BL calls for action on updating DRM

ath · 09-27-2006, 03:25 PM

See http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-6119043.html .

Wonder if BL have clout enough to get anything started?

Bob Russell · 09-27-2006, 04:29 PM

Funny you say that. I've read similar things before and the arguments are persuasive. Libraries are one of our best allies in working out the DRM problems. Even against the power of the RIAA, MPAA, publishers, etc.

When documents go digital, if they stay with DRM like we have currently, then even libraries can't guarantee that the books will be available to patrons in the future, and that's something that might generate some groundswell of interest for the issue. But it's the same problem as individuals have. Libraries will, hopefully, join together and be very active and vocal in fighting the fundamental attack on the ability of libraries to serve us.

Unfortunately, we might just end up with special library editions that have a special DRM which expires in, say, 10yrs, or has a library-only key that can be used in the future only if the digital edition is not usable. Or some similar restriction. DRM can actually be pretty flexible. It's the mechanism and compatibility problems and the particular settings that are chosen that make it hard on the consumer.

Hey, if we could get a universal e-book format and DRM for consumers that expires in 2 yrs from purchase, we'd be all set, and I think the full fledged e-book revolution might be here almost immediately. But not likely.

NatCh · 09-27-2006, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Russell

Hey, if we could get a universal e-book format and DRM for consumers that expires in 2 yrs from purchase, we'd be all set, and I think the full fledged e-book revolution might be here almost immediately.

That may be the best solution I've heard yet, Bob!

Steven Lyle Jordan · 09-30-2006, 08:46 PM

I agree. A poster in another site's thread mentioned temporary DRM recently, and it makes sense to me.

As an author and reader, today's permanent DRM solutions are bad enough to make me avoid them at both ends. I would consider applying DRM, if it would expire after a reasonable amount of time designed to allow the author (and the distributor) to profit reasonably from the sale, then allow the customer free reign to trade, give away or even resell (ala Garage Sale capitalism).

09-27-2006, 03:25 PM	#1
ath Addict Posts: 222 Karma: 110 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Malmo, Sweden Device: iLiad, Sony PRS-505, Kindle Paperwhite & Oasis	BL calls for action on updating DRM See http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-6119043.html . Wonder if BL have clout enough to get anything started?

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09-27-2006, 04:29 PM	#2
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Funny you say that. I've read similar things before and the arguments are persuasive. Libraries are one of our best allies in working out the DRM problems. Even against the power of the RIAA, MPAA, publishers, etc. When documents go digital, if they stay with DRM like we have currently, then even libraries can't guarantee that the books will be available to patrons in the future, and that's something that might generate some groundswell of interest for the issue. But it's the same problem as individuals have. Libraries will, hopefully, join together and be very active and vocal in fighting the fundamental attack on the ability of libraries to serve us. Unfortunately, we might just end up with special library editions that have a special DRM which expires in, say, 10yrs, or has a library-only key that can be used in the future only if the digital edition is not usable. Or some similar restriction. DRM can actually be pretty flexible. It's the mechanism and compatibility problems and the particular settings that are chosen that make it hard on the consumer. Hey, if we could get a universal e-book format and DRM for consumers that expires in 2 yrs from purchase, we'd be all set, and I think the full fledged e-book revolution might be here almost immediately. But not likely.

09-30-2006, 08:46 PM	#4
Steven Lyle Jordan Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,478 Karma: 5171130 Join Date: Jan 2006 Device: none	I agree. A poster in another site's thread mentioned temporary DRM recently, and it makes sense to me. As an author and reader, today's permanent DRM solutions are bad enough to make me avoid them at both ends. I would consider applying DRM, if it would expire after a reasonable amount of time designed to allow the author (and the distributor) to profit reasonably from the sale, then allow the customer free reign to trade, give away or even resell (ala Garage Sale capitalism).

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