Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
You are not being forced to make these purchases - so "robber-barons" seem unwarranted. The old-technology paper-based books are still available (not that, even there, will you get life+70). No one is forcing you to accept DRM, not even I am suggesting you do this. If you don't like the conditions, don't accept them and don't buy the product - you don't have to act dishonourably just because (you believe) the other person does. The old tit-for-tat argument is how generational feuds get started. To say "if the other acts badly then so must I" brings society to the lowest common denominator, I'd rather hoped we were better than that. (Yes, I know that some recent history proves me wrong, but it doesn't stop me hoping.)
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Nobody was forced to go through a mountain pass either, but you payed the robber-baron if you chose to. It seems pretty analogous to me (except replace 'pay money' with 'accept DRMed products'). Yes, there are paper books, but for some that's like going around the mountains instead of over them.
I personally don't strip DRM because I never buy books with DRM, so I am in complete agreement with your stance on how to behave. However, that's not to say that I blame those who strip the DRM from books they buy. If I bought such books, I would strip them, too.
Studies were done (back when downloading music was all the news) that showed that people who perceived the music publishers as being bad would be more likely to feel morally justified about copying their music without paying for it. It's not rational, but that's how we are. Book publishers would do well not to lose the good will of their customers if they want to reduce file copying.
I get hot under the collar writing these comments, but my ire is aimed solely at publishers and vendors putting DRM on their books. I feel that this discussion is good to have, and I'm grateful that you have initiated it and are carrying the load. I want you to know that I respect your efforts and feel no animosity towards you, whatever the tone of my comments.
