Quote:
Originally Posted by Sweetpea
Some interresting facts:
* you are only allowed to create a few copies (it's not specified how many a few is)
* you are only allowed to use those copies yourself, for practice, study or personal use
* you are allowed to tell others to make the copy (except for music)
* you don't have to be the legal owner of the material
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Did you maybe miss one point: You are not allowed to profit off a copy?
Using phrases like "a few" illustrates that these laws are not considered "hard and fast" laws, but are basically guidelines designed to allow the law to selectively punish people who are seen to be abusing the system, while allowing others violating the same rules to get off. It's the kind of law you create when you know that you can't possibly punish everyone, but you want to be able to at least punish particular abusers using the legal system, with the idea of discouraging others from being abusers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I take your point, but I really do wonder how many people actually care about such things. I strongly suspect that the overwhelming majority really don't give two hoots about it - they just want to be able to conveniently buy a book and read it. We, on this board, certainly aren't representative of the "typical" eBook reader!
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I agree. DRM is essentially used as a security device in electronic sales. Customers put up with all manner of security (in America, these usually include hidden cameras, metal detectors, anti-theft packaging and undercover cops), and often pay those security steps no mind, if it is convenient to getting their product. The trick is always to find the balance between convenience and annoying, and stay on the convenient end of the spectrum.
The Kindle strikes that balance. And yes, so does iTunes: DRM on music was acceptable, thanks to the convenience created by other features of the store, and as the market changes, removing DRM and depending on other security devices (like your registration) keeps things convenient.