Quote:
Originally Posted by amoroso
Are there any independent studies proving with sound data and methodologies that ebook copy protection via DRM is effective? By effective, I mean some sort of reasonable metric such as increased ebook sales or reduced distribution of unauthorized copies. I am interested in independent studies, i.e. not commissioned, conducted by or involving DRM vendors, publisher groups or publishing industry organizations.
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You want government studies or real facts? For real facts just check out the plethora of current (both bestsellers and lesser-known/unknown authors) titles that are available on the darknet sites. It is not uncommon for even the authors with almost no exposure to be available within days of initial DRM'd release.
Now given the range of DRM out there, I'd say the empirical evidence proves the answer is 'No' to both questions.
Yes, the publishers would have you believe otherwise, but they're full of it.
The BIGGER problem for most new authors is NOT being 'pirated' but just getting enough exposure to bring in paying customers.
Take for example
"Net Assets". It's by
Carl Bussjaeger and it's available on Smashwords and Amazon in ebook formats and as a trade paperback from Amazon. It's a decent science fiction story but even having PAID for the premium exposure for both the dead-tree and ebook versions on Amazon, I've yet to see
"Net Assets" or his second book, an anthology of SF -
"The Anarchists", ever be displayed in the new and forthcoming lists. If no one knows it is available, it might as well not be published!
Derek