Re: Logical consequences of Kindle ecosystem

>     Posted by: "Peggy Tibbetts" [email protected] tibbetts01
>     Date: Mon Apr 20, 2009 2:16 pm ((PDT))
>
> At Amazon purchasing content and managing your kindle are two
> completely separate functions. And yes you can download just about
> anything to your kindle FROM YOUR OWN PC. So let's say you buy an
> ebook at Fictionwise, then you download it to your PC, then you send
> it to your kindle.

Just like the Rocket/GemStar system.

>>  I assume that if your Kindle
>> breaks, or if you just feel like getting a newer model, that you
>> can't just put your older DRM-protected books on the new device all
>> by yourself.
>
> Again, yes you can. I just go to Amazon, then "your account", then
> login, then "manage your kindle",

That's my point. That's NOT "all by yourself." You are relying on  
Amazon, just as I rely on GemStar and its servers. Which no longer  
exist.

> I would suggest that before "your relationship with Amazon breaks
> down" one should take the time to download everything purchased from
> Amazon to one's own PC.

Everything I bought from GemStar IS indeed downloaded to my local  
computer. But.

1) The GemStar software needed to download the content from my Mac to  
my Rocket eBook is not being maintained, because GemStar is gone. It  
has never been updated to run under Mac OS X. Current Macs cannot run  
software for earlier operating systems than Mac OS X. See the problem?

2) The GemStar servers, which I require in order to reauthorize them  
to run on any device except the specific one I own, no longer exist.

3) But it doesn't matter, since new devices that are compatible with  
GemStar format don't exist either.

Companies are never anxious to point out ways in which they've locked  
you in, and are always blandly assuring about "you can always." Where  
"always" means "as long as we stay in business. And as long as we  
still like you. And as long as you've picked a popular product line  
that some VP isn't going to cancel for business reasons."

Just ask anyone who's tried to replace a broken china plate that they  
were told was "open stock."



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