The quality of the electronic publishing: compatibility

There are some aspects of technology that are accepted, even if outside the technology world they would not. One of these is the compatibility of what we consume.

If you buy a book in your favorite bookshop in Charing Cross you do not have to ask yourself if the paper is compatible with your eyes. If you buy and ebook in one of the online bookshop you HAVE to ask if your reader supports the format. What will happen if all the pages of the paperback you just bought were blank? What would you do if, trying to lend your book to a friend, it will refuse to open?

It is clear that we are not able to perceive the limitation of today’s electronic publishing.

I believe that standards are some of the most important values to keep in mind when we have to deal with the IT world. If I were to publish a book, I would not risk to lose part of my readers just because what I have written is not readable by them.

Unfortunately the use of the DRM imposes electronic versions with padlocks and witchcrafts that limit the publication. And do the digital right managements works? I have my doubts.

For Books Underground (Ink On Screen) I am thinking a DRM-free/open standards publications. The project has the aim to make new writers known to the world, enlarging the number of readers (or listener). Would the authors fear the lack of presumed security given by the DRMs?