[ChristopherTD]

Today when I went to activate MS Reader after a planned hard reset I noticed that another tweak has been made to activation (see extract below).

I was able to reactivate without hassle and read previously downloaded titles, so hopefully it won't be a big deal.


September 30, 2003: Today we are announcing the rollout of a Microsoft Reader security update. This system-wide update is the next step in our continual effort to create the best possible technology to support eBook customers, copyright holders and our business partners. The “trigger” for the update is the purchase and/or downloading of a digitally protected Owner Exclusive Microsoft Reader eBook title. When you purchase a new title, or re-download a previously purchased title after September 26th, you will be prompted to update your system. The update consists of a simple step: the re-activation of your reading system(s).

[ChristopherTD]

Today when I went to activate MS Reader after a planned hard reset I noticed that another tweak has been made to activation (see extract below).

I was able to reactivate without hassle and read previously downloaded titles, so hopefully it won't be a big deal.


September 30, 2003: Today we are announcing the rollout of a Microsoft Reader security update. This system-wide update is the next step in our continual effort to create the best possible technology to support eBook customers, copyright holders and our business partners. The “trigger” for the update is the purchase and/or downloading of a digitally protected Owner Exclusive Microsoft Reader eBook title. When you purchase a new title, or re-download a previously purchased title after September 26th, you will be prompted to update your system. The update consists of a simple step: the re-activation of your reading system(s).

[dh]

The big deal is that Convert Lit can't be used after reactivating MS Reader. Hopefully a new version will not be too far away.

[ChristopherTD]

Originally Posted by dh

The big deal is that Convert Lit can't be used after reactivating MS Reader. Hopefully a new version will not be too far away.

Of Reader? Or ConvertLit?

[davidspalding]

Both. Every month, MS will update Reader, requiring the whole, painful, annoying process for people who use desktops and PDAs, and the anonymous author will no doubt show MS as the nimrods they are by releasing Convert LIT 1.4a. 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8,.... :|

</sarcasm>

Y'know that really ironic language that MS uses ("our valued customers," "appreciate your continued support of Reader") just makes me chuckle. I imagine that serious ebook readers are losing patience and chucking Reader in droves. There are better programs out there, and you're not being forced to prove your honesty through willingness to update/install software on a quarterly basis. :evil:

[PetiteFlower]

So they changed the architecture of the .lit files themselves so they can't be converted?

I understand wanting to prevent piracy. Really I do. But it seems to me that the VAST majority of people who are usinc C-Lit are people who legitimately obtained their books but don't want to have to have, for example, the newest version of Reader taking up 2 megs of RAM when there's already a perfectly good and working version of the program in ROM. I tell you now that while I may download more free books in .lit format, I will convert them to unprotected status(why do they need such stringent protection when they're free anyway??), and I will NEVER EVER buy an ebook in .lit format until they come up with some other, better, less intrusive way of protecting their copyrights. Sorry MS, you suck, Palm Reader gets my money.

[dh]

Originally Posted by PetiteFlower

So they changed the architecture of the .lit files themselves so they can't be converted?

I understand wanting to prevent piracy. Really I do. But it seems to me that the VAST majority of people who are usinc C-Lit are people who legitimately obtained their books but don't want to have to have, for example, the newest version of Reader taking up 2 megs of RAM when there's already a perfectly good and working version of the program in ROM. I tell you now that while I may download more free books in .lit format, I will convert them to unprotected status(why do they need such stringent protection when they're free anyway??), and I will NEVER EVER buy an ebook in .lit format until they come up with some other, better, less intrusive way of protecting their copyrights. Sorry MS, you suck, Palm Reader gets my money.

It seems that the "Dan Jackson" guy is aware of the problem and is working on it. I also will not buy another .lit book. I convert the ones I buy to Mobipocket format anyway, so will just get protected MP books until Convert Lit is updated.

[davidspalding]

i was frankly disappointed with a secure Mobipocket title (THE YEARS OF RICE AND SALT) that I bought, when a secure .lit version was offered. the Mobipocket version has very small, low resolution images of maps that just cannot be read. i kinda wish I'd bought the .LIT version, broken it down (presuming the images were higher resolution), and made my own .PRC.

i'm with you guys 100%. using a Pocket PC 2000 unit, i have no choice but to crack the titles, even if i wanted to use Reader 1.0 (blech).

[DanJacksonSoftware]

Convert LIT users, as of October 1st, 2003, should upgrade their Convert LIT software to version 1.5 in order to retain compatibility with newly purchased Microsoft Reader format eBooks. To update Convert LIT, please go to the Dan Jackson Software website*** and download the program from there, or if you are unable to access it from the website please email us at***. We recognize that this update is an inconvenience and appreciate your continued support for Convert LIT.

; End serious release notes, begin immature blather
Someone would like to add that:
This release is dedicated to the ever delightful Emma Watson, whose eyes are supremely magical.
Someone Else would like to note:
Dear Microsoft,
If you good folk happen to be reading this, we'd like to say that while we're doing just chipper on our own, if you could send us non-sensitive memos regarding us, we would find them highly amusing. We promise to keep them to ourselves, though they would be a great thing to show our kids someday.
And finally, our dolphin would like to add:
Eeep eeeeeeep eep eeeppee eeep! (Which translated means, "The fish tasted funny this time, and I'm bored now. Got anything else to do?")
So long!

*** Edited by moderator SJC 10/01/03 21:54 EDT

[davidspalding]

ROFLMAO. Dan, I really appreciate the dry wit in that release note. Let the wild rumpus begin....
______

BTW, you should know better than posting a link.... 6 words for you: 2600 lawsuit, 2600 lawsuit, 2600 lawsuit. ;)

Ta....

[PetiteFlower]

I would not have thought that posting the links for that software wouldn't be allowed. I guess I should have, but I thought it was somehow different.