DRMless audiobook store from B&N—plus musings on DRM in regard to fiction vs. nonfiction

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By David Rothman

Will a new MP3 store launched  by Barnes & Noble and powered by OverDrive avoid DRMed books? That’s my impression. If so, great! Will we see B&N pushing the DRMless model for e-books? Maybe even with a new store? Fingers crossed.

Remember, Fictionwise, its recent acquisition, vastly prefers that publishers not use DRM—a sales toxin, since “protection” makes it more difficult to own e-books for use on a variety of devices.

Speaking of DRM, has anyone noticed what a high percentage of Fictionwise’s nonfiction is “protected”? Why? Do publishers spend more on individual nonfiction titles and thus feel more of an urge to DRM ‘em. Big mistake. Web sites’ quotes from nonfiction might be especially good for sale, and copy-and-paste within the bounds of fair use could help.

(B&N press release here, via Joanna Penn.)

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