S.T. Cooley Publishing - Open Letter on DRM (Important Edit at 9 pm 6/9/04 Pacific)

[The Sigil]

In response to the growing firestorm around DRM and PDFs, I thought as a PDF publisher, it was worthwhile to make my own views clear and take a stand myself. Don't know if this is the right forum, but here is a link to the open letter posted on my site.

http://www.stcooleypublishing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15

I added the following edit, which I think is important, just a few moments ago:

IMPORTANT NOTE (EDITED IN): While I state that DRM is "morally reprehensible" in the article, I do not believe that RPG publishers who use it are also morally reprehensible. I believe RPG Publishers who choose to use DRM with their PDF products simply do not have a full understanding of the full scope of consequences associated with DRM. Even the best people make mistakes when they do not have a complete understanding of the situation. My remarks are meant as a condemnation of DRM and NOT of those who are using it. It's an important distinction. Most RPG publishers I know are really good guys... and even the best people sometimes make bad decisions with the best of intentions. I think most RPG Publishers are trying to protect themselves from being wronged by those who illegally distribute copyrighted material, and not somehow "screw" the consumer... I just don't think they realize the wrongs that DRM inflicts on consumers as "collateral damage" when it does so.

--The Sigil

 

[Funksaw]

http://www.stcooleypublishing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15

--The Sigil

That's beautiful, Sidge.

I would ask one thing: That you allow other e-publishers to publish it in thier own works if they wish. Call it the "Trust the Customer Manifesto."

 

[The Sigil]

That's beautiful, Sidge.

I would ask one thing: That you allow other e-publishers to publish it in thier own works if they wish. Call it the "Trust the Customer Manifesto."

Done, under a Creative Commons "attribution-share alike" license (my favorite flavor). Do I have your permission to call it the "Trust the Customer Manifesto?"

--The Sigil

 

[The Sigil]

bumped to increase awareness of "important edit."

 

[Funksaw]

Absolutely. If I ever write a PDF, this is going opposite the OGL.