DRM - Why is it crackable?

[DNSB]

Anyone else remember the mention years back of a project where an ebook could be opened on a computer and screenshots automatically done of each page. The accumulated image files were then feed through OCR and used to create a DRM free version of the ebook.

[Quoth]

There was a demo using Lego Technic to turn the page. It was to make the point that DRM is futile. I think in Austria.

Now there are mechanical page turners, even if BT isn't supported.

Actual pirates also cut off spine and use duplex feeder and scanner for books not available as ebooks.

[ableal]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Another issue is that if the game uses a DRM that requires access to a DRM server, if the server is shut down, the game won't work.

Back in 2008 Microsoft did a solid by shutting down their "PlaysForSure" servers, teaching their buyers of DRMed stuff a lesson

[rantanplan]

Originally Posted by ableal

Back in 2008 Microsoft did a solid by shutting down their "PlaysForSure" servers, teaching their buyers of DRMed stuff a lesson

Wasn't there also a problem with Windows Live games when the service was sunset? I remember that some publishers had to switch to different cloud services for their Steam games with Windows Live integration like the Batman games, GTA4, Dark Souls etc.

[Martinoptic]

And what about .lit ebooks? Server taken offline so can't open books any more. I've learned my lesson.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Martinoptic

And what about .lit ebooks? Server taken offline so can't open books any more. I've learned my lesson.

But the DRM for .lit was broken long before the DRM server was taken down.

[ownedbycats]

Originally Posted by rantanplan

Wasn't there also a problem with Windows Live games when the service was sunset? I remember that some publishers had to switch to different cloud services for their Steam games with Windows Live integration like the Batman games, GTA4, Dark Souls etc.

Fallout 3 was kind of broken for a while because G4WL, thankfully modders fixed it until they finally patched it.

[haertig]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But the DRM for .lit was broken long before the DRM server was taken down.

Which would be fine for the people that know how to remove DRM. However, I imagine the vast majority of eBook purchasers do not know how, so they'd be screwed.

[kacir]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Actual pirates also cut off spine and use duplex feeder and scanner for books not available as ebooks.

You do not have to cut the spine. It just takes a bit longer. Still a very reasonable time.
Do not ask me how I know ;-)

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by haertig

Which would be fine for the people that know how to remove DRM. However, I imagine the vast majority of eBook purchasers do not know how, so they'd be screwed.

Unfortunately, I have to agree.

But in my case, before I bought the Sony Reader PRS-500, I researched eBooks. I found Book Designer and LibPRS500 (what eventually because calibre) was released. Also I found the software to remove the DRM from MobiPocket, eReader, and Microsoft LIT format eBooks. So I bought mostly LIT format and was able to remove the DRM. I was able to use Book Designer to make any changes I wanted.

It wasn't until Sony went ePub and Sigil was eventually released that I could convert to ePub and use Sigil to do any edits.

Things were very different back then. If Apple had not stuck their head up their backside when they decided to sell eBooks, we'd be much better off then we are now with more stores selling eBooks are lower prices.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But in my case, before I bought the Sony Reader PRS-500, I researched eBooks.

I did the same, before I bought my first ebook with DRM (from Amazon) in 2011. I wanted to know if it was possible to make a personal backup, and that led me to Apprentice Alf and Calibre. I didn't want to rely on Amazon (and later, on other stores) to keep my books for me.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I did the same, before I bought my first ebook with DRM (from Amazon) in 2011. I wanted to know if it was possible to make a personal backup, and that led me to Apprentice Alf and Calibre. I didn't want to rely on Amazon (and later, on other stores) to keep my books for me.

As Sony originally did a format called LRF/LFX (LRX is LRF with DRM), I needed to know how to get eBooks outside of the Sony eBook store only my Sony.

[graycyn]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I did the same, before I bought my first ebook with DRM (from Amazon) in 2011. I wanted to know if it was possible to make a personal backup, and that led me to Apprentice Alf and Calibre. I didn't want to rely on Amazon (and later, on other stores) to keep my books for me.

Same. Did not buy any ebooks until I knew, and was able to utilize a way to make a personal backup.

I bought my original Nook WiFi, and figured I'd be reading public domain titles (first book I read on it was an old favorite, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea by Verne), and library ebooks.

In fact, the reason to get the Nook over Kindle was a) library ebook access, and b) price, though the price on Kindle came down shortly. But the library ebook thing was the deal-breaker.

I read a LOT, and the library has saved the day since I got my very first library card back in 3rd grade, and checked out my very first book, Smoky the Cowhorse, by Will James. It was on a Brownie (Girl Scouts) field trip. I can still remember asking if I could get a library card and filling out the paperwork (Mom was there to help.) at the library main desk, and then happily going and selecting a book. A nice big thick one, LOL! So, so happy that day!

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by graycyn

I bought my original Nook WiFi, and figured I'd be reading public domain titles (first book I read on it was an old favorite, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea by Verne), and library ebooks.

I bet you didn't realize that you've were reading an abridged copy of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The unabridged version is available from BAEN for $3.99.

This special edition of Jules Verne's classic novel corrects more than 3000 errors in the original 1872 English translation and replaces the 23% of text that had been expurgated by the original translator for political, ideological and other reasons.

https://www.baen.com/20-000-leagues-under-the-sea.html

[graycyn]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I bet you didn't realize that you've were reading an abridged copy of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The unabridged version is available from BAEN for $3.99.


https://www.baen.com/20-000-leagues-under-the-sea.html

I have no idea. Very likely it was abridged. Good to know where I can find an unabridged version.