Quote:
Originally Posted by koland
Aren't the indie bookstore networks in bed with Kobo?
Their reader doesn't even let you get to the epub when downloaded, it keeps in locked up in a fragile database (just like christianbook.com now does for any "free" books you purchase, forcing you to only use their proprietary app to read them).
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As with B&N and Google, you need to download epub from your account page with a web browser. This file is at least portable between apps and devices that you have authorized with an Adobe ID (B&N flavor of Adobe DRM doesn't require AdobeID). Some vendors do not offer this option, however (Apple for example).
When delivered directly to the device or app (and either stored in a hidden partition or in some database or with some proprietary encryption), there is no transaction fee paid to apply Adobe DRM. So that is incentive for vendors to effectively 'roll their own' DRM.
I don't see the suit getting any traction, nor is it likely to advance the DRM-free 'movement'. I am hopeful we'll see more movement to DRM-free anyway.
I don't think the Kobo partnership is a great solution for indies or their customers (I'm not sure there is one), but at least that is something to try out. And I assume the indies involved in the suit are not participating.