Cory's simply explaining that you CAN'T stop piracy, so you HAVE TO find a way to make a living in a bits economy. It's that simple.  I'm unique among geek/maker/hacker types in that few of us can say we've never pirated anything, though I have not.  I have read exclusively from electronic format in the 21st century, and if I can't get you on ebook I simply won't read you.  There are plenty of great books I can get, I don't need the authors who insist on living in the last millenium.  I won't buy anything published by Harper Collins if they insist on a 26 checkouts for ebooks for libraries policy.  Our public library can show you copies of books checked out 500 or more times and still usable--that 26 is the average number of checkouts before a paper book needs replacing is simply absurd.  Authors who claim that every pirate copy is a lost sale are kidding themselves.  Few people who pirated your book consider it worth paying for.  Pirates pay for what they actually like.  Music pirates demonstrably spend more than twice as much money on non-pirated music as non-pirates.  

Cory doesn't seem to be having any difficulty supporting his family while using his own method of marketing, so I suppose it must work.  And he doesn't mention it, but the vast majority of Cory's speaking engagements are not paid; for SF conventions and most other organizations he accepts expenses only.  His income IS NOT speaking fees.

BTW, your books were recommended to me just last week by a friend who also reads crime novels.  Since stumbling upon this online I know I won't be reading them.  How many great ideas could come from a mind that can't even see what's in front of his face?

You don't have to like it, but you DO have to join us here in the 21st century.