How can we convince Amazon to sell ePub format?

[tomsem]

I think there is some confusion about Adobe DRM and its implications.

Every version of Adobe Reader Mobile SDK since the Nook shipped last year is able to understand both the 'classic' and the newer 'B&N' flavor of Adobe DRM. The RMSDK is the Adobe software that is needed on the reader to enforce DRM restrictions.

On the server side, ebook storefronts license Adobe Content Server. That is the part that adds DRM to the ePub (or PDF) file being delivered to the customer. It us up to the licensee whether they want to use 'classic' or 'B&N' flavor for the books they sell; the server will serve either type.

To the extent that there is fragmentation in the Adobe DRM world, it is because the reader software has not been updated by all vendors (notably Sony and I think Kobo). But it is not the case that no vendors support the B&N 'flavor' for protecting ePub. For example, Bluefire reader for iOS will read books from B&N. Quite likely many dedicated readers that have shipped in the last year can read ePub purchased from B&N as well, but they are probably not inclined to widely advertise this fact, as most have their own storefronts to promote, and may not think it necessary to mention it.

Eventually, even Sony will find need to update the reader software to take advantage of new features provided by future versions of the RMSDK, and the fragmentation will end. I would not be surprised if Sony has some leverage to negotiate with Adobe to deliver bug fixes based on the earlier, pre-B&N version - but Adobe would probably limit it to bug fixes, not deliver new features, since doing the latter would detract from their 'no fragmentation' story, without which they have no story.

As to what Amazon will or will not do with respect to ePub, and specifically Adobe DRMed ePub, only they know. I don't know what licensing terms are for the RMSDK or the ACS, and how much money would be involved if Amazon decided to support it, but presumably it is non-zero, and a reason why Amazon (especially, given its reputation for frugality) would not want to do it. Amazon does license at least a portion of the RMSDK (for Kindle's PDF viewer), but the people who know about that can't or won't tell us.

As others note, they are doing quite well without such support at the moment, and unless they were also prepared to sell ePub with Adobe DRM, there is no point in adding this feature to Kindle. Selling ePub would require buy-in from publishers, some of whom have proved less than friendly with Amazon. So I for one will not be holding my breath.

I like my Kindle very much, but doubt I'll buy another dedicated reader for at least a year (if ever), by which time I'll have a whole other set of opinions and options I am sure. I've been doing a lot of reading on my iPod Touch (especially for library books), so Amazon is not getting much of my book money of late. Still, I hope they continue to do what it takes to remain at or near the forefront of things - I don't see them resting on their laurels, with Google shaking things up. It will be fun to watch.

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An excerpt from this Adobe FAQ follows below:

Q: Will there now be two different content protection solutions for EPUB content?

A: Definitely not. A major reason we joined forces was to avoid fragmentation of multiple content protection technologies for EPUB. Content Server will simply have two options for protecting EPUB content: identity-based authorization and ID and password-based authorization. The DRM infrastructure—both in the Reader Mobile SDK and in Content Server—is the same, and the changes for Content Server and enhanced RMSDK customers to enable the password-protected option will be minor. From an end-user perspective, some content may now require a password the first time it is accessed on each device.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by KenJackson

The only way I can make sense out of that sentence is if you are suggesting I do this:

• Buy the book with the intent (in Amazon's eyes) of reading on my PC,
• Use the swindle script to scrape the DRM off,
• Use calibre to convert it to epub, and
• Copy it to my reader

If that will work, then thank you. I had not realized this was possible.

Will Amazon sell a DRM-corrupted book for reading without a Kindle?
Is swindle reliable enough to depend on it in this scheme?

Since Amazon offers free sample chapters, you should be able to test the process without buying the e-book. Also, Amazon's return policy apparently allows you to return an e-book within a specified period, so you'd get your money back if you can't convert the book.

[daffy4u]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Since Amazon offers free sample chapters, you should be able to test the process without buying the e-book. Also, Amazon's return policy apparently allows you to return an e-book within a specified period, so you'd get your money back if you can't convert the book.

Amazon samples are DRM free.

who cares if amazon doesn't sell epub? just go buy the exact same book at another place what does have it in epub. i don't see any point in trying to convince amazon to seel something they don't want. let them..

[KenJackson]

Thank you, tomsen, for that informative post. You sound like you have insider information. One minor point, however:

Originally Posted by tomsem

As others note, they are doing quite well without such support at the moment, and unless they were also prepared to sell ePub with Adobe DRM, there is no point in adding this feature to Kindle.

The Kindle doesn't need DRM ePub. Amazon doesn't need to sell ePub for the Kindle. The reason they need to sell ePub is to satisfy their customers who don't have and don't want a Kindle, like me.

[KenJackson]

Originally Posted by Franky

who cares if amazon doesn't sell epub? ...

I care.
Except for their pig-headed stubbornness on this ePub issue, I like Amazon.
Their search engine seems to do a better job at finding what I'm after than others.
I like their system of customer reviews.
I like (but also dislike) them keeping track of what I like so they can present good options.

[K-Thom]

Originally Posted by KenJackson

The reason they need to sell ePub is to satisfy their customers who don't have and don't want a Kindle, like me.

Truer words were seldomly spoken. Buy a Kindle and don't fuss about ePub. That's all there ist to it.

[Starearedkid]

I have a Nook, and all of my books are in DRM'd epub--and would love to get a kindle 3, except that none of my books would be compatible with it.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by rcuadro

My library has ebooks in mobi as well as epub...

Same with some of my libraries. The downside is that they're not supported by the Kindle, Nook, Sony, or any other ereader I know of; and they also makeup just a minority of the available ebooks.

It's a format I won't use, because I won't read books on my computer.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by screwballl

but for areas where it IS available AND you visit the library a lot, then I can see it lending more weight to purchase decisions.

I have access (if I choose) to over a dozen different library systems with ebook collections and haven't set foot in a library in over 10 years. I strictly use them for their online services.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

In almost every case (the Philly library apparently being the exception) you have to step inside the library to apply for a library card. My library also charges a $65 fee if you reside outside the county.

That takes just a few minutes. After that, it's adios brick & mortar library.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Jellby

Exactly. You have a Kindle reader app for the systems that support installing apps (PCs, smartphones, whatever), but when the reading app is built-in with the firmware, the Mobipocket contract prevents other vendors to include other DRM mechanisms with the Mobipocket one. Bookeen has to provide two different firmwares: one with Mobipocket DRM, one with Adobe DRM, because Mobipocket (i.e., Amazon) won't let them bundle both in a single firmware.

Well, that sucks. Guess they wanna go the way of the dinosaurs.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Starearedkid

I have a Nook, and all of my books are in DRM'd epub--and would love to get a kindle 3, except that none of my books would be compatible with it.

Outside of library books, it doesn't matter to me which format I use (ePub or Kindle) since PD books can be had in both formats.

[vaughnmr]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Same with some of my libraries. The downside is that they're not supported by the Kindle, Nook, Sony, or any other ereader I know of; and they also makeup just a minority of the available ebooks.

It's a format I won't use, because I won't read books on my computer.

The Kindle reads mobi format books.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by vaughnmr

The Kindle reads mobi format books.

Not mobi library books.