Quote:
Originally Posted by luqmaninbmore
I think that's entirely backwards. Formats are trivially easy to convert back and forth with the numerous free, GUI-tastic tools that are available. It is DRM that is really keeping the EBook market fragmented. These are still the early days of the market and it is imperative that we do our best to ensure that the DRM system that wins out is the most consumer-friendly. So far, that DRM is EReader style DRM which is keyed to a password or credit-card number and not tied to a server that will eventually go dark. Have you ADOBE library books that won't open because of some bug or have you not been able to authorize your computer because of a bug that forces you to run through your entire authorization count? This doesn't happen with EReader. Oh, and I don't need screwey proprietary software to download my EReader books. I just need a web browser.
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While it's true that formats can be easily converted, It misses the point. My point is that a single format forces the industry to compete in the market. They *have* to make the DRM more appealing to the consumer, or they lose the sale to someone else. With a multitude of formats, the DRM is inherently going to vary. You're not going to get a single DRM or even a single type of DRM across a broad spectrum of sold formats or devices. While format conversion is easy, it's an extra step that consumers shouldn't have to take, and adds confusion for novices. (I'm thinking of my parents here)
I absolutely agree with you that server-based DRM is problematic in it's entirety, and I'm not defending ePub as the best format, but it seems to be where the industry is headed so I would gladly support ePub with a DRM that's already established rather than the same format with a different DRM creating yet another branch of explanation on why you have to do it "this way" for one store and "that way" for another store.