[SamBam]

> But, if the same work _is_ available in another format then I think it would be reasonable to expect the seller to provide it (it costs them bandwidth, nothing else over what they're already spending).

Sure, but it's worth something to you.

I just downloaded a productivity app. The free version is great, so I don't think I need to upgrade, but I noticed that the paid version includes a Pomodoro timer. Would it cost anything for the company to turn on that feature for me? No, of course not. It's clearly just an attempted to make more money. But an attempt to make more money is exactly what they have a right to do. That's why they're in the business.

[pbhjpbhj]

I see where you're coming from, but format-shifting is different, a different class of product to a locked extension of digital good.

The only inhibition to me making or acquiring a copy of a book in my preferred format is copyright law, I already have a copy on paper; I can download or make a copy easily. That should be allowed as I have paid for a licence to the work (and I think is allowed under Fair Use in USA). As the copyright holder already has a digital copy the restriction of it is silly -- for the demos, who supposedly give the rights in copyright, the benefit lies in making that copy of the work available rather than forcing the extra work of having someone scan it and upload it and make it available. This later route also enables copyright infringement far more readily than the former does.