HarperCollins Puts 26 Loan Cap on Ebook Circulations

[pietrocrazy]

If libraries were some kind of new idea rather than a very old one that far predates modern mass publishing, I really think that they would not be allowed to exist. If they had the power to do it, publishers would restrict physical books in libraries the same way, just as they would either ban the sale of used books or somehow try to make money out of it. But they have no power to do that because people would not accept it. But with ebooks being a relatively new medium, it's easier to get people to accept restrictions. Unfortunately, I think these restrictions are only going to increase both the volume of ebook piracy and its legitimacy.

[RolandD]

Originally Posted by pietrocrazy

Unfortunately, I think these restrictions are only going to increase both the volume of ebook piracy and its legitimacy.

Yes, between this and learning about delivery fees, I'm beginning to see piracy as a form of civil disobedience.

[bgalbrecht]

Not that I want to support HarperCollins in this measure, but it's better than MacMillan and Simon & Schuster, who don't allow any of their ebooks to be loaned out by libraries. I suppose that if this is successful for HarperCollins, the other two may do the same.

[tompe]

Originally Posted by bgalbrecht

Not that I want to support HarperCollins in this measure, but it's better than MacMillan and Simon & Schuster, who don't allow any of their ebooks to be loaned out by libraries. I suppose that if this is successful for HarperCollins, the other two may do the same.

Not allowing it seems to me to be better for the libraries since they will then not get stuck with useless books when the DRM server disappear. They can instead use the money for paper books or DRM free ebooks and have something that will last.

[Joykins]

Originally Posted by LaurieGator

How many Bibles out there fall apart after 26 readings? The publishers would make a KILLING off of Bible Studies if that were the case!

Well, they're probably not reading the whole thing--but many people read something from it every day for decades using the same Bible.

Imagine trying to read the whole Bible in 2 weeks (typical lending period), for that matter.

[spellbanisher]

Originally Posted by Joykins

Well, they're probably not reading the whole thing--but many people read something from it every day for decades using the same Bible.

Imagine trying to read the whole Bible in 2 weeks (typical lending period), for that matter.

The Bibles just something you prop up in your living room to scare spirits away.

[ATDrake]

Originally Posted by spellbanisher

The Bibles just something you prop up in your living room to scare spirits away.

Or you take with you to the doorstep to brandish at and exorcise Sunday morning* missionaries.

* Tip for door-to-door proselytizers: whatever you're selling, doing it after noon will make me think much more kindly of it.

I'm still not buying, but at least I won't curse your line unto the ninth generation for waking me up with your knocking.

[wyndslash]

poor libraries. what did they ever do to you? D: (referring to ebil publishuuurs)

[ATDrake]

I suspect that the people at the publishers who make these decisions don't really read all that much besides their profit sheet reports.

I'd give low odds on any of them having even set foot in their local library branch since coming up with this bright idea and high ones for their being paid enough to be able to afford to buy any of the few books they might actually read outright, and possibly with an employee/industry discount as well.

[spellbanisher]

Originally Posted by wyndslash

poor libraries. what did they ever do to you? D: (referring to ebil publishuuurs)

Ebil? Is that filipino-English? Da Night Bepore Christmas, and all tru da house, not a creature was stirring, not eben da moose.

[wyndslash]

Originally Posted by spellbanisher

Ebil? Is that filipino-English? Da Night Bepore Christmas, and all tru da house, not a creature was stirring, not eben da moose.

LOL no, it just sounds cute. stop harassing me ; -;

[Blue Tyson]

Rupert Murdoch, still full of the suck.

[CleverClothe]

BTW, this is already being discussed here:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=122994

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by LaurieGator

So then I should expect my books at home to fall apart after I have read them 26 times? Really?

I have cookbooks that are 23 years old that have been lovingly used (including getting spilled on regularly) that are still in great shape, and they have been used a lot more than 26 times!

How many Bibles out there fall apart after 26 readings? The publishers would make a KILLING off of Bible Studies if that were the case!

Bibles are usually made a bit more durable than the average hardback, especially the more expensive ones. Better quality acid-free paper, better binding, and real leather covers contribute to their longevity.

[Boston]

As the article points out, if the average lending period is 2 weeks, it would take a year for a book to reach its expiration.

If I want to read a book bad enough to buy it, I wouldn't wait a year. At which point, the book could probably be purchased on the used market for short change anyway.

So rather than gaining sales through this restriction, they are not only hurting the libraries but also losing a venue for their authors to gain new readers.