[Katsunami]

In the end, it's always the drm that is the biggest threat to losing material because you are dependent on the source forever. Compare it with computers. How many scanners, printers, sound cards and so on, that work basically fine, end up on the scrap heap because manufacturers refuse to write drivers for the latest Windows versions? The Windows driver basically is the 'drm' for these devices, through which manufacturers force you to upgrade after you upgrade Windows.

Compare that to Linux. Drivers are still the main Achilles heel. Too many devices don't work because manufacturers don't want to provide drivers or specifications. Therefore, the drivers for Linux are almost always behind the times. But here's the cracker: if it works, then it will work *forever*, because the driver is maintained together with the latest version if the operating system (kernel).

Basically *everything* out there is running some version of Linux, or another Unix(-alike) such as FreeBsd. Windows mainly runs on desktops / laptops, apart from a limited number of phones and servers. Why isn't Linux used more often on desktops then, with ask it's open advantages? It's because Windows is just too big on desktops, and desktops are what people need. Because of the power of Windows, most manufacturers work only with, and for Windows, leading to the fact that I now HAVE to use Windows, because I NEED some programs of which there is only a Windows version.

Do I have problems with Windows? No, far from it. But, I like the philosophy of Linux / Unix much more, and would prefer to use that. However, doing so would make me largely incompatible with other people I *have* to work with.

And what does it have to do with ebooks?

Simple. We've got a huge market force (Amazon, at this moment), that can get into the dominating position Microsoft is in. If that happens, all publishers will go there. Then, it could easily be perceived that Amazon will release a Kindle with no memory, but an always on internet connection, leaving you to download the book page by page as you read it. That would be the strictest drm ever.

You know? In the computer world it has already happened. Adobe, being the only relevant graphics company left (imho) is pushing it's software subscription services. No internet, no Photoshop. Some games have an always on connection, and download their maps as you play.

So beware... I will. If I see the ebook world moving in that direction any further (and epub3 is already a step toward it), then I'll be ditching the ereader as quickly as I got it, just as I will be ditching Photoshop after The Gimp implements the few functions I need it to have to be a Photoshop replacement. If that happens, and the other two programs I need get a viable alternative (or are not necessary because I change jobs), then I'll move over to an open operating system too.

Beware the drm, and beware the problem of creating one omnipresent, all-powerful party, be it Microsoft, Amazon, or any other....