While some books are static, others (such as reference works and tutorial books) are dynamic in that they need to be refreshed every year or even more often. In the latter case, publishers should think outside the "e-book box" and offer their content as a service.
Taking a cue from the streaming model, publishers can offer continually refreshed books accessible through a browser and charge a subscription, or use an iPhone app as a browser and deliver the app through the App Store (as I have with my "book" Tony's Tips for iPhone Users, which is more like a service). With this model, copy protection is no longer an issue, especially with a $2.99 iPhone app. Just because you can distribute a PDF doesn't mean that's the only way to distribute the content.
With its monopoly on operating systems, Microsoft can't afford the bad publicity of opening a can of worms with the Justice Department over whether or not the company is using patent laws to maintain or expand that monopoly -- which would likely violate antitrust laws. Besides, Microsoft does not want these patents studied, disputed, or worked-around. It is likely that of the 235 patents, half are vague enough to be disputed. U.S. patent laws allow for time to rectify errors or transgressions (assuming they weren't knowingly committed), and the Open Source community would probably jump on the opportunity to devise work-arounds for the rest of so-called infringements. That would leave Microsoft with a dwindling supply of patent infringements to claim. Microsoft would rather keep the Open Source community muttering underneath its breath, and reveal nothing.
Turn your cell phone off in Bronx, Brooklyn's iPods out of sight
Crazy taxi cab in Harlem, iPod Zombies are in fright
Peds love iPods they're so proud, but the volume is too loud!
Car 54 where are you?
(With apologies, based on the theme from the "Car 54 Where Are You?" TV show, 1961-63)
I don't mean to make light of a bad situation (pedestrians getting killed while crossing the streets of New York City), but the reaction of lawmakers can border on the ridiculous.
Stupidity should not be rewarded with laws that inhibit our personal liberties. Lawmakers and the police have better things to do with their time and our tax dollars.
Try a different distribution model
While some books are static, others (such as reference works and tutorial books) are dynamic in that they need to be refreshed every year or even more often. In the latter case, publishers should think outside the "e-book box" and offer their content as a service.
Taking a cue from the streaming model, publishers can offer continually refreshed books accessible through a browser and charge a subscription, or use an iPhone app as a browser and deliver the app through the App Store (as I have with my "book" Tony's Tips for iPhone Users, which is more like a service). With this model, copy protection is no longer an issue, especially with a $2.99 iPhone app. Just because you can distribute a PDF doesn't mean that's the only way to distribute the content.
Nothing is revealed
With its monopoly on operating systems, Microsoft can't afford the bad publicity of opening a can of worms with the Justice Department over whether or not the company is using patent laws to maintain or expand that monopoly -- which would likely violate antitrust laws. Besides, Microsoft does not want these patents studied, disputed, or worked-around. It is likely that of the 235 patents, half are vague enough to be disputed. U.S. patent laws allow for time to rectify errors or transgressions (assuming they weren't knowingly committed), and the Open Source community would probably jump on the opportunity to devise work-arounds for the rest of so-called infringements. That would leave Microsoft with a dwindling supply of patent infringements to claim. Microsoft would rather keep the Open Source community muttering underneath its breath, and reveal nothing.
Turn your cell phone off in Bronx...
Turn your cell phone off in Bronx, Brooklyn's iPods out of sight
Crazy taxi cab in Harlem, iPod Zombies are in fright
Peds love iPods they're so proud, but the volume is too loud!
Car 54 where are you?
(With apologies, based on the theme from the "Car 54 Where Are You?" TV show, 1961-63)
I don't mean to make light of a bad situation (pedestrians getting killed while crossing the streets of New York City), but the reaction of lawmakers can border on the ridiculous.
Stupidity should not be rewarded with laws that inhibit our personal liberties. Lawmakers and the police have better things to do with their time and our tax dollars.
Tony
Tony Bove's iTimes