Create ePUb with timebomb

joshlindem · 08-29-2023, 01:29 AM

I have a faculty member that would like to pre-release some materials to an upcoming course. The information will eventually be published, but for now they would like to release the current info for his class.

I was wondering if we could create an epub with an expiration date attached to it? So it would be usable between September - December and then stop working after that.

Can Calibre do that?

Quoth · 08-29-2023, 05:01 AM

No.
You need DRM of some kind, and maybe an authorisation server. See how Adobe ACSM/ADE, Borrowbox, Overdrive, Kindle Unlimited and Libby work.

It's a stupid idea too, on several levels. What does the class do if this is implemented somehow and the material expires, but they can't get the new release?

Also DRM limits reading to the authorised device and also limits devices or apps that can be used to ones that support the DRM.

theducks · 08-29-2023, 01:39 PM

And it limits the ability to Validate this is a safe file to use (what other evil lurks?).

JSWolf · 08-29-2023, 06:44 PM

Adding DRM is going to limit how the students can read this eBook.

If I was a student and the teacher handed out an eBook with DRM, I would not read it until the teacher handed out a copy without DRM.

theducks · 08-29-2023, 07:55 PM

DRM also requires you to own the device it is registered to.
Some folk us Apples. Some use Android+app. Some use Kindles.

But these car tires don't fit my tricycle. Sorry, buy a better vehicle.
Proprietary is a very EVIL

word

slm · 08-30-2023, 09:50 AM

In theory, you could probably produce an epub3 with a javascript "intro" that would white-out all the text if it runs after some date.

It would only work on reading software that supports running the javascript, however.

08-29-2023, 01:29 AM	#1
joshlindem Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2023 Device: ePub formats	Create ePUb with timebomb I have a faculty member that would like to pre-release some materials to an upcoming course. The information will eventually be published, but for now they would like to release the current info for his class. I was wondering if we could create an epub with an expiration date attached to it? So it would be usable between September - December and then stop working after that. Can Calibre do that?

08-29-2023, 05:01 AM	#2
Quoth the rook, bossing Never. Posts: 11,228 Karma: 85874891 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper11	No. You need DRM of some kind, and maybe an authorisation server. See how Adobe ACSM/ADE, Borrowbox, Overdrive, Kindle Unlimited and Libby work. It's a stupid idea too, on several levels. What does the class do if this is implemented somehow and the material expires, but they can't get the new release? Also DRM limits reading to the authorised device and also limits devices or apps that can be used to ones that support the DRM. Last edited by Quoth; 08-29-2023 at 05:05 AM.

08-29-2023, 06:44 PM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 74,249 Karma: 129333566 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Adding DRM is going to limit how the students can read this eBook. If I was a student and the teacher handed out an eBook with DRM, I would not read it until the teacher handed out a copy without DRM. Last edited by JSWolf; 08-29-2023 at 06:46 PM.

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08-29-2023, 01:39 PM	#3
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 29,845 Karma: 54837878 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	And it limits the ability to Validate this is a safe file to use (what other evil lurks?).

08-29-2023, 07:55 PM	#5
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 29,845 Karma: 54837878 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	DRM also requires you to own the device it is registered to. Some folk us Apples. Some use Android+app. Some use Kindles. But these car tires don't fit my tricycle. Sorry, buy a better vehicle. Proprietary is a very EVIL word

08-30-2023, 09:50 AM	#6
slm Fool Posts: 377 Karma: 3557934 Join Date: Feb 2003 Device: Kindle Voyage, Kindle PW1, Kobo Glo HD, Nook Glowlight Plus ...	In theory, you could probably produce an epub3 with a javascript "intro" that would white-out all the text if it runs after some date. It would only work on reading software that supports running the javascript, however.