[cratermoon]

I saw this book mentioned on twitter, the author(s) were hyping it. I'd love to buy the ebook but I don't want to have to register or accept any TOS, I just want to give money and download the epub format. Everywhere I've looked requires creating an account. I see it's available on Amazon but... well, I don't want Kindle format and also would prefer almost any other seller.

[RNCTX]

> I see it's available on Amazon but... well, I don't want Kindle format...

It's trivial to de-drm and convert a lot of ebooks.

You need Calibre (free/open source, gui [1]), its DeDrm plugin (free/open source, gui [2]), and its KindleUnpack plugin (free/open source, gui [3]). There's a guide [4], but the toolchain is all point/click, not a hassle at all to use.

> The DeDRM plugin handles books that use Amazon DRM, Adobe Digital Editions DRM (version 1), Barnes & Noble DRM, and some historical formats. The Obok plugin handles Kobo DRM.

For kindle books, it'll be less hassle over time if you install the Kindle app on your not-phone, not-tablet and just never update it. It'll just be a matter of import click + browse to the Kindle app's data folder and pick the most recent item after you buy one to instantly de-drm it and convert it to Epub. Amazon doesn't force upgrades of the app presently, and newer DRM schemes won't be pushed to you if your version doesn't support them.

1. https://calibre-ebook.com

2. https://github.com/apprenticeharper/DeDRM_tools/releases

3. https://github.com/dougmassay/kindleunpack-calibre-plugin/re...

4. https://www.epubor.com/free-kindle-drm-removal-calibre-plugi...

All of this is very well maintained and very well presented by the calibre community. Converting an Amazon format to Epub loses nothing in terms of functionality or aesthetics, the resulting Epubs in iBooks look identical to the drm versions on Kindle, and iBooks syncs notes/highlights across devices in non-drm Epubs just like Kindle does with its book formats (sans the public sharing of notes/highlights of course). The ability to embed your own metadata once the drm is gone is a nice plus as well.

[cratermoon]

I'm aware of all that and have been using Calibre for some time. That's not the solution I want to deal with. I would prefer to encourage authors and publishers to reduce friction for their potential readers and make their work available through less predatory means. Even though you and I may have the knowledge and ability to work through that friction, other people may not.

[macintux]

I've been quite happy to see Apple Pay spreading online, in part for that reason.

[cratermoon]

Apply Pay just shifts the registration and need to agree to a TOS to another party. Whatever happened to just "here's some cash money"? I've already got a bank account and credit cards, they already have my business. Just let me use them to buy your product.

[pantulis]

The trick with Apple Pay is that supposedly you have already accepted Apple's TOS and they already have your cards so you do not need additional registrations.

In Apple's grand, glorified vision that should be the only one you need.

[cratermoon]

How, exactly, is it that I've already accepted Apple's TOS? When did that happen? Why do they already have my cards?

[pantulis]

Because to use Apple Pay you also need to have your cards in your Apple Wallet. Cant remember exactly the onboarding process for this but I guess there are a few checkboxes to check.

[cratermoon]

I don't have Apple Wallet. How did Apple get my cards an info?