It takes intent. When it comes to DRM‐free digital copies (similar in spirit even if they’re missing many of the “benefits” described in the article), it took s

It takes intent. When it comes to DRM‐free digital copies (similar in spirit even if they’re missing many of the “benefits” described in the article), it took some practice at first for me to get used to copying books to my ebook reader over USB, periodically updating a USB stick with music for the car stereo, installing video games from GOG instead of Steam. Intellectually, I wanted the independence of DRM‐free media, but it needed a change in habits, and like any habit, the two hardest things are getting it started and keeping it going. But it all comes naturally to me now, and I do enjoy reaping the benefits of having media on all my devices, working when my internet connection is down, clipping and copying and editing all my files with no restrictions. Every now and then I see some new headline—swathes of music pulled from Spotify due to licensing changes, scenes cut from or ads inserted into movies, more strenuous Kindle DRM—and feel happier dealing with my inconveniences rather than those inconveniences. The one part that remains difficult for me is robust backups. I got a big 14TB external on Black Friday at Best Buy, but that won’t do me any good if my house burns down.