Time is what keeps everything from happening at once - Karamazov Brothers
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J K Rowling unveils Pottermore and DRM-free Harry Potter ebooks
CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR J K Rowling has launched the Pottermore online reading experience, which will invite fans online, and will sell DRM-free ebooks of the series for the first time.
The project, which is a collaboration with Sony, involves bringing the Harry Potter books online, telling the story through a web site and exclusively selling the ebook and audiobook versions in multiple languages.
What makes Pottermore so interesting is that the ebooks will not feature digital restrictions management (DRM), copyright protection designed to prevent media content from being illegally distributed on filesharing networks.
This is a significant move, as it means that the ebooks can be used on any device, from Amazon's Kindle to Apple's Ipad, both of which lock their own ebooks to their respective platforms. This open approach will be welcomed by many who find DRM technology invasive and obstructive, and it might set a precedent for other authors and publishers considering entering the digital world.
To cope with the possibility of so-called 'piracy' the ebooks will feature a digital watermark that will identify who purchased the book. This will allow authorities to track down who shared an ebook with the rest of the world, and those users could be faced with lawsuits for copyright infringement.
The website will be launched in October, with registrations being accepted from 31 July, the birthday of Harry. A lucky number of applicants will also gain early access.
The interactive storyline of the first book will be available on the web site at launch, with the second book available in 2012. All seven books will be available in both ebook and audiobook formats immediately following the October launch.
Fans will also be treated to additional stories and information from the Harry Potter world, which Rowling says she has been hoarding for years. Thousands of words of new material will be made available on the web site.
There will also be some elements of the books in an interactive format, such as the Sorting Hat and a Wand Chooser.
Rowling retained the digital rights to her books, worth an estimated £100m, for years, and she was wise to do so, as the ebook market looks set to boom. Earlier this month Amazon reported that it now sells more ebooks than print books, 105 to 100 respectively, but Rowling's decision to go it alone instead of getting a publisher to make the ebook versions will ensure that she will get a much larger slice of the pie.
Pottermore created intense speculation across the internet when the teaser web site launched last week. Some believed it stood for Potter Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Experience, with rumours suggesting that online games developer Turbine, which created the Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online games, might be creating a Harry Potter MMO. Gamers might be disappointed at today's announcement, but readers will be thrilled at the opportunity to find out more about the Harry Potter world.
"I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation," said Rowling. "I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment - Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site." µ
Tags: Internet
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I wonder how much effort it would take to remove those watermarks.
If it's doable someone will do it.
I'd like to welcome J.K to the wonderful world of 'The Indie authors'.
As most of the best books at the moment are 'Indies' she'll be in good company with her H.P. books.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]
Guess i won't be able to get it from library. That stinks.After all she does need every penny.
Remains the best
Remains the best
an irony is that Harry Potter is what got me started reading e-books. I was laying in bed reading the third book in hardcover, and my arms were aching from the weight. I jumped up, got on the Internet, and ten minutes later was reading a copy I "found" online on my Palm Pilot, much more comfortably.
Since then, I have only read paper books when there was no e-book available.
As a published author of mystery novels, I'm glad the J.K. is finally making this move to digital, because I think that the Harry Potter franchise becoming available online will be the singular event that will be credited with bringing ebooks into the mainstream for an entire new generation.
However, as for her statement about "wanting to give something back" to her loyal readers, I think it would be nicer if Ms. Rowling would also consider dedicating some small portion of the millions she receives from the ebook sales to worthwhile organizations like children's hospitals around the country.
Gene G. - www.LegalMystery.com
And naturally as soon as Ms Rowling's solicitors see the police theft report, they will be most understanding and drop the case. Because solicitors are honest, are'nt they? And Ms Rowling is'nt greedy, is she?.
My advice: borrow the paper version of the book. Much safer.
Its good to see that Ms Rowling has retained the digital rights to her online works. The poor thing needs every penny she can get. Just how people are able to live in such poverty amazes me. Hope I never get down to my last 100 million.
"So,
Someone breaks into your house and steals your laptop. They take your Potter ebooks from your laptop and post them online for others to pirate. Since the watermarks identify you as the "owner" of the pirated copies, will you have to spend a fair amount of time and money to defend yourself if the authorities come after you?"
Of course if someone broke into your house you would have reported it to the authorities and by doing so have more then a reasonable doubt of your participation in the piracy.
You present a very poor argument slap.
No, because you'd have the police report from the laptop theft.
I STILL HAVENT READ THE FIRST HAIRY POTTER BOOK. NOR HAVE I PAID THE LATE FINES EITHER, SIGH.
Press release?
BAEN Books have been selling DRM Free books for years.
So,
Someone breaks into your house and steals your laptop. They take your Potter ebooks from your laptop and post them online for others to pirate. Since the watermarks identify you as the "owner" of the pirated copies, will you have to spend a fair amount of time and money to defend yourself if the authorities come after you?