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Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

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Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#321

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not just that. E.g. Cooper and Hutchinson's edition of Plato's complete works, available on Kindle for $31.[1] Or on another tack, Yudkowski's recent If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies .[2] Neither book is on Unlimited, and I couldn't find either one on Kobo. I struck out half a dozen times in a row and finally gave up. [1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZ4NMHU [2] https://www.amazon.com/Anyone-Builds-Eve…

While it's true I don't see that version of Plato's complete works (in fact, I don't see any Hackett Publishing books), the book on AI[1] is available. [1]: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/if-anyone-builds-it-everyon...

Oh weird, I'd just searched for it. I tried again with the US site and it came right up. Maybe their search isn't as good with typos or something.

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#322

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wonder just like retailers are required to account for local sales taxes (I know it is not that clear cut), there should be some enforcement mechanism to settle disputes locally. Setup an agency which "legally" provides support for google, Amazon, and all those unreachable entities. Provides local jobs as well as quick grievance redressal. Maybe something like consumer protection agency but not federal, maybe at le…

I can't speak for how effective the process is, but this is the idea behind the EU/UK GPSR's Authorised Representative framework - though not exactly local (that would be excessive, since GPSR also applies to much smaller sellers too)

Haha, let me guess, if they're based in Ireland then this enforcement is up to Ireland as well, so it's as toothless as the other digital laws?

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#324
I have a kindle. And it's really good, I've never read as much. Ive never bought a single thing from its store, only sideloaded though. And seeing the recent events im more worried about Amazon pulling the plug on side loading stuff. Turns out it's not that complicated to jailbreak your kindle though, so that's what I'm doing this weekend.

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#325

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Books enter the public domain. Project Gutenberg and others produce DRM-free versions. Many academics and people who wish to share their knowledge also publish works DRM-free, sometimes under permissive (copyleft), licenses. The fact you see DRM as the norm and non-DRM as “a unicorn” that “doesn’t exist”, is mildly sad. You should explore all of the above a lot more, and much more besides.

Mildly sad is also that you seem to fault GP for not “exploring” more, instead of the insane practice of DRMing everything in the first place. I never have purchased DRM protected media and never will - I’d rather pirate everything digital and but physical hard copies.

You've never purchased a DVD or Blu-ray?

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#326
post #307
post #295

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Every season of MasterChef Australia is available on the right tracker.

Haven't found any, certainly not any with active seeders. If you know of a tracker (that doesn't require super special invites), I'm all ears.

S01-03 only exist in SD, from S04 onwards Full HD files are available on all trackers that I happen to have too.

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#327
post #305
post #295

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Every season of MasterChef Australia is available on the right tracker.

What is the vpn of choice these days for bittorrent?

there's only one that's not extremely shady and has working port forwarding. If you don't need the latter, just stick to Mullvad.

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#328
post #294
post #44

I’d advise anyone buying e-books on Amazon to think it through carefully. My account was banned recently because, years ago, I ordered two paper books that Amazon said would be split into two shipments. Both books arrived without any issues, but later Amazon refunded me for one of them, claiming that one package never arrived. This happened 4–5 years ago. Apparently, during a recent review, they decided this counted…

I only got unbanned when I got hired at Amazon and emailed the head of the fraud team lol. I had the same issues you had with being stonewalled and ghosted while banned. Anyways, just downloaded them off of Anna's Archive or join private trackers. There's also still methods to de-drm the Kindle books, but many people will do it for u via requests on private trackers.

Poor customer support is a serious problem for Amazon, Google and Meta. Hope to see alternatives unseat these giants from their monopoly status.

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#329
post #51
post #44

I’d advise anyone buying e-books on Amazon to think it through carefully. My account was banned recently because, years ago, I ordered two paper books that Amazon said would be split into two shipments. Both books arrived without any issues, but later Amazon refunded me for one of them, claiming that one package never arrived. This happened 4–5 years ago. Apparently, during a recent review, they decided this counted…

They failed to deliver a Pixel phone to me - they never even tried to deliver it and the status said "permanent delivery failure" so I assumed they'd automatically refund me. Fast forward a few months, I never received a refund and they claim they have no record any more. I could chargeback my credit card but I imagine I'd also be permanently banned from Amazon - so instead I accept they've just stolen $1000 from me…

> so instead I accept they've just stolen $1000 from me with no recourse... So you basically approve of this behavior. I personally learned some time ago to stay away from these companies.

Re: Amazon will allow ePub and PDF downloads for DRM-free eBooks

#330

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, this is silly. Don't do this. You absolutely keep pushing for a refund and go via you CC provider if they don't respond.

And risk being locked out of the world’s online marketplace and all of Amazon’s other businesses? Maybe a bit hyperbolic but that’s where we are headed for sure.

You can do without Amazon. Should you really want to get something you can ask a friend to get it for you but I really think you won't need that.
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