Amazon was highest bidder in Hocking auction

[elcreative]

You (and some others) are missing one point... I don't want to turn my computer/tablet/ereader into a Kindle... or a Nook... or a Kobo... or... I just want to read books with a comfortable reading package, I DON'T want to have to install half a dozen manufacturer specific programs to read different books nor have to keep track of which reader (with what ID and PW) is needed to read each book. I and many others just want to D/L a book and read it, something that is not possible at the moment with proprietary DRMs scattered through the retailers (or licensees as they like to call themselves). It's not that we can't do it, we don't want to do it and consider it to be an unnecessary and irritating complication when all we want to do is read a book!

Originally Posted by Nyssa

Move?

It doesn't change the fact that if they have a computer, they have a device that can be turned into a Kindle device, should they choose to do so. (If we want to get a little more technical - if they have a computer with the necessary specifications needed to to support the necessary applications). Of course, for your hypothetical scenario, that all depends on whether or not it is important enough to them, as far as, breaking the law. Since I'm not a huge fan of breaking laws or risking the welfare of my family, I would probably choose an alternate route and no longer wish to read an Amazon exclusive ebook.

[Nyssa]

Originally Posted by elcreative

You (and some others) are missing one point... I don't want to turn my computer/tablet/ereader into a Kindle... or a Nook... or a Kobo... or... I just want to read books with a comfortable reading package, I DON'T want to have to install half a dozen manufacturer specific programs to read different books nor have to keep track of which reader (with what ID and PW) is needed to read each book. I and many others just want to D/L a book and read it, something that is not possible at the moment with proprietary DRMs scattered through the retailers (or licensees as they like to call themselves). It's not that we can't do it, we don't want to do it and consider it to be an unnecessary and irritating complication when all we want to do is read a book!

Once again, cause I've said over and over again - Its all about choice. If you don't want to, then don't. I'm really not sure what the argument is anymore, or why we're having one. There is a whole thread dedicated to which devices use what formats, and don't. For those who are concerned, I would suggest taking a look: Ebook stores and their DRM

I found the device that works best for me. I then learned about tools and applications that made it an even better device, for me. Any of us who is fortunate enough to have access can do the exact same thing, if they choose to do so. If you choose not to do so, then it is up to you to find the device that is best for you! Full stop. Finished.

Oh look, I finished my part of this conversation with my 400th post. How cool.

[mr ploppy]

Originally Posted by Giggleton

And if this hypothetical individual lives somewhere where their government has disallowed the use of any Amazon product? What should this individual do if they wish to read an Amazon exclusive ebook?

The same as what people do with geo- or other tyes of artificial restrictions — read it for free instead.

BTW, I have the same problem with Leisure ebooks — they are only Topaz format on Kindle, which is no use to anyone. The only proper non-scanned versions are all epub and restricted to America only.

[elcreative]

I'm not arguing about choice... any idiot can find out how to strip DRM and sideload books etc. I'm saying I don't want to HAVE to do this to read a book, I just want to read the damn book and if it's in an exclusive format (and I don't care whose exclusive format) then I have to do things I don't want to...

There is a difference between having a choice to do unnecessary things and wanting to do them... most of us don't want to do them, we just want to buy a book and read it without having to choose formats, removing DRMs converting formats etc... we just want to D/L and read the book...

Originally Posted by Nyssa

Once again, cause I've said over and over again - Its all about choice. If you don't want to, then don't. I'm really not sure what the argument is anymore, or why we're having one. There is a whole thread dedicated to which devices use what formats, and don't. For those who are concerned, I would suggest taking a look: Ebook stores and their DRM

I found the device that works best for me. I then learned about tools and applications that made it an even better device, for me. Any of us who is fortunate enough to have access can do the exact same thing, if they choose to do so. If you choose not to do so, then it is up to you to find the device that is best for you! Full stop. Finished.

Oh look, I finished my part of this conversation with my 400th post. How cool.

[JSWolf]

Exclusive eBooks take away choice. Let's say you have a Kindle and your computer had Kindle4PC. You are good to go with eBooks from Amazon. Now you find out about an eBook that you have been waiting for for some time and yet Apple has it. But wait, you don't have a Apple device that runs iBooks. That exclusivity just took away your choice.

People who do not do Kindle eBooks have the same choice taken away from them when Amazon gets exclusive rights.

[Barty]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Not to beat a dead horse, but Amazon exclusives can be read on Kindles, iPads, iPhones, Android Tablets, BlackBerries, Windows Mobile devices, PC's, and Macs (and pretty soon anything with a browser)... did I miss anything?

All those non kindle devices are arguably unsuitable for long term reading (they are for me) compared to eink readers. So the effect of kindle exclusives is to push people into buying kindles, which is the point.

Of course that's their business. Mine is to root against it.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by Barty

Of course that's their business. Mine is to root against it.

Fair enough. I prefer to take advantage of all ebook sellers, myself (except iBooks of course), but I understand perfectly that sometimes... a particular business model just rubs a consumer the wrong way.

[Giggleton]

Originally Posted by mr ploppy

The same as what people do with geo- or other tyes of artificial restrictions — read it for free instead.

So you do agree that all restrictions are artificial then? If not, what restriction is natural in your mind? I mean what possible restriction could your mind come up with as being natural that my mind would not be able to deem artificial? Maybe we need a new poll about this.