Digital (delivered electronically) (DRM-free)
There's a book I've been wanting to read. I've been trying to find a way to purchase it that would allow me to read it on my Kindle. As it is entirely disconnected from Amazon, I need a DRM free version — otherwise there's just no way for me to read it. (And I'm not about to read a book on my phone or laptop. Come on!)
Yesterday I caught whiff of Joe Abercrombie's new book.
Had no hopes that I would find a way to purchase it that would let me read it. But a quick search lead me to the digital version at Bookshop.org, and lo:
Type: Digital (delivered electronically) (DRM-free)
This ebook can be downloaded, transferred, and read on any device or reader that accepts epub files.
Yes!
Of course, my delight was short lived as my credit card was declined. Turns out Bookshop.org only sell to US residents. Bummer… In a last ditch effort, I decided to take a look at eBooks.com and, hurray, there it was. DRM free and buyable for people in Europe as well!
People will say "you have a Kindle, stop being silly and just buy it from Amazon" and that's fine. Not everything has to be a battle for consumer rights.
But here's the thing: The book file is now stored in my digital library. I own it free and clear, and can read it wherever I want, whenever I want. I don't have to worry about whoever I'm renting it from losing the rights or deciding to make retrospective edits to the text.
It feels like a small win that my reading log now features this brand new book, despite my principles in these matters. Thanks to Joe or his publisher or whoever who decided to publish this ebook without forcing potential readers to tether themselves to a specific platform.