Google's Ebook Store To Use Failed DRM Strategy
from the really,-Google? dept
I've already expressed my concerns with the legal issues surrounding Google's book scanning settlement with various publishers and authors, but the news keeps getting worse. One of the few "good things" that many people pointed to in the settlement was that it would create something of a new "Ebook store" where you could purchase the digital versions of books. Except... not so much. Michael Scott points us to the news that you won't actually be able to purchase the books from that "bookstore." Instead, you'll only get to download a little bit at a time. You never get the full book at once, but bits and pieces -- while the rest remains on Google's servers. Thus... should Google ever change the program, you would lose access to what you had "bought." And, this isn't just an academic suggestion. Just three years ago, when Google launched its video hosting service, it included a similar DRM, which it ended up discontinuing. So, the legal details are troubling, and the technical details are troubling. What's actually good about Google's book agreement again?Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Name a DRM...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Angry Dude?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Angry Dude?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Angry Dude?
http://www.phistophicles.com/
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Seems true ...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Seems true ...
This is a conversation. I link to the source materials, so you are free to go read through all the details you like -- and then I state my opinion. If you think I got something wrong, I'd appreciate you telling me. But no one is saying that you have to believe my opinion. If you disagree with me, I expect you to say so. That's how the conversation works.
I can't respond to accusations claiming I twist stuff around when you don't provide an example.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Seems true ...
You seem to say that alot. Are you capable of saying anything else?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Mike twists things around
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Mike twists things around
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Google DRM
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Google DRM
They keep making lots of decisions these days that do not represent the public's interest.
They are starting to fall in line with Microsoft in bending over and taking it in the rear from the copyright folks.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
expect?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Print is always better
I like having the book on a shelf, it's there when I need it. I can correct errors and make notes in it and if I do not need it anymore, I can sell it.
The whole electronic book thing seems a bit like a product in search of a market - and here's the scary part, when the market does not magically appear they will try to shove it down your throat.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Print is always better
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Need a New Motto
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Who needs google books
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]