Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaggy
That's your opinion, mine is different. DRM restricts things that should be fair use and first sale rights, like lending to family, which hardback books allow. Therefore, to me, a DRM'd eBook has less value because it artificially restricts my rights.
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I think there a big difference between the perceived impact of DRM versus the actual impact. I hate the concept of DRM, but the truth is when the iTunes Music Store opened in the UK, I stopped buying CDs.
I currently use a Sony reader with ePubs, and I can register enough of the things to share books with my immediate family. I can't easily pass an eBook onto my mother-in-law, which is a shame, but I'd buy her the paperback if I really wanted to. That only applies to a few books I read though - my other extended family members don't really share my tastes. Beyond that I'd normally just recommend a book.
The big issue I would have found when I was younger is not being able to sell my old books. That is a big issue for some people. These days I cart arm loads of books I really want to keep to charity shops because I am out of shelf space. eBooks help me here, and to me DRM is a price worth paying.
I'd love to see a social DRM model. Get "from the library of amjb" indelibly stamped across all my eBooks. If you find the odd copy turn up with on a friend or colleagues reader, forgive me. If you find it on a bit torrent site, cart me away shackled in irons. I really believe that should be the answer, but I suspect authors and publishers may need convincing.
imho
amjb