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Lately, I wanted to buy an eBook. I usually buy prints, but this time I needed it as soon as possible. Upon searching, every book store told me, I would need t
by cygned 9y ago
Lately, I wanted to buy an eBook. I usually buy prints, but this time I needed it as soon as possible.
Upon searching, every book store told me, I would need to install some Adobe stuff on my computer to read the file. I am neither a fan of Adobe nor of the idea of being locked in to an application to view a book. After realizing that there is no other digital way, I simply bought the printed version and waited the two days it took to ship.
It's a very frustrating situation for someone who just wants to read something.
- 2OEH8eoCRo 9y agoYeah that's how it works I had to do that when I rented an eBook from the library. DRM removal tools are a godsend.
- Veratyr 9y agoThat's actually the best case for DRM, since Adobe's has been cracked for ages. Just buy the book, do whatever Adobe wants, then run DeDRM [0] on it and enjoy your DRM free ePub. [0]: https://apprenticealf.wordpress.com/ https://apprenticealf.wordpress.com/
- gordaco 9y agoI was in the same position a few months ago, and there was no printed version. My solution: pay for the damn book, use the required Adobe product to be able to unlock it, use a tool to create a DRM-free pdf (IIRC it was Calibre), and finally unistalling the Adobe product. I wish I didn't have to give money to DRM sellers, but in this particular choice I had no option. Apparently this makes me a pirate, despite having paid for the product and not having any intention of releasing it.
- asdfpoiuqwer 9y agoDid you consider pirating the e-book? To check the ethical box, I would've just used the pirated e-book version immediately and ordered a hard-copy.
- cygned 9y agoYes, I considered it out of my frustration, but I always try to give back for good work.
- ZoomZoomZoom 9y agoMaybe just send a tip to the authors directly?
- zokier 9y agoReading Kindle books does not require any Adobe stuff. You can just read them on your browser, or via a Kindle app on your PC/device. Sure, it is still DRMd, but at least the UX on the happy path is halfway decent.
- cygned 9y agoMy option would be to buy it on Apple's iBooks. My tech setup is Apple-only, so that would be okay, even though there's DRM. Same story as with Amazon basically. I basically have to choose my golden cage. That's frustrating.