tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990922102626688253.post2097147563973241073..comments2023-04-15T11:42:35.385-04:00Comments on Go To Hellman: No-Return eBook LendingErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14172740163003223132noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990922102626688253.post-43845455118588462092013-05-24T08:35:16.410-04:002013-05-24T08:35:16.410-04:00Note that "Four Corners" is distributed ...Note that "Four Corners" is distributed with DRM.<br />Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04483241450401134977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990922102626688253.post-50350461494251842752013-05-24T05:08:31.733-04:002013-05-24T05:08:31.733-04:00"lending-rate-limits are responsible for the ..."lending-rate-limits are responsible for the vast majority of library-ebook market segmentation today, and that the return requirement is relatively inconsequential. If that's true, we can eliminate DRM for library ebooks." <br /><br />I'd think publishers are also significantly influenced, in their pricing/term-setting, by perceived risk of unauthorized dissemination, if titles DRM-free. If the non-returnable library ebooks are fully DRM-free, perhaps just watermarked, wouldn't it seem more likely that I'd send copies to friends or post on my book-club or Torrent site, and negatively impact other sales? <br /><br />In theory, these possibilities can be explored via distribution arrangements like the ones you cite (Four Corners, Carina, Medialibrary). That is, if the conditions for rational experimentation are kept relatively open: which happens the more all parties consider their real goals, consider all possible practices open-mindedly, and are willing to do well-designed experiments and act upon the data. <br /><br />Incidentally, there are container deposit-refund systems in use around the world & in 11 U.S. states now, but based on legislation that sets the refund price, which may not have any relation to the materials/processing cost. The goals may be recycling, litter reduction, landfill diversion, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_deposit_legislation<br /><br />--<br />Tim McCormick<br />@tmccormick tjm.org Palo Alto, CA Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13941399617807809378noreply@blogger.com