Overdrive CEO describes it's action following Harper Collins changes

[cfrizz]

Originally Posted by pietrocrazy

They may think that's what they want, but in the long run it's a terrible idea. When people can't get what they want the easy way (libraries), they'll content themselves with getting it another way (file sharing). Then they'll complain about how piracy has ruined the industry, when in fact they could have prevented their own ruin if they'd had the foresight to use new technologies appropriately.

Precisely. All publishers are doing is forcing people into finding legitimate and or illegitimate means to get what they want.

I think eventually you will see more and more ereader bookclubs popping up on the web for people to share the books they have bought and sprung from drm to be read within their groups.

[The Old Man]

Originally Posted by cfrizz

I think eventually you will see more and more ereader bookclubs popping up on the web for people to share the books they have bought and sprung from drm to be read within their groups.

Now there's an idea
Also a local club at the local library??? Trade, sell and loan e-books???

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by pietrocrazy

They may think that's what they want, but in the long run it's a terrible idea. When people can't get what they want the easy way (libraries), they'll content themselves with getting it another way (file sharing). Then they'll complain about how piracy has ruined the industry, when in fact they could have prevented their own ruin if they'd had the foresight to use new technologies appropriately.

Have you ever checked out an e-book from a library? It's far from the "easy way" right now given the weeks long waiting list that most libraries have (if they even have e-books). Libraries aren't preventing any piracy.

[pietrocrazy]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

Have you ever checked out an e-book from a library? It's far from the "easy way" right now given the weeks long waiting list that most libraries have (if they even have e-books). Libraries aren't preventing any piracy.

No, I haven't, because I have a Kindle

You are right that it's not easy, but it's certainly easier now than it will be if there are no ebooks at libraries! People are often willing to go out of their way to do something the legal way, but only to a certain extent.

[Catlady]

Oh pooh. Checking out e-books couldn't be much simpler. So a lot of books have waiting lists--so what? Once you get started, the books start flowing in on a pretty regular basis.

[Joykins]

The older books don't usually have a bad waiting list at all.

[silasgreenback]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Oh pooh. Checking out e-books couldn't be much simpler. So a lot of books have waiting lists--so what? Once you get started, the books start flowing in on a pretty regular basis.

My library just began Overdrive lending and I can definitely see what you mean. It's conceivable that someone could be easily kept busy by what's on Overdrive alone.

[aagstn]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Oh pooh. Checking out e-books couldn't be much simpler. So a lot of books have waiting lists--so what? Once you get started, the books start flowing in on a pretty regular basis.

My library has thousands so even if a few have long waits I have found plenty of others available to read in the meantime. I can and have gotten by mostly reading free library books.

[kjk]

Originally Posted by The Old Man

Now there's an idea
Also a local club at the local library??? Trade, sell and loan e-books???

Already available on a national level: http://www.booklending.com/
Would love to see local libraries organize something similar with the community-would really help expand people's access to books of all types.