight to the source: in this case some marketer selling an ebook online. It's common sense.

      Of course, if you think it is paranoia, I encourage you to take the idea and run with it. I'll show up on your court date and give a hearty

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6044216].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by Sitestomp View Post

        Police aren't going to be knocking on your door over an ebook. The amount of paranoid people out there never ceases to amaze me. Sheesh.

        In any case though, it's probably not the best niche to pursue. The real problem won't be law enforcement... it'll be payment processors and hosting companies that won't want to touch your product with a 10 foot pole.
        They may not be knocking on your door over an ebook, but the association can land you on some lists that can make life very inconvenient. And if the details in the book happen to match an open case...

        What would I do?

        I wouldn't touch this with YOUR ten foot pole.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6044320].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Sitestomp
        Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

        It's far from paranoia. Let's face it, if someone is selling a book on the web telling people how to become a drug-dealing kingpin it is going to generate quite a bit of buzz. Eventually, word is going to get to law enforcement.

        Naturally, they will want to stop someone from learning to be a drug dealer by going straight to the source: in this case some marketer selling an ebook online. It's common sense.

        Of course, if you think it is paranoia, I encourage you to take the idea and run with it. I'll show up on your court date and give a hearty

        I already said why it wouldn't work. No reputable payment processor or hosting is going to allow it. Period.

        The cops aren't going to be knocking on your door over some ebook that maybe gets 10 sales on a website registered in another country. I can't believe people even think law enforcement is anywhere near that organized, especially when it comes to the internet.

        Yes, you are being overly paranoid.
        Signature
        ** Professional, Quality, and Experienced Conversion Website Designer **
        I can handle all your web design needs | Skype: Sitestomp


        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046496].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    Yeah- it's not worth it.

    You either

    1) Get in trouble, or
    2) Help a dude who obviously isn't helping society turn even MORE people into... um, not helpful-to-society people.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6044538].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PhilippaWrites
    As always, the law is different in every single country. There's no single answer to 'is this illegal'.

    Amazon, on the other hand, has a bad habit of withdrawing books on a whim, so kindle wouldn't be a good platform.

    However, two key questions:
    1) Why does a $50,000 drug dealer want to sell an ebook?
    2) Would you really want to help him do that?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6044772].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cali16
    Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

    This guy is a straight up drug kingpin that makes $50,000 a month easy. I only know because I am long time friends with him.
    With all due respect, you really need to rethink your choice of friends. Have you ever stopped to consider the number of lives your friend's "career" choice is ruining? And now you want to help him ruin even more???

    Not to mention, the fact that you even WANT to help him sell this type of book speaks volumes about your character... Just something you might want to think about.

    Perhaps he should join WF himself and ask if this is legal - why are you doing it for him??
    Signature
    If you don't face your fears, the only thing you'll ever see is what's in your comfort zone. ~Anne McClain, astronaut
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6045302].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aeristilheartly
    To be completely honest, ebook or not, it's the first amendment right in the United States. I've seen worse things posted, including ways of murdering people and getting away with it. Legally no one can do anything about it... those kinds of things I wish there was an exception, but as long as the software host wants to publish your ebook and allow it to be sold through its system, I don't see what the problem is.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6045316].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
    Be careful with 'conspiracy to commit crime' stuff. As in 'how to be a drug dealer'. That ebook winds up on the computer of a 16 y.o. who's dad/mom is a federal prosecuting attorney, and they can make your life difficult.

    Scratch that. They will make your life difficult.

    It is one thing to throw that information up on a web page, but another entirely to charge for it, with an attached promise of, "You too can make 50 G's per month breaking the law."

    Several years ago, overgrow(dot)com, a canadian website about hemp cultivation, got taken down. The mounties and the DEA went after him for the seed sales end of things and there was much concern (read: crapping their pants) among other owners of cultivation sites that RICO charges might come their way - but they all survived. And although it was the selling of seeds across International Borders that they got him on, it was his site with cultivation info that made him a target.

    They used his online presence and success as their motivation to make an example out of someone. Be careful making yourself a target to be made an example of ...

    Chong (of Cheech and Chong fame) got popped for selling bongs. 9 months in federal prison. His outlet? Chongglass(dot)com. Why? 'Cause the feds wanted to make an example out of someone selling bongs on the internet. That's why.

    Further, that piece o' crap legislation (that both republicans and democrat legislators support -I'm not bashing either side from the view of the other), known as the Patriot Act, classifies drug dealers as terrorists - so tread lightly.

    Since you asked WWYD?, I personally would steer clear. Don't get me wrong, if people want to use drugs that is their business, not mine, and I think all of this drug prohibition stuff is absolute nonsense and only serves to make really bad and really violent people rich (not saying your friend is), but there is an element of high risk and playing with fire in selling an ebook titled, "How to make 50 G's per month with your own drug dealing system."

    Further, I would assume you are going to have to self host it. I don't think any site like Clickbank or Amazon will touch it.

    I ain't yo momma though, so do what you will.
    Signature
    One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothing can beat teamwork.

    - Seldom Seen Smith
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6045998].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I doubt that you will find a merchant account/payment processor that will stand behind a product like that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046172].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Emily B
      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      I doubt that you will find a merchant account/payment processor that will stand behind a product like that.
      This. PayPal states right in their terms that they don't allow sales for items like this, and I'm sure other processors and banks aren't going to want to deal with it either.

      If your friend is such a good drug deal as he claims to be, then I would think he should know better than to go around admitting what he does.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046245].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ian Varnava
    Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

    My concern with his ebook is that he shows people how to do illegal things.
    And my "concern" is that you've just set your friend up for "25 to life" by making this post. That is, of course, if this so-called 'friend' of yours actually exists. A public forum, whether it's about internet marketing or "dog training" (since we all love that example); is the worst place to ask for such advice, bar none.

    If you are for real, it could be a matter of time before the right/wrong person/organization comes across your post and launches a campaign against you and/or your friend.

    If you aren't for real, then you better make sure your name, location, avatar picture, IP, proxies, and any other information which can lead a law or non-law enforcement agency back to you are also 100% fake and untraceable.

    However, I am convinced that this a joke. Good one!

    If this is a joke, then have fun explaining that if they come knocking at your door.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046339].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joan Altz
    Well, I don't condone drug dealing, but just answering the question here....

    He should not market the book as a "how to" that is for certain. Rather, promote it as his personal story, but anonymously. I would also rewrite it in journalistic fashion and tell his story by third-person. So you would have the investigative journalist telling the story but with a lot of quoted first-person inclusions.

    Then he can tell "how" he does this and that, but "as told to".
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046401].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ExRat
      Hi Brad Kast,

      It sounds like this plan might get you in trouble with the authorities.

      They don't like people muscling in on their turf
      Signature


      Roger Davis

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046504].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by Christopher Fox View Post

        Be careful with 'conspiracy to commit crime' stuff. As in 'how to be a drug dealer'. That ebook winds up on the computer of a 16 y.o. who's dad/mom is a federal prosecuting attorney, and they can make your life difficult.

        Scratch that. They will make your life difficult.
        Doesn't have to be the kid of a DOJ prosecutor. That ebook winds up on the computer of a kid killed in a bad drug deal or gang beef, and there's going to be trouble.

        Heck, all it would take is a "possession with intent to distribute" charge, and the snow could hit the fan...
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6047717].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author prian
    yes, its illegal. Just like FBI taken down megaupload because it supporting the pirated activity, that ebook will also support the drug dealing activity. My opinion is that you make another ebook that use some special method originally used there. Of courseyou have to avoid every illegal things.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6046422].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Here's someone looking for exactly what you have:

    Paper on Drug Trafficking
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049004].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DJL
      Your friend's expertise might better lend itself to a one-on-one coaching program (cash only -- no refunds).
      Signature

      None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.
      --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Elective Affinities (1809)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049289].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jacksonlin
    Lol.. I don't think wannabe drug dealers would be researching on how to become a kingpin online.
    Signature
    Want a 13 Part FREE Internet Marketing Course - Taught By A PREMIER CLICKBANK SUPPER AFFILIATE? Did I mention taught through VIDEOS?
    Yup, I'm not hyping things up for you. Click here to check it out!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049389].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mixxa
    That's got concrete slippers written all over it to me mate.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049489].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alamest
    It is 100% illegal, if you start it not only you are harming yourself as earning illegally but your are harming the atmosphere because learning from your book than we will do many illegal things and their whole life will be destroyed
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049760].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by Brad Kast View Post

    Is it legal to sell an ebook like this?
    Talk to an attorney.

    If not, how could he make it legal?
    Talk to an attorney.

    I know hip hop artists can rap about all the drugs they sell and do. So is it the same here?
    Talk to an attorney.

    Assume that this "drug kingpin ebook" is the holy grail for any wannabe drug dealer. How could I help him sell it legally?
    Are you seeing a pattern yet?
    Signature
    "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049859].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dapplecreek
    Hilarious thread: nice job tossing a grenade into the crowd!

    I'm writing a book now and omitting some stuff which I consider shady: I don't want to be part of it. Regardless of whether this drug kingpin friend actually exists, I would encourage anyone with qualms over content to walk away from it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6050588].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
    He's committing one of the most serious felonies and he wants to open an Amazon account and publish a book about it?
    A guy sometime ago published one, I forget the name, was telling people how to make X or something and he got busted because he was selling the chemicals to people. He had a great backend product. Now, he just takes it from the backend.

    As to the legalities, it depends.

    Garrie
    Signature
    Screw You, NameCheap!
    $1 Off NameSilo Domain Coupons:

    SAVEABUCKDOMAINS & DOLLARDOMAINSAVINGS
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6051417].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dallas2g5
    It's not the right thing to do...but he can sell it as fiction.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6052517].message }}

Trending Topics