Kindle’s DRM Rears Its Ugly Head… And It IS Ugly

[alfreda89]

Turns out Amazon has a bewilderingly complex way of determining how many downloads are allowed on a given book. Some can be downloaded twice....some numerous times, but only to six devices at one time. Some books, when you reach the limit, you can't transfer to a new Iphone or computer or Kindle. Some, you contact Amazon, and they will release the old device and replace it with the new device's code.

And there is currently no way to know what the policy is for the book you just downloaded.

This is not a bug -- it is a fire ant nest. Hope they get cracking on this soon! Obviously they aren't telling Customer Service what to do.

Prt 1: http://preview.tinyurl.com/mhawva

Part 2: http://preview.tinyurl.com/n92vwp

Let me know if the link is wonky -- I apparently disabled Preview in an earlier fit of paranoia about viruses and trojans.

Comments

[lagilman]

Another reason not to buy a Kindle..

I originally supported DRM, and I still think that some kind of file protection makes sense [I'd rather track copies than lock them off] -- but it has to be a logical, realistic protection, with a set and clear protocol for unlocking and usage. Because this? Is insane.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

And they're the gorilla in the living room. Hope they can come up with a standard the publishers can live with --

[incandragon.livejournal.com]

Always best to keep your own backup!

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

If I can just stop misplacing the gig sticks....

[ebeeman.livejournal.com]

Check out Audible.com for DRM done right. You can choose several devices to sync to, and deactivate devices easily without any need for Customer Service intervention. You can redownload your content any time (hear that, iTunes?!!)

Amazon now owns Audible, so I'm hoping that their DRM plan will rub off on their new corporate masters...

---Ellen

[ebeeman.livejournal.com]

The Great Fabozz explains it all...

http://fabozz.livejournal.com/52664.html

Short form: Amazon limits to six devices. =Publishers= can choose to limit it further. Amazon will be updating the system to display just how many devices are allowed.

---Ellen

[6-penny.livejournal.com]

Happy Science Fiction Writers Day. Sends a virtual butler bearing a tray of the vintage and luxury food of your choice (miraculously no-cal)

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I want fruit at the peak of perfection, champagne and a mocha flourless chocolate torte from Chez Zee.

But I'm not picky.....