Quote:
Originally Posted by barryem
Personally I don't think words like "foolish" are useful in friendly discussions. I kind of hate to see them used. We're all different people with different tastes. I think everyone who doesn't like the same books I like, and who reads books I don't like, is foolish. Of course they are. But, except when I just can't resist, I keep that to myself. 
Anyway, I do agree with the point that converting formats is trivial these days. It may or may not be a crime; there's been a lot of debate about that in here and, while I think it probably is a crime technically, it's certainly not a crime in any practical sense; that is there's no way to ever be called to task for it and there are no victims and no-one really cares.
Speeding is a crime. In the days before I retired without a car I typically drove 5 miles over the speed limit in traffic, not because I was in a rush but because not doing so is more dangerous than doing so and is, I think, irresponsible.
Putting DRM on books is certainly no crime and since, according to the TOS, I'm not buying the book but only the right to read it, I can't legally justify removing the DRM. And yet I find it hard to care. I won't confess to always removing the DRM on the books I buy but if I were carefully investigated who knows what might happen.
By the way, I often remove the DRM on books from Amazon and send them right back to Amazon as documents to read on my various devices. Since I'm pretty dependant on Amazon I called them and asked if I can get in trouble with them for doing this, since the DRM was obviously removed. The guy asked around and called back the next day and let me know that no-one he could ask at Amazon could see any problem with it, including some supervisors, and that a couple of them do that themselves.
So yes, it's maybe technically a crime to remove DRM. The bible says "Thou shalt not kill" but I stepped on a spider just the other day. Laws are guidelines to help us have an orderly society. Strict obedience to all laws probably isn't even possible and isn't always desirable. Good, responsible behavior is preferable.
Barry |
I didn't say deDRMing per se is a crime, I said removing the DRM from a library book is, at least as far as I'm concerned.
Please refrain from twisting my words into a different meaning.
I also don't see how you and Harry come to the conclusion I am too stupid to strip a book.