Are Fair Use Rights coming to an end?

[Steven Lake]

You're welcome. I'm a strong believer in user rights, and fair use. Sadly, I'm also in the minority of writers. That's why readers of all slices need to support authors that support fair use and DRM free products. It's the reader/user/customer that make us who we are, and not ourselves. Without others, we are nothing. Too bad there's a lot of people blind to that fact.

[ApK]

(Hmm...noticing coat tails to ride on, following a rousing and motivating Anti-DRM statement...)

My primer is DRM-free, too.

(OK, opportunistic, but c'mon, I mention it so infrequently....)

[rkomar]

In graduate level, or even 4th year level courses, the contents might change occasionally, but the contents of textbooks for first year courses haven't changed in about 50 years. Putting out new editions of "First Year Physics" and whatnot every year is a money grab, pure and simple. The schools do get kickbacks, which is why the system continues to exist. The whole works is designed to fleece the students as much as possible, which really pisses me off from the point of view of an ex-academic. Money-grubbing publishers and school administrators have poisoned the well, and the academics are powerless to change policy. Bah!

It's best not to mix textbooks into the general discussion of Fair Use, since fairness towards students went out when schools became businesses.

[emellaich]

The schools don't always get kickbacks. My son ismattending a major US university that doesn't even have it's own bookstore.

And I'm not aware of any instructor who gets kickbacks unless it is their own text they are using. As someone who has been an instructor, let me tell you that we don't like those new annual editions either. We prepare our courses using a text, When the text changes we have to go back and reset up the course. There are times I would like to keep the old edition, but I am told that there is no guarantee that all students will be able to get the old text -- there may not be enough used copies available.

The publishers have all kinds of "interesting" schemes out there that makes the game difficult. The problem as an instructor is that you can't please everyone. Some students are aggressive price shoppers, while others want whatever is convient. things will be better for different folks. Unless you want to become a personal shopper for every student who can't work the system, you must make a choice that is compatible for the laziest students spending mom/dads money-- the local bookstore. Here are some of the choices you have as an instructor today.

1. Specify the traditional text, say for $140. Students may be able to find it used, at Amazon, or at half.com for a substantial discount. Also, many books are available in an international edition -- this is the exact same book for a non-US market for substantial discounts ($30 selling price).
2. specify a custom text. You pick and choose the content from the official text. This let's you leave out chapters you don't need. Also, since it's your custom edition you don't have to upgrade every two years when new editions arise. It will sell new for about eighty percent of the original -- say $112. On the other hand it will not be available from alternative sources, such as Amazon. Also, the resell market is limited since the book will only he used in your class. This means students can only sell it back locally, and local bookstores will be stingy with buybacks since the book has no value outside of your market. And anytime you do change texts it will be tough on previous students since there will be no resale market.
3. use an electronic (PDF) book for abou half price -- $60+. This means the book cannot be sold back used. It also means the book expires after six months to a year so that students can't keep access to the book.
4. Another publisher offers their version of the same book (ie, intro to physics) for much cheaper - $45; but, of course there are problems here. These cheap books are designed to be replaced literally every calendar year, which brings several issues. The instructors must re-develop the course every year to synch the course and the text. Furthermore, there is virtually no resell market

Originally Posted by rkomar

In graduate level, or even 4th year level courses, the contents might change occasionally, but the contents of textbooks for first year courses haven't changed in about 50 years. Putting out new editions of "First Year Physics" and whatnot every year is a money grab, pure and simple. The schools do get kickbacks, which is why the system continues to exist. The whole works is designed to fleece the students as much as possible, which really pisses me off from the point of view of an ex-academic. Money-grubbing publishers and school administrators have poisoned the well, and the academics are powerless to change policy. Bah!

It's best not to mix textbooks into the general discussion of Fair Use, since fairness towards students went out when schools became businesses.

[lestatar]

^ So sad but indeed, probably so true.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

For a discontinued blog, it has amazingly recent posts, comments and updates.
Alf retired... the blog didn't. The OP's quote was posted just yesterday.

'xactly.

[frahse]

interesting

[EowynCarter]

I totally missed that topic back then.

What now ? The tools where updated and amazon didn't messed up anymore ?

[pietvo]

Originally Posted by cfrizz

Please give a list of readers that can read both forms of drm. These will go to the top of my list for a purchase of a new ereader when it comes time to get one.

The Onyx Boox/Bebook Neo support Nook books.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by ApK

2. Reminder that the Library of Congress DCMA rule-making cycle begins in October, and they will give opportunity for the public to comment on what exemptions the Librarian should create. Make sure you let it be known that we want protection for this sort of space- and format- shifting.

ApK

It's October, folks!
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=152450
Help protect your rights!