[thename]

Originally Posted by BearMountainBooks

Actually I am not suggesting violating anything--I think the "personal use" part does allow for a backup copy and also converting it FOR PERSONAL USE. The kindle lines about using it on that device only has to also accommodate the Kindle for PC and other like devices.

I think you're missing the "solely" part of

solely on the Device or as authorized by Amazon as part of the Service and solely for your personal, non-commercial use.

I find it hard to construct any reading of this sentence that allows storing/reading the file on any device Amazon has not explicitly authorized e.g., a Linux box/Sony Reader/nook/etc.

Originally Posted by BearMountainBooks

Believe me, I'm not trying to violate any copyrights and I do want to protect my intellectual property. I want my work to be accessible and affordable and would love it if books I buy were the same.

I didn't mean to suggest you are. I was trying to point out that your views are rendered moot (re: backing up the DRM-free file shouldn't be a violation of your copyright) by the license agreement Amazon has pushed.

We all want accessible, reasonably priced works that don't restrict our own rights while respecting the rights of the author. We've seen the music business end up in this boat after years of ridiculous litigation and back-biting (can you imagine how nice it would have been if we could've been buying $.99 DRM-free tracks from our dorm rooms in the late-90's; the DMCA would never have gotten off the ground): they offer a reasonably priced product that the public can use and the vast majority of people pay for their music.

I think Coker has the right idea as does Doctorow. Widespread piracy is a byproduct of a broken system. It will never be completely eradicated but I can't imagine the copying of books won't always be done by some fringe group or other.