Ebook DRM bites yet another customer

28 Nov 12 18:42 by Kerry56 in category Online Retailers

It seems that Barnes and Noble have an interesting take on their version of DRM added to their ebooks.  If you buy an ebook from them, you can only download it from them if the credit card you purchased it with is still current.  It doesn’t matter that you paid for the book previously, and downloaded it once already in this case.  No, they have put another barrier in your way.

A reader at The Consumerist named Synimatik is the one with this story:

Yesterday, I tried to download an ebook I paid for, and previously put on my Nook, a few months ago. When I tried, I got an error message stating I could not download the book because the credit card on file had expired. But, I already paid for it. Who cares if the credit card is expired? It has long since been paid for, so the status of the card on file has nothing to do with my ability to download said book. I didn’t see anything in the terms of service about this either, but it’s possible I missed it.

This is just one more reason to either not buy ebooks, or strip the drm off of the ones you purchase so you can you the book you BUY on all your devices without having to purchase multiple copies for no reason and have access to something you already bought when you want it.

You can find the original story at The Consumerist.  And they link to a very helpful story at Lifehacker on how to remove DRM from various types of media files.

10 Comments on Ebook DRM bites yet another customer

cholla
Posts: 5361
Posted on: 28 Nov 12 19:10
I read the article . I don't have any ebooks but from the article I ran across a link to this software which might be the solution. I didn't test it so check it out before downloading & using it.
http://calibre-ebook.com/
Kerry56
Posts: 14416
Posted on: 28 Nov 12 19:17
Yes, that software is mentioned in the Lifehacker article.
TSJnachos117
Posts: 328
Posted on: 29 Nov 12 02:13
Why, why, why? Will this madness ever end? Come on!

I'm not sure DRM strippers are 100% legal, but they absolutely should be! They liberate us from this DRM bs. If I pay for something, I deserve to get what I paid for.

All DRM has ever been meant to do is stop people from pirating, which it always fails to do. So why do we keep it around? More importantly, why do we keep investing money for "better" DRM? IT DOESN'T WORK! Stop punishing your own customers!
ChristineBCW
Posts: 1306
Posted on: 30 Nov 12 00:53
I can't wait to see Touch Screens, Keyboards and Mice have massive volts and amp connectors so DRM can just start killing people, outright.

Oh. And Remote Controls, too. Remotes will now need about 18 car-batteries to function.

Or will they just start selling Lazy-Boys shaped like death-house Ol' Sparky's instead?

"Go ahead - TRY to change that channel! Just try it!"
amacd
Posts: 1
Posted on: 01 Dec 12 18:41
There are many e-books out there that are not compromised by DRM. Calibre lists a whole bunch of them. Mine are all DRM free because I am more afraid of obscurity than I am of piracy.
DukeNukem
Posts: 1606
Posted on: 04 Dec 12 18:27
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSJnachos117 View Post
I'm not sure DRM strippers are 100% legal, but they absolutely should be!
I agree. Strippers should be legal !!
coolcolors
Posts: 6492
Posted on: 05 Dec 12 07:25
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSJnachos117 View Post
I'm not sure DRM strippers are 100% legal, but they absolutely should be! They liberate us from this DRM bs.
Well I seen some DRM stippers and sure enough they work...to my surprise...downloaded DRM infected.... run DRM stippers...and walla....

DRM free.....and the program doesn't even cost that much.....what a total waste of DRM.......
ChristineBCW
Posts: 1306
Posted on: 05 Dec 12 13:31
Sell the virus AND sell the cure. What a racket.
olyteddy
Posts: 6565
Posted on: 05 Dec 12 16:32
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristineBCW View Post
Sell the virus AND sell the cure. What a racket.
Flu shot, anyone?
ChristineBCW
Posts: 1306
Posted on: 05 Dec 12 19:12
Yay!!

It always reminds of Groucho and Chico, at the race track. "How much is it?"

"It's free."

"Oh great!"

"Only a dollar, for printing."

But here's the whole 7 minute skit.
Tell us, what do you think about

Ebook DRM bites yet another customer

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