Reader question: Why is DRM evil?

"But you can't make a perfect digital copy of that book and give it to a friend. This is a gaping hole in your analogy." Not really. I mean, there are several circumstances under the current DRM scheme where I am encouraged to make multiple digital copies of "that book" (i.e., the song file): a copy on my iPod, a copy burned to a CD, and a copy as a backup somewhere. These acts of making a perfect duplicate are supported by DRM. So why can't I make a copy for a friend to check out, and just to keep everything legal in an old school sense, while my friend is borrowing that song just uncheck that song from being actively played in my playlist. That would seem to be properly analogous to lending a friend a book.

I believe in fair use, and I also believe all locks do is keep honest people honest, but there are some distinctions to note: "I can buy a book. Then I can read the book and either lend it to a friend, donate it to the library, or sell it without breaking any laws." But you can't make a perfect digital copy of that book and give it to a friend. This is a gaping hole in your analogy.

>> My other problem with DRM is that it interferes with fair use ideas that have been in place for a while.>> Fair use isn't an "idea." It's the law.

yes, drm systems are evil. there are a number of reasons for this, most of which are summarized and discussed on the following two pages: http://junk.haughey.com/doctorow-drm-ms.html http://www.toad.com/gnu/whatswrong.html the verym very short version is that drm can only do little (to nothing) to restrict intentional misuse, but it hampers all possible forms of legal use. also, all technical systems can only enforce strict rules while we all live in a world where rules are flexible and subject to interpretation (have you ever ignored a "don't walk" at night?). drm _is_ evil.

This may sound a tad harsh: cry me a river. When you got suckered out of your money by Apple you agreed to their TOS. Haven't read them myself, but I'll bet you my nice, shiny CD collection that somewhere in there Apple reserves the right to change the DRM. Oh, it won't say so specifically. It'll be couched in nice, mind-twisting legalese so you can't recognise it at a glance, but it's there. I feel your pain. I really do. I hope you've learned your lesson and have stopped rewarding Apple for abusing you.

DRM = ownership = control = money = profit.