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Reference documents
Break Kindle's DRM
posted by Rob on January 15, 2011 03:03 PM
I'm just noticing this now, despite the fact it's dated 01/01/2010, because I only just saw a link on lifehacker about it. But here's a semi-complex method for stripping the copy protection and access-control from Kindle books. I'm guessing that very few people could be bothered with something that's still reasonably involved. But if someone packaged up the software nicely and made it a one-click operation then maybe it would catch on. What do you'all think? Is this going to be like the downloading crazes of the early Noughties? Or are the book-reading public a bit too civilised for mass piracy?
Comments: 7
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I think it's fair to say that the book-reading public are already pirate-happy, judging from Saundra Mitchell's recent blog entry: http://saundramitchell.com/blog/?p=4258
Posted by: George Stirling on January 15, 2011 06:48 PM
Rather than striving to defend against unauthorised downloading of books (which is very easy, it seems, if you have access to the book's pdf file), I think publishers wishing to maximise income should think about what extras can they add to an e-book to entice readers to go for the authorised edition. Extras are often the bits left behind with unauthorised DVD copies, so I'm guessing there might be the same issue here? So, what about a comicbook version of the book, a video interview with the author, links throughout the text etc. to commentaries etc. More work (and perhaps expense) for the publisher perhaps. And, of course, most readers don't facilitate such as present...
Posted by: WayneSimmons on January 18, 2011 12:40 PM
I have no objection to book piracy - well, I wouldn't, would I? - because based on my own experience, if I like an ebook, I tend to order a 'permanent' copy: but only the stuff I judge worth keeping. So my message to writers: try to write damned well!
Posted by: Lee on January 19, 2011 11:57 AM
Wayne: but what's to stop pirates copying the additional content as well?
Posted by: George Stirling on January 20, 2011 02:22 PM
George, I don't know the technical side of it but I've never known an unauthorised DVD movie to have the extras included. They normally seem to just have the movie itself. Is that because the providers of such can't be bothered to add the extras or just don't think there's a market for it? Or is it more difficult and more time-consuming to add the extras to an unauthorised copy?
Now, I'll be honest - I don't use unauthorised movies, myself, mostly because I want to support the movies I like (indie horror and genre films). But the quality of an unauthorised movie always seems much poorer than the authorised release, in my experience. Again, is this something that the providers can improve upon? I don't know...
Posted by: WayneSimmons on January 21, 2011 11:44 AM
Are you suggesting this because some of your books only seem to be available in kindle format, thus keeping those of us who have another variety of ebook reader from being able to purchase them legally. I guess I can buy the kindle format, strip the DRM & then convert them to epub, but I'd much rather just buy the epub. I'm thinking in particular of The Strange Affair of Springheeled Jack, which, as far as I can tell, is only available in ebook form from Amazon.
Posted by: Max on January 24, 2011 03:23 AM
Hi Max - converting the backlog of our books is one of my top priorities at the moment! I'll be quick as I can, promise.
Posted by: Em on February 1, 2011 03:50 PM