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As I think about this, I believe there is an issue here for Authors to ponder. In times past, with paper books, an author got a publisher, publisher helped get manuscript to printable form, printed, delivered, etc. They would sell this product (paper book) to any bookstore, chances of an author having alienated consumers was very small, don't like big box bookstore, your little corner mom & pop will order you the paper.
Now we are moving into the digital age (this problem will worsen as more people move to ereading). Now, the point up to printing and distribution are about the same, and the authors want to think & work the same. However, publishers are making a rights grab, they never liked used sales, and they see DRM as a way to stop this in the new world. So, they will only sell to others that feel like they do. For instance, Amazon, Apple, Sony, who see DRM as a lock in method for their devices. Now, for the first time, authors see angry consumers. And as we are in the early stages still, fairly knowledgeable consumers. They know the rights the authors had, and are angry they sold them out. Some are taking a stand, and coming through looking really good (as Mr. Carver referenced, Cory Doctrow).
I believe, authors need to start asking themselves if the contracts presented to them are going to alienate readers, and potentially damage their reputation. It is not the publishers name front and center on the cover of the book, it is theirs. They are the one that has the rights, and thus the ability to control their work. And I believe, they deserve the wrath of angry readers as much as the publishers and wholesalers that want the DRM.
--Carl
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