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Chris Pirillo, the master Gnome at LockerGnome, publishes e-book tutorials on topics ranging from Linux to publicity for small businesspeople. And right now he’s looking for new writers. But don’t expect your work to appear with Digital Rights Management. An FAQ tells why:

We take the “WinZip” approach to marketing. The company has done virtually nothing to curb the rampant piracy of their software. Do they lose money? Yeah, sure–but they’ve got the top position as far as Windows compression software is concerned. When someone thinks “ZIP file,” they think of WinZip. And yes, registrations are healthy enough for them not to worry about those who cheat the system…

Even if someone pirates a GnomeTome, they’re going to find a URL splashed all over it. Some people think five dollars is too much. Will they look to see what else we have available? Hopefully. Will they subscribe to our free newsletters? Possibly. Now, if you have other irons in the fire, think about how a GnomeTome could help increase the chances of someone discovering them. It’s branding, though the thieves don’t realize it. When you’re hot enough to steal, you’re hot.

Via an email to me, Chris adds:

The larger the corporation, the more they believe control is essential for success. While I agree that certain parameters should be in place, people have to be realistic. How much did it cost me to produce the content? It’s still worth a set amount, but there are less fixed costs to contend with electronic distribution. Is it worth my time to pursue people who can’t afford to spend $10 on a title? Hardly.

The last thing I want to do is offend my paying audience.

A lesson for major book publishers–and music and movie tycoons, too?

 
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