On the contrary. The text book industry views 2nd hand text books as theft.
Legitimately so, effectively. 2nd-hand sales net them nothing. That said, it frees up more money for the person who was the early-adopter, who is more likely to buy more of the same, but that's not money "in their hands".
That said, making new versions each year is effectively stealing from students who are already strapped for cash. I'd argue that's less ethical than any stretch involving 2nd-hand sales. If they'd put out good books, students would keep them (I keep my good ones), and encourage others to buy them, increasing their sales. * gasp * unthinkable!
Legitimately so, effectively. 2nd-hand sales net them nothing. That said, it frees up more money for the person who was the early-adopter, who is more likely to buy more of the same, but that's not money "in their hands".
That said, making new versions each year is effectively stealing from students who are already strapped for cash. I'd argue that's less ethical than any stretch involving 2nd-hand sales. If they'd put out good books, students would keep them (I keep my good ones), and encourage others to buy them, increasing their sales. * gasp * unthinkable!