[Maggie Leung]

Worldwalker, I actually decided to buy my first e-reader because of Gutenberg books. I used to read them on netbook, but it was a pain and I wanted better form factor because I prefer to read sprawled in an easy chair or such. My reading leans heavily toward classics, news and nonfiction, so I got an iPad as well. I got an iPad so I could read books from a variety of companies.

I never expect any business to have my interests at heart. Their goal is profit, and serving me is only a means. I don't begrudge companies profits as long as they operate legally. As long as what they're selling works for me, I'll buy. And I buy without brand loyalty. If a better product emerges, I'm willing to switch.

As for consuming and DRM, I look out for myself. I bought Kindle books with lots of restraint, spending little till I could read them without being tethered to an Amazon device. (My first 250 books or so were freebie classics.) I buy all my music in CD form, not from Apple or Amazon. I see no advantage in relying on either. If Audible (now owned by Amazon) didn't allow as much freedom with its audio books, I wouldn't buy 'em either.