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 are looking at it from the wrong perspective.
The point of DRM is not to stop someone from "stealing" some software under all circumstances. It is to hinder or delay him.
Think of it like a lock for your bike. A lock on your bike does not make it impossible to steal your bike, just more difficult. If you leave your bike a night in a crime-heavy area it is very likely it will be gone even with a good lock. But that does not mean that a lock is useless.
Basically DRM "works" if it it causes more sales (due to higher difficulty to steal it) to at least pay for the development and deployment of said DRM.
While the ebook DRM isn't really very strong (and therefore not very effective) it is not of much use. However by the same reason it also does not cost the producers much. So it still kinda "works".
Also, you will not find "independent studies". I mean, think for a moment. Studies (especially thorough studies aka studies which actually are of any use) cost money and time. Quite a bit of it.
So... who should in your opinion ever do a useful study about the effect of DRM exept those which have an interest in its efficiency?? And those are the very people who use them. So their studies are not "independent".