8.26.2005

Not a Bad Idea

Some big libraries across the nation are now offering downloadable audio books. It's interesting: They are in a ".wma" format which is Windows version of an MP3 file. That format prevents the downloaded file from being transferred other than what a license file allows. (For example, a music file downloaded from music.msn.com allows it to only be burned to a CD three times and allows a transfer to a different computer only twice). This type of copyright protection prevents you from simply emailing the file to a friend (The friend will get it, but can't play it). And the library even makes you "return" the wma file in that the file simply refuses to play again after three weeks.