STUDY SHOWS: Ditching DRM could reduce piracy, prices - Page 13

RCcoleinger · 10-13-2011, 07:54 PM

As an eBook author, if someone purchases one of my books and then passes a copy along to her sister or friend, the end result is that my name and work is getting passed around. For most authors, word of mouth promotion is the best form of advertising available. Don't get me wrong, I do not condone piracy or stripping DRM, but the sharing of an eBook that my customer has properly purchased, in the end, only promotes my sales. I suspect if I was Stephen King or such, I might have a different attitude about DRM and piracy.

frahse · 10-13-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catlady

Copyright infringement is still against the law, DRM notwithstanding. Removing DRM, or explicitly allowing the removal of DRM, does not somehow legitimize copyright infringement.

If you don't lock your door, I'm not somehow legally entitled to help myself to the contents of your house.

Right on.

frahse · 10-13-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScalyFreak

Isn't that what I just said?

Not really.

You didn't say the opposite. You didn't say the same.

Somewhere else.

I'm sure you had good intentions though.

frahse · 10-13-2011, 09:02 PM

Truths:

DRM is a tool.
Publishers and sellers and some authors think it helps their inventory control. (It is the equivalent of the traditional marketplace's shrinkage control.)
DRM is unique in that it causes the legitimate customers trouble after the sale.

Some authors (myself, included) just kind of shrug and say, "Well that is the publisher's business. My own problem is finding the time to write. The public can choose to buy or not, and there will be theft of course like there always is, but the publisher and seller say that they are reducing it as much as can be done."
Another thought is "I don't want the trouble of running a store. I don't want to worry about shoplifters, or just plain robbery. I hate to have to act like a policeman. Let someone else do that necessary, but difficult and poorly compensated job."

Other authors sympathize with resentful buyers for one reason or many reasons. Some just seek to ingratiate themselves with their market. Of course the ultimate way to do that is just to give stuff away. Everybody loves freebies.

ScalyFreak · 10-13-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catlady

Copyright infringement is still against the law, DRM notwithstanding. Removing DRM, or explicitly allowing the removal of DRM, does not somehow legitimize copyright infringement.

Wait a second. I can't believe I didn't catch this until now.

Since when is DRM removal automatically copyright infringement? If you've purchased the material and you're not redistributing it, then you're not infringing on anyone's rights. You just removed a feature that you didn't want. DRM removal and copy right infringement are two entirely separate things.

kennyc · 10-13-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScalyFreak

Wait a second. I can't believe I didn't catch this until now.

Since when is DRM removal automatically copyright infringement? If you've purchased the material and you're not redistributing it, then you're not infringing on anyone's rights. You just removed a feature that you didn't want.

Removing DRM is NOT copyright infringement, But some say removing DRM is against the law per the DCMA...at least in the U.S.

ScalyFreak · 10-13-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

Removing DRM is NOT copyright infringmetn, But some say removing DRM is against the law per the DCMA...at least in the U.S.

It's definitely against he license terms agreed to when buying the song or book as well.

kennyc · 10-13-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScalyFreak

It's definitely against he license terms agreed to when buying the song or book as well.

Well, yes, but many claim that is non-binding and unenforceable in any case.

frahse · 10-13-2011, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScalyFreak

Wait a second. I can't believe I didn't catch this until now.

Since when is DRM removal automatically copyright infringement? If you've purchased the material and you're not redistributing it, then you're not infringing on anyone's rights. You just removed a feature that you didn't want. DRM removal and copy right infringement are two entirely separate things.

You are reading something into what she said, that she didn't say.

frahse · 10-13-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

Removing DRM is NOT copyright infringement, But some say removing DRM is against the law per the DCMA...at least in the U.S.

I know a lot of people say a lot of things, some true, some not.

Personally I am not sure in this case what the law says exactly, and even less sure that what I have heard of will stand scrutiny and challenge.

kennyc · 10-13-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frahse

I know a lot of people say a lot of things, some true, some not.

Personally I am not sure in this case what the law says exactly, and even less sure that what I have heard of will stand scrutiny and challenge.

So why are you typing then?

frahse · 10-13-2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

So why are you typing then?

Well I could write more salient thoughts that wouldn't be appreciated,

or I could obfuscate for several paragraphs (or more) and add confusion,

or I can just use that old revered standby.

"Because I can."

ScalyFreak · 10-13-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frahse

You are reading something into what she said, that she didn't say.

And I'm sure she will be happy to correct me if that bothers her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

So why are you typing then?

Hey, we're on the internet here. Having a good point to make is not a prerequisite for posting. Just look at my contributions in this thread.

kennyc · 10-13-2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScalyFreak

Hey, we're on the internet here. Having a good point to make is not a prerequisite for posting. Just look at my contributions in this thread.

Weren't typing to you.

frahse · 10-13-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScalyFreak

Hey, we're on the internet here. Having a good point to make is not a prerequisite for posting. Just look at my contributions in this thread.

Thanks for the thought, ... I guess.

but anyway, I soon sent that rascal packing.

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10-13-2011, 07:54 PM	#181
RCcoleinger Member Posts: 12 Karma: 502012 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Michigan Device: nook	As an eBook author, if someone purchases one of my books and then passes a copy along to her sister or friend, the end result is that my name and work is getting passed around. For most authors, word of mouth promotion is the best form of advertising available. Don't get me wrong, I do not condone piracy or stripping DRM, but the sharing of an eBook that my customer has properly purchased, in the end, only promotes my sales. I suspect if I was Stephen King or such, I might have a different attitude about DRM and piracy.

10-13-2011, 09:02 PM	#184
frahse occasional author Posts: 2,315 Karma: 2064403292 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Wandering God's glorious hills, valleys and plains. Device: A Franklin BI (before Internet) was the first. I still have it.	Truths: DRM is a tool. Publishers and sellers and some authors think it helps their inventory control. (It is the equivalent of the traditional marketplace's shrinkage control.) DRM is unique in that it causes the legitimate customers trouble after the sale. Some authors (myself, included) just kind of shrug and say, "Well that is the publisher's business. My own problem is finding the time to write. The public can choose to buy or not, and there will be theft of course like there always is, but the publisher and seller say that they are reducing it as much as can be done." Another thought is "I don't want the trouble of running a store. I don't want to worry about shoplifters, or just plain robbery. I hate to have to act like a policeman. Let someone else do that necessary, but difficult and poorly compensated job." Other authors sympathize with resentful buyers for one reason or many reasons. Some just seek to ingratiate themselves with their market. Of course the ultimate way to do that is just to give stuff away. Everybody loves freebies.

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