NST - Remove spying but keep Read-in-Store?

[erk]

Has anyone successfully modified the NST/NSTG to defang the spyware (aka Nook analytics) while still allowing it to be used in-store.
(Reporting click-by-click behavior in-store is acceptable and considered part of the price for reading in-store titles; although I'd like to block library reporting)

What i've found so far in searching:
A. NST "Rooting" which changes some of the system software on flash - this apparently prevents in-store capability. Using the original reader maintains click-by-click spyware. Syncing with the server for titles still would report library contents.

B. The ability to modify the entire NST file system

C. The ability to attach to the NST with 'adb'


I am looking for:
#1. A bootable microSD image that supports a separate reader and sideloaded titles, that when removed allows booting of unmodified Nook software.

#2. Modifications to the Nook filesystem that would remove the spying capability.

#3. A mechanism to install and run a different reader app without changing enough of the system software to prevent RIS from working. App would need to use a distinct directory to store titles to disable library reporting. (Theoretically I could install with adb, but I wouldn't want to have to run the app with adb every time)

Are any of these three options practical?

[Calenorn]

So why not just turn the wifi off?

[erk]

Originally Posted by Calenorn

So why not just turn the wifi off?

To use "Read In Store" requires Wifi.

At that point the historical record of everything done on the device is transmitted to the servers.
This transmission is done at the same time as fetching the list of purchased titles, so it is impractical to block the server. It is done as part of a HTTPS secured session; and is further obfuscated.

Recap of network based "solutions":
1. Never connect to a network, ever. Factory-reset before selling, so the historical data is cleared. Downside is lacking Read In Store and purchased content -- which is true of rooting+other reader.

2. Leave WIFI turned off except in store, and clear historical data. I haven't found where on the file system the reading data is stored.

3. Block/Proxy the connection that sends activity and library records -- This requires (3a) adding a new certificate to the Android stack (3b) intercepting the HTTPS session and (3c) decrypting the additional layers on top of that - very impractical.

[Anthem]

I think the easiest answer would be to not have a Nook. It clearly isn't the device that you want.

[erk]

Originally Posted by Anthem

I think the easiest answer would be to not have a Nook. It clearly isn't the device that you want.

Unfortunately, I think your answer was truncated.

Are there other readers that support an equivalent to the Nook read-in-store capability? Kindle's library seemed much more restrictive and less suitable for browsing. Other 'subscription' services both cost more than the Nook, and appear to have similar restrictions.

Taking your answer a different way, using the Nook just for Read-in-Store, and using another ereader seems a valid approach; and may be the simplest one; it feels wasteful to me though.

[Anthem]

Are you basically wanting access to all Nook books without having to pay for any of them (by being present in a store) but being able to do it without any history of the activity or BN knowing that you are doing it?

I'm not 100% clear what your end goal is.

[erk]

Originally Posted by Anthem

Are you basically wanting access to all Nook books without having to pay for any of them (by being present in a store) but being able to do it without any history of the activity or BN knowing that you are doing it?

Not quite.

I want to access Nook books in store (free!) in exchange for B&N knowing what I am doing with those books in-store.

I do not want to send B&N the other information the Nook would collect OUTSIDE the store, such as:
- Every reading action, such as time per page
- Titles and chapter information from sideloaded epubs/sdcard libraries
- Wireless networks it's connected to

I haven't seen, yet, where Nook stores this on the NST - otherwise, I could either delete it, or stub the file so it can't be used.

[Calenorn]

Originally Posted by erk

Not quite.

I want to access Nook books in store (free!) in exchange for B&N knowing what I am doing with those books in-store.

I do not want to send B&N the other information the Nook would collect OUTSIDE the store, such as:
- Every reading action, such as time per page
- Titles and chapter information from sideloaded epubs/sdcard libraries
- Wireless networks it's connected to

I haven't seen, yet, where Nook stores this on the NST - otherwise, I could either delete it, or stub the file so it can't be used.

Why not pick up a used NST for about $40 and only use it during your in-store visits?

[Anthem]

Originally Posted by erk

Not quite.

I want to access Nook books in store (free!) in exchange for B&N knowing what I am doing with those books in-store.

I do not want to send B&N the other information the Nook would collect OUTSIDE the store, such as:
- Every reading action, such as time per page
- Titles and chapter information from sideloaded epubs/sdcard libraries
- Wireless networks it's connected to

I haven't seen, yet, where Nook stores this on the NST - otherwise, I could either delete it, or stub the file so it can't be used.

Ah, I see. Yes, that is part of the problem for the privacy conscious when purchasing a device by a company such as BN. Companies love their data collecting.

Unfortunately, the Nook is just not a good product for the paranoid or the incredibly privacy conscious. Not many electronics are, sadly.

Purchasing a device that was not designed to be particularly privacy oriented is obviously a problem. Essentially, you need to turn it into something that it isn't. Too bad you can't get your hands on one of those Navy spec. e-readers. Those puppies are super private.

Originally Posted by Calenorn

Why not pick up a used NST for about $40 and only use it during your in-store visits?

I like this solution. The two devices can be used for the two specific purposes which one device is more or less incompatible with (doing both).

[dixieknits]

I'm not quite understanding why anyone one would care if BN knows what they are reading. What's the big deal? They already have our Credit Card info and email address.
Edited to add, I"ve had most every Nook there was and LOVE them all. I still use the original Nook 1st generation for reading outside.