Adrian Downes and Nick Barclay are the authors of two books that technically compete with my PerformancePoint Server book. I haven't read their books, something that was intentional since I didn't want their books to influence mine in any way. Yes, mine has been done for a while so I should go ahead and get their books and read them.

I don't believe I've ever met Adrian or Nick, but I like them. I recently got an email from them informing me that a site had made an electronic version of my book available as a free download. They said they felt such a practice was "awful" and they wouldn't wish it on anyone. Sure enough, I followed the link they sent and the book was indeed available for download.

I immediately sent an email to the publisher and I'm happy to report that the company hosting the file turned out to be a legitimate business that immediately removed the file. Attempts to download it now are met with a message that the file "is suspected to contain illegal content and has been blocked."

Without Adrian and Nick telling me about this, I don't know how long it would have gone on. I don't know them personally but I truly appreciate their email. If we're ever at a conference together, I owe them each a drink.