If a composition record book contains an embarrassing error , publisher and author just grit their tooth until the next version comes out . If an ebook contain the same , publisher can just issue a fudge factor , right ? For Amazon , it ’s not that simple .
The matter-of-fact approach shot to mistake correction in ebooks would be to simply update the book . Amazon Kindles and B&N Nooks have constant access to the web , so sending out a minor patch just makes sense . It ’s how anything on-line works — issue an update , and notify readers or viewers that you ’ve done as much . And that ’s apparently what Amazon is hear , sort of . Here ’s the email Teleread ’s Paul Biba wasrecently sent , viaWSJ Digits :
An update version of An Enemy of the State is now available . It ’s of import to mention that when we send you the update version , you will drop off any highlights , your last page read , and bookmarks made in your current version and the location of any notes may not meet the updated written matter of the book .
Thanks , Amazon ! But here ’s the interesting part : so as to get the update , Biba was told he would need to email back , and explicitly sanction it . Amazon wo n’t reach into your Kindle and make that tidings transposition on your ebook ’s first page ; they wo n’t even prompt you to do it , like a shot . They ’ll ask you to ask for an updated copy .
The reason Amazon has to be so fainthearted about ebook update stems back to that aggregated - excision debacle from late last year , when Amazonremotely zappedcopies of 1984 without asking its users . For this , they were sued . Successfully ! And along with an $ 150,000 payout to the plaintiff , their colonisation includedthis language :
https://gizmodo.com/kid-who-sued-amazon-wins-kindle-now-safer-place-for-yo-5372522
Amazon will not remotely cancel or modify such Works from Devices purchased and being used in the United States unless ( a ) the substance abuser consents to such omission or adjustment ; ( b ) the exploiter requests a repayment for the Work or otherwise fails to give for the Work ( e.g. , if a credit or debit entry card issuer decline to remit defrayment ) ; ( c ) a judicial or regulative rescript requires such cut or change ; or ( d ) deletion or modification is reasonably necessary to protect the consumer or the mathematical operation of a equipment or internet through which the equipment communicates ( for instance , to remove harmful computer code plant within a written matter of a Work download to a gimmick ) .
I ’m sympathetic with the argument against Amazon remotely destroying volume client have paid for and download , but this seems like a spot much , no ? Another question : Is Amazon issuing update this indirectly because it want to be cautious , or because it ’d be difficult to go forth update to Kindle books straight off , and prompt the substance abuser on his equipment ? I mean , it seems easygoing enough .
Update : To clarify , I ’m take issue with just how cautious they seem to have been force to be . I would n’t want stealth updates , but a lineal , on - equipment update prompt — as with mobile and desktop software — would make more sentiency than a petition for an electronic mail reply , and seems to have been made more complicated in fear of a court orderliness .
[ TelereadviaWSJ Digits ]
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