I love my Kindle because of its portability and that I can carry many books in a small package. However, there are some books I still want as a regular book and not an ebook. So I do purchase a bit of both. And let's not forget to support you local used book stores as well.
Having the "Calibre" software will help you get rid of the DRM protection of any book. Removing DRM is completely legal when done for personal usage only, so I don't see any trouble with Amazon books or other retailer's ones.
Calibre is a great management software. Regarding your comment about it being legal for personal use...I'm not too sure about that. I did some research and one source went so far to say that it is illegal to even have software installed that is capable of removing DRM. That would mean having Calibre installed on your computer would be against the law! I find it frustrating how hard it is to find concrete and clear information about this topic. I'm sure there is some grey area here, which is why people explain it differently.
@@Maneetpaul Seems that removing DRM on your own purchase is in the same category of using software to rip a blu-ray you've bought to keep a backup (or during the age of VCRs, was it legal to record TV). Technically it may not be legal, but it's not enforced if you aren't distributing it. I know that companies are always trying to bring forth legal actions against the software companies: but they run into hurdles as the argument is that they're not participating in any bootlegging (and a person who has bought the product is entitled to back it up). When it comes to you buying the "license" instead of the actual book/title: there's already been examples of people who bought a movie title on a streaming service, and then that service going out of business. Now it's less likely for quite a few popular studios who participate with Movies Anywhere (in which your video library is shared across multiple streaming platforms).
Pretty obvious thing to say I know but there are lawyers who know how this works. Of course, rules etc vary from country to country and also market to market.
The nuanced answer is going to be different if you're asking a defense lawyer or a plaintiff lawyer. Having been a content creator, I've heard about the difference between a current copyright law and how it's not an automatic slam dunk to spend the resources seeking damages. I used to live in a city that still had a law on the book that everyone had to own a rifle: so I was breaking the law.
A lot of indie authors I follow sell DRM-free copies of ebooks on their personal websites so it’s always worth googling a new author to see if that’s something they do! Buying directly from them gives them more money and gives you a digital file you actually own :)
YES! I should have mentioned this in the video. As an author myself, I just launched direct DRM-free ePub versions of all my books on my personal website. I hope more authors do this, but I imagine it is more difficult for the authors who use a publisher and have contractual agreements.
Local bookstores often "curate" their shelves - exposing you to ideas and books you may not encounter online. I like to support that and always get a few every month. It's very similar to vinyl records - most of my music is from online (Spotify/iTunes) - but special music is something I seek out physically. I also have a habit of buying books I really enjoy as physical copies (and even audio). There are many books I have in THREE formats.... The sad reality is that digital makes things more convenient. It's hard not to want a device that can carry shelves of books (Kindle/iBooks/Kobo). A big selling point for physical books is that they also smell nice :)
I love how local bookstores curate books to their local community. That's such a huge reason to shop local. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience :)
If Amazon stops selling an individual title, for whatever reason, that book is still available for download. I have a number of OOP Kindle books. This is true even for pirated books. I purchased a title that was later yanked from the store since it was an illegal version, but I can still download it even though it’s not for sale anymore. The big issue would be if Amazon went out of business or shut down the Kindle store entirely. Then your Kindle books would be unavailable.
Good video. I've sold my soul to Amazon-- I use almost all their products. I don't feel good about it. I greatly prefer e-books and, in the US, Amazon has the best e-readers and options, such as Kindle Unlimited and Libby. I do buy products from local bookstores but mainly to give gifts.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience! I'm in a similar boat. I have a lot of their products and don't feel very good about Amazon having so much of my information. I also don't like how dependent I've become on their services. Using local bookstores to give gifts is a great idea!
DRM is the reason why I often find ebooks by alternate means. I will sometimes do this even with ebooks I purchased so that I can read them on other platforms or to have a backup.
Your local library may not be a big business but Overdrive/Libby is. They set very high rates for libraries to maintain ebooks. When a library buys a physical book, it is their own for the life of the book. Libraries pay for licenses for eBooks that only last a few years, probably shorter than the life of a physical book. Your local library is not a big business, but Overdrive/Libby definitely is.
I have a decent amount of books and i was thinking of going digital for the simplicity and connivence. And what you explained here was my. top priority; once i bought the e book, i should be able to keep it, copy it to pc/HDD for backup and eventually copying it back when my current e reader no longer works because i like having that peace of mind and also personal satisfaction that im in full control. Most people dont seem to care about this, as they just use the amazon website to re download it to another device...? This issue right here is a big turn off for me and may never use e books because of this, as i already have all the books i need physically. Such a shame
This is something like the Sony case that happened recently, they said they're going to delete everything from every user's library. Raises questions like "what's ownership" etc.
Kobo is more open than Kindle, that’s for sure! But if you buy books directly through their store, you still have DRM. Which isn’t too different from how Amazon operates if I’m understanding it correctly!
Why not both? I love Amazon Kindle and audible ( on my iPad mini) but there is still something magical about a cup of coffee and a real bookstore. I spend money at Barnes and noble every month also and give books I have finished to free book stands. ( take a book lend a book)
Amazon uk has wiped away my 3000 kindle books when I thought someone had opend a account in another country, me thinking I was deleting that account found out they had deleted my uk account aswell also my audible account with over 300 books in there. Customer services no help saying once account is cancelled all attached are cancelled too, with no way to get it back. Will not use Amazon again unless unable to get book anywhere else.
Amazon ordinarily don't remove an ebook from your library when they lose the license to sell it. Case in point: I purchased an ebook called "More of the Essential John Wyndham", not realising that it was essentially a bootleg collection of stories put together by an editor who wrongly assumed they were now in the public domain. That ebook is no longer available in the store, but it remains in my library. People who hate digital media (whether books or movies) are always catastrophizing this point, and it's not true.
Thanks for clarifying! I find that surprising, but it's good to know. Still, if Amazon as a whole was forced to shut down their Kindle store (like what happened in China), there's nothing we could do about that. Obviously, not very likely, but it's an interesting thought experiment.
@@Maneetpaul Some years ago, Microsoft ran an ebook store. When it collapsed, I believe they refunded every purchase. Also, back in 2014 I started collecting digital movies on UltraViolet. When that format collapsed, we were given the option to migrate our digital purchases to GooglePlay and Rakuten. So, there are continencies for these things. The long-term success of Steam on the gaming front attests to the viability of digital purchasing. And if we lose one or two books/movies over the years, through licensing problems, the sheer bargains that digital purchasing affords more than makes up for the small loss, I feel.
I use google play to buy books. I download them to my mac, unlock them with digital editions and then transfer them to my nook. I only use a nook because that was my original ereader and I have a number of books tied to bn. I do buy physical books as well.
You have opened my eyes on this subject, I have have something like but didn't think it was a actual problem, I m now rethinking my position on patronizing Amazon as fae as ebooks are concerned, I also wouldn't want to see independent book stores dissappear, we need independent sources of thinking & views away from biased or slanted ideas. That is the first step toward dictatorship 😮 thanks tons😊
I am such an avid reader that I utilize all that you discussed in the video. I have a Kindle e-reader that I only get free books for, through my library, Project Gutenberg (which is absolutely fantastic) and free ebooks on Amazon. The genre that I read is Victorian classics and most of them are in the public domain so I will never run out of choices and they are free. Lastly, there is nothing like going into a bookstore (especially used book stores to get the wonderful smell and feel of a book). Needless to say, I am very happy to engage with all of the choices you mentioned 😊
I'm not sure if it's legal to remove DRM in Canada. Quite frankly, I don't care. I remove my DRM. Other than Fire tablets, I have never owned a Kindle. I like Kobo and need one to borrow library books. I don't upload my books to the Internet. They stay on my devices. Amazon CAN decide to dump you as a customer. I have read about this happening to people. It can happen if you return so many things it becomes unprofitable for them to keep you, you may say something that an Amazon rep finds offensive or threatening or even in error. Errors have happened and it's just your tough luck. You get your account back but once your content is deleted they cannot restore it. I know that it is in the user agreement but it's ridiculous. Again. I don't care. If I bought a physical book they can't walk into my house and take it off my coffee table. It's legalized theft and it's wrong.
I have a feeling many people share a similar sentiment to what you're describing here. I've also heard of companies (like Amazon) just deactivating people's accounts for random reasons. It's always a risk. Thanks for sharing!
I feel betrayed by both Amazon and publishers. When ebooks/readers first came out it seemed that the promise inherent in them was lower prices for books. The litigation between publishers and Amazon resulted in higher prices. Ok, but as you note, we are not actually buying an ebook but a license for the ebook. That's absurd when you see that so many ebooks now cost the same or almost the same as a physical book. I've begun opting to purchasing real books when the price difference is slim. Which is fine since now I actually own the book. I can keep them as long as I like, I can lend them, and there's no possibility of some big brother entity changing the content of my book without my consent because of political correctness considerations. At their start, Amazon seemed to be a company which loved books and catered to book lovers. Now, I'm sure that's not the case.
Littlebookstores were going out of business back in early 90’s. Due to giant big box bookstores. Ie Chaoters, Indigo, Barnes & Noble. There was even a movie made staring Tom Hanks.
Best solution, first; buy a Kindle because they are cheap and Amazon takes a loss selling them, second; only support online book stores that provide drm free files
i wish there was a universal platform for ebooks where everyone can be treated fairly where u can register your devices (kindle, kobo, nook, etc). As much as I have my issues with Amazon they make things so damn convenient, kindle unlimited now they have the comic book subscription.. i wish there was like a version without DRM sorta like buying an unlocked phone lol. so u can use it any device. like i love the look of a nook and a kobo but im not going to repurchase a bunch of books lol
Ooooh…I was not aware of the instances where I could lose my Kindle purchases. Very eye opening! I live in a condo, so I am not able to store/shelf many physical books. Just not enough space. I do use Libby when possible, but my local library doesn’t have a lot of the books I’m looking for (licensing issue?). I’ll check for small shops too, but we have a 2 story Barnes & Noble that I think pushed them all out. Time to review my local options! Thank you for bringing this to my attention 🙌🏼
I actually love the fact that the book goes away after Ive read it. I can store it or delete. I rarely reread an entire book and if I like it that much I order the hard-copy. Saves trees❤
I don't really see supporting Barnes and Noble being an alternative to the big online behemoth of Amazon. Barnes and Nobles is responsible for forcing so many independent bookstores out of business. I didn't shed a tear when my local Barnes and Noble closed....especially the last few times I went in, and the first displays were their Nook products. What about being out in public to read and have coffee? Well I can go to a nice independent coffee shop near me: instead of supporting the coffee shop in Barnes and Noble (which was Star Bucks). It would be nice to see a come back of independent bookstores that could make their living with ebooks. Maybe have a book cover that you can check summary and ask for staff picks. Then have some temporary license where you can only read it at the store until you purchase it. But such a system would require development, and everyone is used to online shopping now. A physical bookstore could also help local writers who might be struggling getting enough coverage on Amazon to have steady income.
I am interested in getting a Kindle or e-reader. Right now I have a 10.5 inch i-Pad. A little too big and heavy. My biggest issue is downloading kindle e-books. I have a heck of a time finding the books I like then getting them on my laptop and sending them to the i-Pad. I do not buy books and I read for entertainment only. I use my laptop for everything else. I'm 81 years old and technologically ignorant so KISS is extremely important to me. Which reader would be the way to go?
In Poland (where I live) there are a lot of smaller and bigger ebooks bookstores. However, publishers still complain telling that because there are so mamy ebook bookstores all of them compete for readers and have to lower prices so they (publisher) don't earn much.
@@ManeetpaulWell we have option. But as far as I know there are still only 2 or 3 companies that buy licences from publishers and then sell them to ebook bookstores. However, the best think is that we don't have DRM in our bookstores. Every time you buy an ebook you get both EPUB and mobi format without any DRM.
Wow, I wonder how they're able to manage that with publishers. Thanks so much for sharing! If you're comfortable, I'd love to check out their websites and explore them
Thank you for sharing and shedding on this subject. I know some eReaders will buy the eBook and will buy the physical book to have it on their book shelves. I thought this was a good idea. So I have begun to do this.
I don't like spending a bunch of money on books that I might not like so I use Libby and Scribd exclusively to read on my phone. I also like Hoopla for reading comics.
I still have my kindle and still read what I have but have stopped shopping at Amazon especially books. Amazon curates and manipulates your reading choices. There are so many other books you never see. And on top of that they own goodreads. Now I am old enough to remember how both led you to other books that you truly would like to read instead of manipulating you to a bestseller or some such thing. It is obvious they do this to make more money.
I removed the DRM from my Kindle books so Ill always have them and can read them on Calibre if necessary. Wouldnt it be great to have a generic e reader that could read everything?
Think I saw you review that book on Goodreads and I was very intrigued it’s gone on my tbr! One idea is if you need to buy a gift for someone, make it a book from an independent bookstore! I think my Kindle library would be much smaller if we could get Libby for Kindle in the UK 😢
What device is in your had at 8:43 into the video? There was a blowup early in my kindle experience with Amazon removing a book from the device, “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. It was resolved but showed that Orwell was right about “big brother”. We all suffer from convenience and materialism because we live in a prosperous world over all (considering history). But I do find I buy books for my kindle and don’t take the time to read or even start them before I’m buying another book “on sale”. This can happen with physical books but I find I’m more intentional with them. Finally, Some authors promote DRM free copies of there books sold even on amazon. They are rare but it always makes me smile. When someone trusts me with something of value I am even more inclined not to betray that trust.
Thanks for the video. This point, 08:39, is a good one. I’m gradually getting Amazon, Google, and MS/Apple out of my life. There’s no rush and I’ve no intention of going off grid or living in a cave however, I definitely prefer to have ownership of the e-book files I’ve bought. As you say, some technical know how required regarding how to de-DRM.
Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! Like you, I have no intention of going totally off the grid, but I'm actively exploring ways to be a bit more independent from these big corporations.
I just know I got the small new kindle ,I love it 100% I here what your saying, but I can't read book because they all use recycled paper it has a smell ... I'm 77yrs old and I've been like this over 50yrs. ..One again I love your channel I always learn so much from you so thank you ! Happy New Year to you and your's. Be Well 👵
For some people, a Kindle is the ONLY way they are able to read. Technology has changed the game in the world of accessibility. Thanks for emphasizing this!
It's certainly a complex multi-faceted issue. I'm not happy with how Amazon treats their authors either and locks them into an exclusive contract. Nearly every book I read on my Kobo is from the library. I removed the DRM from my Kindle books so I can read them on my kobo now.
When authors enroll in KDP Select (aka Kindle Unlimited), their books are not allowed to published anywhere else. I did this with one of my books and just recently ended my contract with Amazon, so I could publish that book for direct sale on my website as well. For some authors, KDP select helps with distribution. For me, I didn't see much difference.
That's why i love physical books :) I don't have any kind of ereader. Also.. i personally i think it's healthier for your eyes to read out of a book instead of a screen ( one of the many)
You don't own the book, movies, songs, etc you buy online (digital version). They can take it away whenever. I have bought a books of apple and amazon and then after (once on each) about 3 years after it said I didn't have the book. I had the receipt and there was nothing they could do about it. Same device and everything. I would much rather just have the book because I know I own it and it can't be taken away whenever the company wants. I mean I've run into it on apple music where I have a song then all of a sudden, its tinted out saying I can't lesson to it.
1. Amazon is making books significantly more cheaper than a physical copy, which is a win for customers. 2. Digital copies of books with DRM cannot be resold on a used market, which will increase the amount of potential units sold. Video games have improved in production quality without increasing the price (accounting for inflation) while making more money than ever. The same can be done with eBooks. There are so many kids who don't read today. Schools should give them an ebook. Take advantage of an untapped market. 3. The only real victims of the digital dominance are the previous gate keepers of book publishing. There have never been more independent authors making a decent amount. 4. People need to stop worrying about for-profit businesses. It's their responsibility to pivot to sustain their business. Why do you think these book stores now have lounges and coffee shops? Authors usually hope to get a license deal with a film/game production to solidify their fortunes. That will only happen if MORE people read their books, which happens when the books are more affordable and harder to resell.
One serious advantage of reading a dead tree instead of using a Kindle is the intimidation factor. Twice, when I needed to see someone who didn't want to see me in an office and the secretary's response was "he's in a meeting", I sat down, pulled out an apple, a bottle of water, and a copy of War and Peace and opened it to page 10. Twice, that technique managed to cause the meeting to be over faster. Even though my Kindle has hundreds of books on it, it doesn't have the psychological effect of slowly turning the pages of a thick book.
My honest experience, I purchased amazon kindle 8 months ago but hadn't read a single full book on kindle. Though I love reading physical book. I think buying ebook reader was a mistake.
I live by beacon/newburgh and I know the bookshop you mentioned. I very rarely get anything from amazon now. Maybe we wouldn’t be gluttonous with books if we only bought full price, only one at a time and read it. Then put it in a little free library or give it away.
I have to be extremely selective about buying physical books. I already have hundreds of them, and I can't fit any more given that I am retiring and downsizing next year. I will never buy a non-illustrated physical book again, and even most illustrated one do not have enough pictures to justify a physical book anymore when I can see those nicely on my 12.9" iPad Pro. Physical books must be lavishly illustrated for me to buy them. Or not be available on Kindle. I love physical books, but just can't buy many more, and will be donating/selling some of the ones that I already own.
It's not just e-books. Recently, I chose to end my Amazon account for economic and socio-political reasons. I had over 200 titles in my Audible library. Books I'd paid for and assumed I OWNED. Gone. Just like that. No recourse. A big fat middle finger from Amazon. If it's in the cloud, you don't own it. I'll never do business with Amazon again. I live in Portland. I'm going to Powell's from now on. Just like the old days. BUY LOCAL!
I have known this for some time. The kindle version is away cheaper. But I do sometimes buy the physical copy. I have a kobo. I got some books from Google and I can read them on my kobo so they’re not all encrypted.
Ever since I found out about the bad business practices of Amazon, I have always navigated their ecosystem with reasonable discernment. The problem is that this ecosystem is so vast, it’s hard to completely step away from it. Also, I have been buying Kindle books directly from Amazon since 2012, and I have gathered a substantial amount of them over the years, and I just can’t give up my access to them, which I have paid for. This is why I have decided to remain a Kindle user, as I feel that’s what I have to do, because I don’t have money to repurchase my entire Amazon library from a different supplier. (I don’t know how to unlock DRM books.) I have to admit I feel like this is a quandary. I don’t know how to deal with it.
I understand everything you’re saying and why you might want to keep away from Amazon. But for me I have to have an e-reader as I’m physically not able to read from a physical book.
From the stats I've read, e-books aren't going to overtake paper books anytime soon. I probably haven't bought a paper book for myself in a decade (other than buying paper versions of my own books on Amazon to see what they look like in print). I buy them as gifts, though. I get e-books from my local library when I can, but a lot of times, the book either isn't available at all, or the wait list for the book is a month long. I think the e-book industry is eventually going to go with the music model, where you pay a monthly subscription fee and can download any book you want. That's probably going to suck for authors (given what streaming has done to the music industry).
That's an interesting thought (books becoming more like music). We already have a bit of that with Kindle Unlimited. I wonder if services like that will continue to grow. For some reason, it seems like books haven't gone all-in on that kind of approach yet. But maybe time will change things.
ThAt book is a great example of why Amazon sucks - they don't like the book, therefore YOU CAN'T BUY IT. That is incredibly dangerous. Also, get over your addiction to convenience. THAT is what gives Amazon its power. Real books are far better than those childish little toys. STOP GIVING YOUR POWER AWAY.
I've watched many of your videos over time and find them interesting and watching this one today did make me laugh. Forgive me for saying so, but it is fairly naive of you if you have only just realised Amazon negatively impacts small business and has had a transformative negative impact on the publishing industry. Like, what did you think was happening?! I'm glad you talked about it, but huh, man - look around you!
Thanks for watching! Using Amazon has become second nature to me (and millions of others if I had to guess). I definitely knew there was some impact, but I didn’t know all the specific details until I read the book How to Resist Amazon and Why. Better late than never, I suppose. If anything, I hope that I’m the minority and that most people are more informed about this topic than I am. That would be amazing!
Yeah, but you could use something like iCloud Hide my Email or just make another email address for buying books? This seems like a easily rectifiable problem
@@mypradasatthecleanerss I have 300+ plb almost 400+ physcical books by now and alot of ebooks on my ipad I prefer my apple ipad, seen as im still living with my parents I have a good reaseon for thay, there both on kindle and my dad is only one with an amazon account, basically, plus I love useing my ipad because with vk and a certain website I can not name in public for all reasons lets just say people use it for all sort of reason its considered a shadow library but if you have a good VPN a good antivirus software and use it sensably and persavere with it and ignore the scames and pop ups it does, if you are out in public or in a hotel or something you can get into seriouse bothere from people and police, but the thing is if you use it with a private wifi allow nothing is secure thesdays your safe, lets just say that website im talking about you can download any files ebooks in any language or format your device can take, lets just say ebooks are good for traveling takeing on holiday, but the now i like physical type books nothing can beat that, well the now while iv still got my eye sight so if my eye sight gets any worse for any reason, or I get to the stage in life im in a slump an age thing some people have I can read comic, manga or stuff like that, then try and back on to ebooks and try diffrent genre, then the same with audiobooks all depending on health wise so the now is 100% physical books for me, sorry for the typs im just in a bit of a hurry right now.
I love my Kindle because of its portability and that I can carry many books in a small package. However, there are some books I still want as a regular book and not an ebook. So I do purchase a bit of both. And let's not forget to support you local used book stores as well.
Used bookstores are great! Thanks for emphasizing that.
if buying isn't owning piracy isn't stealing.
Just use library genesis for your kindle then
Having the "Calibre" software will help you get rid of the DRM protection of any book. Removing DRM is completely legal when done for personal usage only, so I don't see any trouble with Amazon books or other retailer's ones.
Calibre is a great management software. Regarding your comment about it being legal for personal use...I'm not too sure about that. I did some research and one source went so far to say that it is illegal to even have software installed that is capable of removing DRM. That would mean having Calibre installed on your computer would be against the law!
I find it frustrating how hard it is to find concrete and clear information about this topic. I'm sure there is some grey area here, which is why people explain it differently.
@@Maneetpaul Seems that removing DRM on your own purchase is in the same category of using software to rip a blu-ray you've bought to keep a backup (or during the age of VCRs, was it legal to record TV). Technically it may not be legal, but it's not enforced if you aren't distributing it. I know that companies are always trying to bring forth legal actions against the software companies: but they run into hurdles as the argument is that they're not participating in any bootlegging (and a person who has bought the product is entitled to back it up). When it comes to you buying the "license" instead of the actual book/title: there's already been examples of people who bought a movie title on a streaming service, and then that service going out of business. Now it's less likely for quite a few popular studios who participate with Movies Anywhere (in which your video library is shared across multiple streaming platforms).
Pretty obvious thing to say I know but there are lawyers who know how this works. Of course, rules etc vary from country to country and also market to market.
The nuanced answer is going to be different if you're asking a defense lawyer or a plaintiff lawyer. Having been a content creator, I've heard about the difference between a current copyright law and how it's not an automatic slam dunk to spend the resources seeking damages. I used to live in a city that still had a law on the book that everyone had to own a rifle: so I was breaking the law.
One great use of this is I had a lot of non-kindlebooks when I got my kindle. Calibre can convert ePub to Mobi.
Bought old Kindle and sideloading books. PDF, epub etc. Everything works. Not paying Amazon
A lot of indie authors I follow sell DRM-free copies of ebooks on their personal websites so it’s always worth googling a new author to see if that’s something they do! Buying directly from them gives them more money and gives you a digital file you actually own :)
YES! I should have mentioned this in the video. As an author myself, I just launched direct DRM-free ePub versions of all my books on my personal website. I hope more authors do this, but I imagine it is more difficult for the authors who use a publisher and have contractual agreements.
Local bookstores often "curate" their shelves - exposing you to ideas and books you may not encounter online. I like to support that and always get a few every month.
It's very similar to vinyl records - most of my music is from online (Spotify/iTunes) - but special music is something I seek out physically. I also have a habit of buying books I really enjoy as physical copies (and even audio). There are many books I have in THREE formats....
The sad reality is that digital makes things more convenient. It's hard not to want a device that can carry shelves of books (Kindle/iBooks/Kobo).
A big selling point for physical books is that they also smell nice :)
I love how local bookstores curate books to their local community. That's such a huge reason to shop local. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience :)
If Amazon stops selling an individual title, for whatever reason, that book is still available for download. I have a number of OOP Kindle books. This is true even for pirated books. I purchased a title that was later yanked from the store since it was an illegal version, but I can still download it even though it’s not for sale anymore.
The big issue would be if Amazon went out of business or shut down the Kindle store entirely. Then your Kindle books would be unavailable.
Oh wow, that's super interesting. Thank you very much for sharing that!
Right. I have oop kindle books as well. I bought a bunch of indie books before they were trad published and I can still download and read them
I take out 99% of my books from the New York public library - kindle books. It’s free and the selection is amazing.
Good video. I've sold my soul to Amazon-- I use almost all their products. I don't feel good about it. I greatly prefer e-books and, in the US, Amazon has the best e-readers and options, such as Kindle Unlimited and Libby. I do buy products from local bookstores but mainly to give gifts.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience! I'm in a similar boat. I have a lot of their products and don't feel very good about Amazon having so much of my information. I also don't like how dependent I've become on their services. Using local bookstores to give gifts is a great idea!
So cut the cord, get off your ass, and GO TO THE STORE. Nobody is forcing you to be chained to that website.
DRM is the reason why I often find ebooks by alternate means. I will sometimes do this even with ebooks I purchased so that I can read them on other platforms or to have a backup.
Your local library may not be a big business but Overdrive/Libby is. They set very high rates for libraries to maintain ebooks. When a library buys a physical book, it is their own for the life of the book. Libraries pay for licenses for eBooks that only last a few years, probably shorter than the life of a physical book. Your local library is not a big business, but Overdrive/Libby definitely is.
I have a decent amount of books and i was thinking of going digital for the simplicity and connivence. And what you explained here was my. top priority; once i bought the e book, i should be able to keep it, copy it to pc/HDD for backup and eventually copying it back when my current e reader no longer works because i like having that peace of mind and also personal satisfaction that im in full control.
Most people dont seem to care about this, as they just use the amazon website to re download it to another device...?
This issue right here is a big turn off for me and may never use e books because of this, as i already have all the books i need physically. Such a shame
True I thought about that years ago, so I decided to found a way to remove drm off my ebook I purchased. So I'm fine in that department.😊
This is something like the Sony case that happened recently, they said they're going to delete everything from every user's library. Raises questions like "what's ownership" etc.
I downloaded my Kindle library, used Epubor to remove DRM and then I converted them to KePub for my Kobo. Kobo is less evil
Kobo is more open than Kindle, that’s for sure! But if you buy books directly through their store, you still have DRM. Which isn’t too different from how Amazon operates if I’m understanding it correctly!
@@Maneetpaul yeah exactly, still come up against DRM
Why not both? I love Amazon Kindle and audible ( on my iPad mini) but there is still something magical about a cup of coffee and a real bookstore. I spend money at Barnes and noble every month also and give books I have finished to free book stands. ( take a book lend a book)
Amazon uk has wiped away my 3000 kindle books when I thought someone had opend a account in another country, me thinking I was deleting that account found out they had deleted my uk account aswell also my audible account with over 300 books in there. Customer services no help saying once account is cancelled all attached are cancelled too, with no way to get it back. Will not use Amazon again unless unable to get book anywhere else.
Wow, that's crazy!! Sorry this happened 😔
Amazon ordinarily don't remove an ebook from your library when they lose the license to sell it. Case in point: I purchased an ebook called "More of the Essential John Wyndham", not realising that it was essentially a bootleg collection of stories put together by an editor who wrongly assumed they were now in the public domain. That ebook is no longer available in the store, but it remains in my library. People who hate digital media (whether books or movies) are always catastrophizing this point, and it's not true.
Thanks for clarifying! I find that surprising, but it's good to know. Still, if Amazon as a whole was forced to shut down their Kindle store (like what happened in China), there's nothing we could do about that. Obviously, not very likely, but it's an interesting thought experiment.
@@Maneetpaul Some years ago, Microsoft ran an ebook store. When it collapsed, I believe they refunded every purchase. Also, back in 2014 I started collecting digital movies on UltraViolet. When that format collapsed, we were given the option to migrate our digital purchases to GooglePlay and Rakuten. So, there are continencies for these things. The long-term success of Steam on the gaming front attests to the viability of digital purchasing. And if we lose one or two books/movies over the years, through licensing problems, the sheer bargains that digital purchasing affords more than makes up for the small loss, I feel.
I use google play to buy books. I download them to my mac, unlock them with digital editions and then transfer them to my nook. I only use a nook because that was my original ereader and I have a number of books tied to bn. I do buy physical books as well.
I have to explore Google Play more for book purchases. Thanks for sharing!
You have opened my eyes on this subject, I have have something like but didn't think it was a actual problem, I m now rethinking my position on patronizing Amazon as fae as ebooks are concerned, I also wouldn't want to see independent book stores dissappear, we need independent sources of thinking & views away from biased or slanted ideas. That is the first step toward dictatorship 😮 thanks tons😊
I am such an avid reader that I utilize all that you discussed in the video. I have a Kindle e-reader that I only get free books for, through my library, Project Gutenberg (which is absolutely fantastic) and free ebooks on Amazon. The genre that I read is Victorian classics and most of them are in the public domain so I will never run out of choices and they are free. Lastly, there is nothing like going into a bookstore (especially used book stores to get the wonderful smell and feel of a book). Needless to say, I am very happy to engage with all of the choices you mentioned 😊
I'm not sure if it's legal to remove DRM in Canada. Quite frankly, I don't care. I remove my DRM. Other than Fire tablets, I have never owned a Kindle. I like Kobo and need one to borrow library books. I don't upload my books to the Internet. They stay on my devices. Amazon CAN decide to dump you as a customer. I have read about this happening to people. It can happen if you return so many things it becomes unprofitable for them to keep you, you may say something that an Amazon rep finds offensive or threatening or even in error. Errors have happened and it's just your tough luck. You get your account back but once your content is deleted they cannot restore it. I know that it is in the user agreement but it's ridiculous. Again. I don't care. If I bought a physical book they can't walk into my house and take it off my coffee table. It's legalized theft and it's wrong.
I have a feeling many people share a similar sentiment to what you're describing here. I've also heard of companies (like Amazon) just deactivating people's accounts for random reasons. It's always a risk. Thanks for sharing!
I feel betrayed by both Amazon and publishers. When ebooks/readers first came out it seemed that the promise inherent in them was lower prices for books. The litigation between publishers and Amazon resulted in higher prices. Ok, but as you note, we are not actually buying an ebook but a license for the ebook. That's absurd when you see that so many ebooks now cost the same or almost the same as a physical book. I've begun opting to purchasing real books when the price difference is slim. Which is fine since now I actually own the book. I can keep them as long as I like, I can lend them, and there's no possibility of some big brother entity changing the content of my book without my consent because of political correctness considerations. At their start, Amazon seemed to be a company which loved books and catered to book lovers. Now, I'm sure that's not the case.
Littlebookstores were going out of business back in early 90’s. Due to giant big box bookstores. Ie Chaoters, Indigo, Barnes & Noble. There was even a movie made staring Tom Hanks.
Best solution, first; buy a Kindle because they are cheap and Amazon takes a loss selling them, second; only support online book stores that provide drm free files
i wish there was a universal platform for ebooks where everyone can be treated fairly where u can register your devices (kindle, kobo, nook, etc).
As much as I have my issues with Amazon they make things so damn convenient, kindle unlimited now they have the comic book subscription..
i wish there was like a version without DRM sorta like buying an unlocked phone lol. so u can use it any device. like i love the look of a nook and a kobo but im not going to repurchase a bunch of books lol
Ooooh…I was not aware of the instances where I could lose my Kindle purchases. Very eye opening! I live in a condo, so I am not able to store/shelf many physical books. Just not enough space. I do use Libby when possible, but my local library doesn’t have a lot of the books I’m looking for (licensing issue?). I’ll check for small shops too, but we have a 2 story Barnes & Noble that I think pushed them all out. Time to review my local options! Thank you for bringing this to my attention 🙌🏼
I actually love the fact that the book goes away after Ive read it. I can store it or delete. I rarely reread an entire book and if I like it that much I order the hard-copy. Saves trees❤
I don't really see supporting Barnes and Noble being an alternative to the big online behemoth of Amazon. Barnes and Nobles is responsible for forcing so many independent bookstores out of business. I didn't shed a tear when my local Barnes and Noble closed....especially the last few times I went in, and the first displays were their Nook products. What about being out in public to read and have coffee? Well I can go to a nice independent coffee shop near me: instead of supporting the coffee shop in Barnes and Noble (which was Star Bucks). It would be nice to see a come back of independent bookstores that could make their living with ebooks. Maybe have a book cover that you can check summary and ask for staff picks. Then have some temporary license where you can only read it at the store until you purchase it. But such a system would require development, and everyone is used to online shopping now. A physical bookstore could also help local writers who might be struggling getting enough coverage on Amazon to have steady income.
This is a very meta video honestly! Love the awareness you're bringing.
I am interested in getting a Kindle or e-reader. Right now I have a 10.5 inch i-Pad. A little too big and heavy. My biggest issue is downloading kindle e-books. I have a heck of a time finding the books I like then getting them on my laptop and sending them to the i-Pad. I do not buy books and I read for entertainment only. I use my laptop for everything else. I'm 81 years old and technologically ignorant so KISS is extremely important to me. Which reader would be the way to go?
In Poland (where I live) there are a lot of smaller and bigger ebooks bookstores. However, publishers still complain telling that because there are so mamy ebook bookstores all of them compete for readers and have to lower prices so they (publisher) don't earn much.
Very interesting! At least you have options? There doesn't seem to be much of that over here in America.
@@ManeetpaulWell we have option. But as far as I know there are still only 2 or 3 companies that buy licences from publishers and then sell them to ebook bookstores. However, the best think is that we don't have DRM in our bookstores. Every time you buy an ebook you get both EPUB and mobi format without any DRM.
Wow, I wonder how they're able to manage that with publishers. Thanks so much for sharing! If you're comfortable, I'd love to check out their websites and explore them
Would love to learn more about this!
Thank you for sharing and shedding on this subject. I know some eReaders will buy the eBook and will buy the physical book to have it on their book shelves. I thought this was a good idea. So I have begun to do this.
I did this for a long time, but than ran out of space for physical books on my shelf 😅
I don't like spending a bunch of money on books that I might not like so I use Libby and Scribd exclusively to read on my phone. I also like Hoopla for reading comics.
0:23 I found the book on Amazon, including a Kindle version 😃
The reviews say it's not the real version 🤷♂️
I still have my kindle and still read what I have but have stopped shopping at Amazon especially books. Amazon curates and manipulates your reading choices. There are so many other books you never see. And on top of that they own goodreads. Now I am old enough to remember how both led you to other books that you truly would like to read instead of manipulating you to a bestseller or some such thing. It is obvious they do this to make more money.
I removed the DRM from my Kindle books so Ill always have them and can read them on Calibre if necessary. Wouldnt it be great to have a generic e reader that could read everything?
Think I saw you review that book on Goodreads and I was very intrigued it’s gone on my tbr! One idea is if you need to buy a gift for someone, make it a book from an independent bookstore! I think my Kindle library would be much smaller if we could get Libby for Kindle in the UK 😢
What device is in your had at 8:43 into the video?
There was a blowup early in my kindle experience with Amazon removing a book from the device, “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. It was resolved but showed that Orwell was right about “big brother”.
We all suffer from convenience and materialism because we live in a prosperous world over all (considering history). But I do find I buy books for my kindle and don’t take the time to read or even start them before I’m buying another book “on sale”. This can happen with physical books but I find I’m more intentional with them.
Finally, Some authors promote DRM free copies of there books sold even on amazon. They are rare but it always makes me smile. When someone trusts me with something of value I am even more inclined not to betray that trust.
Thanks for the video. This point, 08:39, is a good one. I’m gradually getting Amazon, Google, and MS/Apple out of my life. There’s no rush and I’ve no intention of going off grid or living in a cave however, I definitely prefer to have ownership of the e-book files I’ve bought. As you say, some technical know how required regarding how to de-DRM.
Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! Like you, I have no intention of going totally off the grid, but I'm actively exploring ways to be a bit more independent from these big corporations.
I did find some public domain e & audio books but they are old classics etc.
I just know I got the small new kindle ,I love it 100% I here what your saying, but I can't read book because they all use recycled paper it has a smell ... I'm 77yrs old and I've been like this over 50yrs. ..One again I love your channel I always learn so much from you so thank you ! Happy New Year to you and your's. Be Well 👵
For some people, a Kindle is the ONLY way they are able to read. Technology has changed the game in the world of accessibility. Thanks for emphasizing this!
It's certainly a complex multi-faceted issue. I'm not happy with how Amazon treats their authors either and locks them into an exclusive contract.
Nearly every book I read on my Kobo is from the library. I removed the DRM from my Kindle books so I can read them on my kobo now.
When authors enroll in KDP Select (aka Kindle Unlimited), their books are not allowed to published anywhere else. I did this with one of my books and just recently ended my contract with Amazon, so I could publish that book for direct sale on my website as well. For some authors, KDP select helps with distribution. For me, I didn't see much difference.
That's why i love physical books :) I don't have any kind of ereader.
Also.. i personally i think it's healthier for your eyes to read out of a book instead of a screen ( one of the many)
You don't own the book, movies, songs, etc you buy online (digital version). They can take it away whenever. I have bought a books of apple and amazon and then after (once on each) about 3 years after it said I didn't have the book. I had the receipt and there was nothing they could do about it. Same device and everything. I would much rather just have the book because I know I own it and it can't be taken away whenever the company wants. I mean I've run into it on apple music where I have a song then all of a sudden, its tinted out saying I can't lesson to it.
Here in Mexico we have Gandhi that is a big bookstore chain that they sell ebooks too
Thank you for this post‼️👍🎯
1. Amazon is making books significantly more cheaper than a physical copy, which is a win for customers.
2. Digital copies of books with DRM cannot be resold on a used market, which will increase the amount of potential units sold. Video games have improved in production quality without increasing the price (accounting for inflation) while making more money than ever. The same can be done with eBooks. There are so many kids who don't read today. Schools should give them an ebook. Take advantage of an untapped market.
3. The only real victims of the digital dominance are the previous gate keepers of book publishing. There have never been more independent authors making a decent amount.
4. People need to stop worrying about for-profit businesses. It's their responsibility to pivot to sustain their business. Why do you think these book stores now have lounges and coffee shops? Authors usually hope to get a license deal with a film/game production to solidify their fortunes. That will only happen if MORE people read their books, which happens when the books are more affordable and harder to resell.
I figure that I'll just do both. There is 'Yu & Me' that I like in Chinatown and 'Astoria Book Store' in.. where the name mentions is =)
One serious advantage of reading a dead tree instead of using a Kindle is the intimidation factor. Twice, when I needed to see someone who didn't want to see me in an office and the secretary's response was "he's in a meeting", I sat down, pulled out an apple, a bottle of water, and a copy of War and Peace and opened it to page 10. Twice, that technique managed to cause the meeting to be over faster. Even though my Kindle has hundreds of books on it, it doesn't have the psychological effect of slowly turning the pages of a thick book.
My honest experience, I purchased amazon kindle 8 months ago but hadn't read a single full book on kindle. Though I love reading physical book. I think buying ebook reader was a mistake.
I typically buy a book and then buy the ebook when it goes on sale to read. I try to go yo indie stores and BN to buy books.
i've seen epubs being sold directly on publisher's websites. it's cumbersome but it's an option
I use Libby as often as I can but since I live in a small town, the selection is very limited.
I live by beacon/newburgh and I know the bookshop you mentioned. I very rarely get anything from amazon now.
Maybe we wouldn’t be gluttonous with books if we only bought full price, only one at a time and read it. Then put it in a little free library or give it away.
I‘m from germany and i know at least one small local bookshop that sells eBooks, but i can’t judge if its an anomaly or not
That's cool that you have an alternative option! One is better than none :)
You don't have to remove drm to read Adobe drm books on e-readers that support adobe digital editions.
Adobe DRM seems to be it's own little world of DRM. I need to learn more about this. Thank you for sharing this tip!
I am glad someone else knows about this! I use Kobo and Nook, which devices are you using that support Adobe DRM?
@@pearlsugar783 I have a pocketbook.
I have to be extremely selective about buying physical books. I already have hundreds of them, and I can't fit any more given that I am retiring and downsizing next year. I will never buy a non-illustrated physical book again, and even most illustrated one do not have enough pictures to justify a physical book anymore when I can see those nicely on my 12.9" iPad Pro. Physical books must be lavishly illustrated for me to buy them. Or not be available on Kindle. I love physical books, but just can't buy many more, and will be donating/selling some of the ones that I already own.
People should not lose sight of the fact of how many small local book shops Barnes & Noble has put out of business.
It's not just e-books. Recently, I chose to end my Amazon account for economic and socio-political reasons. I had over 200 titles in my Audible library. Books I'd paid for and assumed I OWNED. Gone. Just like that. No recourse. A big fat middle finger from Amazon. If it's in the cloud, you don't own it. I'll never do business with Amazon again.
I live in Portland. I'm going to Powell's from now on. Just like the old days. BUY LOCAL!
Beacon! Live right near there! Did you goto Bank Square? Best Coffee!
We didn't go to Bank Square, but we did go to some other coffee shop on Main St. All the stores there are amazing!
Dude I gotta upgrade my kindle do you think they’ll drop a new oasis this year?
Check out the video I posted a few weeks ago with my 2024 Kindle predictions
I have known this for some time. The kindle version is away cheaper. But I do sometimes buy the physical copy. I have a kobo. I got some books from Google and I can read them on my kobo so they’re not all encrypted.
Kobo supports ePubs, which is awesome. It sounds like the books you get from Google don't have DRM. Are you using a specific website?
Ever since I found out about the bad business practices of Amazon, I have always navigated their ecosystem with reasonable discernment. The problem is that this ecosystem is so vast, it’s hard to completely step away from it. Also, I have been buying Kindle books directly from Amazon since 2012, and I have gathered a substantial amount of them over the years, and I just can’t give up my access to them, which I have paid for. This is why I have decided to remain a Kindle user, as I feel that’s what I have to do, because I don’t have money to repurchase my entire Amazon library from a different supplier. (I don’t know how to unlock DRM books.)
I have to admit I feel like this is a quandary. I don’t know how to deal with it.
There’s a Guitnenberg project.
I’m a library ebook reader with an occasional AMZ purchase
I understand everything you’re saying and why you might want to keep away from Amazon. But for me I have to have an e-reader as I’m physically not able to read from a physical book.
Yes, this is a great point. A lot of folks rely on Book Tech such as Kindle due to accessibility reasons. For that, it makes perfect sense!
I left some comments suggesting drm-free ebook sites, but they’ve disappeared
From the stats I've read, e-books aren't going to overtake paper books anytime soon. I probably haven't bought a paper book for myself in a decade (other than buying paper versions of my own books on Amazon to see what they look like in print). I buy them as gifts, though.
I get e-books from my local library when I can, but a lot of times, the book either isn't available at all, or the wait list for the book is a month long.
I think the e-book industry is eventually going to go with the music model, where you pay a monthly subscription fee and can download any book you want. That's probably going to suck for authors (given what streaming has done to the music industry).
That's an interesting thought (books becoming more like music). We already have a bit of that with Kindle Unlimited. I wonder if services like that will continue to grow. For some reason, it seems like books haven't gone all-in on that kind of approach yet. But maybe time will change things.
I’m not sure if this is ironic, but you can find how to resist Amazon and why on Amazon? :-)
According to the reviews, it seems to be a knock-off version
ThAt book is a great example of why Amazon sucks - they don't like the book, therefore YOU CAN'T BUY IT. That is incredibly dangerous. Also, get over your addiction to convenience. THAT is what gives Amazon its power. Real books are far better than those childish little toys. STOP GIVING YOUR POWER AWAY.
Yeah.... that whole "Licensing" thing is annoying and worrisome.
I've watched many of your videos over time and find them interesting and watching this one today did make me laugh. Forgive me for saying so, but it is fairly naive of you if you have only just realised Amazon negatively impacts small business and has had a transformative negative impact on the publishing industry. Like, what did you think was happening?! I'm glad you talked about it, but huh, man - look around you!
Thanks for watching! Using Amazon has become second nature to me (and millions of others if I had to guess). I definitely knew there was some impact, but I didn’t know all the specific details until I read the book How to Resist Amazon and Why.
Better late than never, I suppose. If anything, I hope that I’m the minority and that most people are more informed about this topic than I am. That would be amazing!
Amazon does actually sell this book lol
The reviews say it's not the real version 🤷♂️
buying ebooks from a store eh, you mean go into the shop get the ebook the pay then give the stranger my email address? that would not be me.
Yeah, but you could use something like iCloud Hide my Email or just make another email address for buying books? This seems like a easily rectifiable problem
@@mypradasatthecleanerss I have 300+ plb almost 400+ physcical books by now and alot of ebooks on my ipad I prefer my apple ipad, seen as im still living with my parents I have a good reaseon for thay, there both on kindle and my dad is only one with an amazon account, basically, plus I love useing my ipad because with vk and a certain website I can not name in public for all reasons lets just say people use it for all sort of reason its considered a shadow library but if you have a good VPN a good antivirus software and use it sensably and persavere with it and ignore the scames and pop ups it does, if you are out in public or in a hotel or something you can get into seriouse bothere from people and police, but the thing is if you use it with a private wifi allow nothing is secure thesdays your safe, lets just say that website im talking about you can download any files ebooks in any language or format your device can take, lets just say ebooks are good for traveling takeing on holiday, but the now i like physical type books nothing can beat that, well the now while iv still got my eye sight so if my eye sight gets any worse for any reason, or I get to the stage in life im in a slump an age thing some people have I can read comic, manga or stuff like that, then try and back on to ebooks and try diffrent genre, then the same with audiobooks all depending on health wise so the now is 100% physical books for me, sorry for the typs im just in a bit of a hurry right now.
Piracy is good for Knowledge of humanity
All Libby, all the time.