Amazon to acquire Comixology!

[lorddunlow]

Amazon is known for putting competition out of business. I wonder who they are targeting now?

This is my worry.

[Chiclo]

Amazon is known for putting competition out of business. I wonder who they are targeting now?

This is my worry.

Perhaps Amazon should get in the country business and put an end to Canada?

[lorddunlow]

Amazon is known for putting competition out of business. I wonder who they are targeting now?

This is my worry.

Perhaps Amazon should get in the country business and put an end to Canada?

Do they have a suggestion box?

[MarkRoseHFX]

Amazon is known for putting competition out of business. I wonder who they are targeting now?

This is my worry.

Perhaps Amazon should get in the country business and put an end to Canada?

[GGSAE]

Amazon is known for putting competition out of business. I wonder who they are targeting now?

This is my worry.

Perhaps Amazon should get in the country business and put an end to Canada?

Canada wouldn't be cheap...you know, we're not saddled with debt like the US.

[bamaphilosopher]

Amazon is known for putting competition out of business. I wonder who they are targeting now?

This is my worry.

Perhaps Amazon should get in the country business and put an end to Canada?

Do they have a suggestion box?

Gee, lord, you've converted Chiclo to your anti-Canadian crusade?

I still am hesitant to go with Comixology...I'm afraid that I'll be stuck with having to use their app to read the comics I buy from them. But, maybe Amazon owning them will allay some of my fears and guarantee their longevity.

[ilzuccone]

i don't do digi comics because technology changes so quickly i don't believe i will be able to view the comics in 10-20 years.

[lorddunlow]

i don't do digi comics because technology changes so quickly i don't believe i will be able to view the comics in 10-20 years.

Definitely consider the Image DRM free comics. If a comic is in .cbz format then it is just a .zip file that has been renamed .cbz so that a comic reader program will recognize it as a comic file. The .zip itself is just a folder full of .jpegs (univerally read by any computer or device) with some metadata (like MP3 id3 tags) that give information about the comic.

This is one of the main reasons I refuse to buy from Comixology. Otherwise, I think they have a great service.

[bamaphilosopher]

i don't do digi comics because technology changes so quickly i don't believe i will be able to view the comics in 10-20 years.

Definitely consider the Image DRM free comics. If a comic is in .cbz format then it is just a .zip file that has been renamed .cbz so that a comic reader program will recognize it as a comic file. The .zip itself is just a folder full of .jpegs (univerally read by any computer or device) with some metadata (like MP3 id3 tags) that give information about the comic.

This is one of the main reasons I refuse to buy from Comixology. Otherwise, I think they have a great service.

Agreed! I was able to get all of VH1 downloaded as .cbz and .cbr files, and it's wonderful because I was able to put my pre-Unity and Unity issues that I love to read in mylar and never touch them again.

I'd love to get the new VEI issues from Comixology and do similarly, but if I can't read them on my cbr reader, then what's the point? I agree with ilzuccone that I'm afraid their technology will change, or they'll go under or something, and then what?

I'd also like to be able to read them while not online, like when I'm traveling. I assume that you have to go onto their website to use their app?

As long as it's that way, I'm afraid to go with Comixology.

[lorddunlow]

I'd also like to be able to read them while not online, like when I'm traveling. I assume that you have to go onto their website to use their app?

I'm pretty sure the proprietary file type is cached locally on whatever device you download them to. That's how the script that is used to crack them into .cbz files get the files. That script is the most impossible thing to find, though. It was on reddit for a few days and then *poof*.

I'd actually throw Comixology quite a bit of my money if I could find that script. Then I could pull the files off my device permanently into a format I prefer and read on my reader of choice.

I've never had such a hard time finding anything like that before.

[bamaphilosopher]

I'd also like to be able to read them while not online, like when I'm traveling. I assume that you have to go onto their website to use their app?

I'm pretty sure the proprietary file type is cached locally on whatever device you download them to. That's how the script that is used to crack them into .cbz files get the files. That script is the most impossible thing to find, though. It was on reddit for a few days and then *poof*.

I'd actually throw Comixology quite a bit of my money if I could find that script. Then I could pull the files off my device permanently into a format I prefer and read on my reader of choice.

I've never had such a hard time finding anything like that before.

Ah, okay, that might not be so bad then. I might try them out next month, see if I like it.

You just don't like the format they're in, then? (In addition to not being able to pull files from your device...)

[lorddunlow]

I'd also like to be able to read them while not online, like when I'm traveling. I assume that you have to go onto their website to use their app?

I'm pretty sure the proprietary file type is cached locally on whatever device you download them to. That's how the script that is used to crack them into .cbz files get the files. That script is the most impossible thing to find, though. It was on reddit for a few days and then *poof*.

I'd actually throw Comixology quite a bit of my money if I could find that script. Then I could pull the files off my device permanently into a format I prefer and read on my reader of choice.

I've never had such a hard time finding anything like that before.

Ah, okay, that might not be so bad then. I might try them out next month, see if I like it.

You just don't like the format they're in, then? (In addition to not being able to pull files from your device...)

I disagree with DRM when used on "purchased" goods. DRM is acceptable for a subscription service like Netflix or Spotify because then the likelihood of people just buying a one month subscription to download a library of media and then keeping the files while no longer paying for the service is too great. Other than that, it is an anti-piracy measure that doesn't slow down the pirates at all, but inconveniences the legitimate customer. This idiotic fight has already played out in the music industry - why do we have to go through it again with games, video, comics, etc? The music industry is now completely DRM-free. Did piracy destroy that industry? Not at all. Pirates will always steal things, but they will always be the minority. Most pirates are hoarders and don't even consume the things they steal. That doesn't hurt anyone when you're talking digital media as those people would never have purchased it anyway, and it doesn't cost the creators/publishers anything if some guy has a copy sitting on a hard drive not being used.
The legitimate customers will be the majority, and they will pay for the product. There is no need to "protect" the files with DRM.

I hate Comixology's reader software. Organization is non-existent. I love using ComicRack as it is so customizable. I can't use it to read the Comixolology library with its DRM. That's annoying. Also, the revocable license is annoying. If Comixology wanted to do a subscription like the Marvel Unlimited service (or I suppose Bone-A-Fach-ee's upcoming service), then I might consider it, but I'm pretty attached to reading via ComicRack.

I'm a huge proponent of open flow of information between everyone. In the Linux/Android world, almost all software is distributed freely, but users donate to the developers whatever amount they see fit. It's a beautiful system. I love GNU licenses, Creative Commons, etc.

[kjjohanson]

I'd also like to be able to read them while not online, like when I'm traveling. I assume that you have to go onto their website to use their app?

I'm pretty sure the proprietary file type is cached locally on whatever device you download them to. That's how the script that is used to crack them into .cbz files get the files. That script is the most impossible thing to find, though. It was on reddit for a few days and then *poof*.

I'd actually throw Comixology quite a bit of my money if I could find that script. Then I could pull the files off my device permanently into a format I prefer and read on my reader of choice.

I've never had such a hard time finding anything like that before.

Ah, okay, that might not be so bad then. I might try them out next month, see if I like it.

You just don't like the format they're in, then? (In addition to not being able to pull files from your device...)

I disagree with DRM when used on "purchased" goods. DRM is acceptable for a subscription service like Netflix or Spotify because then the likelihood of people just buying a one month subscription to download a library of media and then keeping the files while no longer paying for the service is too great. Other than that, it is an anti-piracy measure that doesn't slow down the pirates at all, but inconveniences the legitimate customer. This idiotic fight has already played out in the music industry - why do we have to go through it again with games, video, comics, etc? The music industry is now completely DRM-free. Did piracy destroy that industry? Not at all. Pirates will always steal things, but they will always be the minority. Most pirates are hoarders and don't even consume the things they steal. That doesn't hurt anyone when you're talking digital media as those people would never have purchased it anyway, and it doesn't cost the creators/publishers anything if some guy has a copy sitting on a hard drive not being used.
The legitimate customers will be the majority, and they will pay for the product. There is no need to "protect" the files with DRM.

I hate Comixology's reader software. Organization is non-existent. I love using ComicRack as it is so customizable. I can't use it to read the Comixolology library with its DRM. That's annoying. Also, the revocable license is annoying. If Comixology wanted to do a subscription like the Marvel Unlimited service (or I suppose Bone-A-Fach-ee's upcoming service), then I might consider it, but I'm pretty attached to reading via ComicRack.

I'm a huge proponent of open flow of information between everyone. In the Linux/Android world, almost all software is distributed freely, but users donate to the developers whatever amount they see fit. It's a beautiful system. I love GNU licenses, Creative Commons, etc.

You'll like this tweet today from science fiction author John Scalzi:

https://twitter.com/scalzi/status/456244094579519488" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bamaphilosopher]

I disagree with DRM when used on "purchased" goods. DRM is acceptable for a subscription service like Netflix or Spotify because then the likelihood of people just buying a one month subscription to download a library of media and then keeping the files while no longer paying for the service is too great. Other than that, it is an anti-piracy measure that doesn't slow down the pirates at all, but inconveniences the legitimate customer. This idiotic fight has already played out in the music industry - why do we have to go through it again with games, video, comics, etc? The music industry is now completely DRM-free. Did piracy destroy that industry? Not at all. Pirates will always steal things, but they will always be the minority. Most pirates are hoarders and don't even consume the things they steal. That doesn't hurt anyone when you're talking digital media as those people would never have purchased it anyway, and it doesn't cost the creators/publishers anything if some guy has a copy sitting on a hard drive not being used.
The legitimate customers will be the majority, and they will pay for the product. There is no need to "protect" the files with DRM.

I hate Comixology's reader software. Organization is non-existent. I love using ComicRack as it is so customizable. I can't use it to read the Comixolology library with its DRM. That's annoying. Also, the revocable license is annoying. If Comixology wanted to do a subscription like the Marvel Unlimited service (or I suppose Bone-A-Fach-ee's upcoming service), then I might consider it, but I'm pretty attached to reading via ComicRack.

I'm a huge proponent of open flow of information between everyone. In the Linux/Android world, almost all software is distributed freely, but users donate to the developers whatever amount they see fit. It's a beautiful system. I love GNU licenses, Creative Commons, etc.

Outstanding post! I didn't even know about a lot of the technology you mention. (I'm so far behind the times...sigh.)

[MarkRoseHFX]

I disagree with DRM when used on "purchased" goods. DRM is acceptable for a subscription service like Netflix or Spotify because then the likelihood of people just buying a one month subscription to download a library of media and then keeping the files while no longer paying for the service is too great. Other than that, it is an anti-piracy measure that doesn't slow down the pirates at all, but inconveniences the legitimate customer. This idiotic fight has already played out in the music industry - why do we have to go through it again with games, video, comics, etc? The music industry is now completely DRM-free. Did piracy destroy that industry? Not at all. Pirates will always steal things, but they will always be the minority. Most pirates are hoarders and don't even consume the things they steal. That doesn't hurt anyone when you're talking digital media as those people would never have purchased it anyway, and it doesn't cost the creators/publishers anything if some guy has a copy sitting on a hard drive not being used.
The legitimate customers will be the majority, and they will pay for the product. There is no need to "protect" the files with DRM.

I hate Comixology's reader software. Organization is non-existent. I love using ComicRack as it is so customizable. I can't use it to read the Comixolology library with its DRM. That's annoying. Also, the revocable license is annoying. If Comixology wanted to do a subscription like the Marvel Unlimited service (or I suppose Bone-A-Fach-ee's upcoming service), then I might consider it, but I'm pretty attached to reading via ComicRack.

I'm a huge proponent of open flow of information between everyone. In the Linux/Android world, almost all software is distributed freely, but users donate to the developers whatever amount they see fit. It's a beautiful system. I love GNU licenses, Creative Commons, etc.

I don't think i've ever agreed with you more dunlow

[kjjohanson]

I disagree with DRM when used on "purchased" goods. DRM is acceptable for a subscription service like Netflix or Spotify because then the likelihood of people just buying a one month subscription to download a library of media and then keeping the files while no longer paying for the service is too great. Other than that, it is an anti-piracy measure that doesn't slow down the pirates at all, but inconveniences the legitimate customer. This idiotic fight has already played out in the music industry - why do we have to go through it again with games, video, comics, etc? The music industry is now completely DRM-free. Did piracy destroy that industry? Not at all. Pirates will always steal things, but they will always be the minority. Most pirates are hoarders and don't even consume the things they steal. That doesn't hurt anyone when you're talking digital media as those people would never have purchased it anyway, and it doesn't cost the creators/publishers anything if some guy has a copy sitting on a hard drive not being used.
The legitimate customers will be the majority, and they will pay for the product. There is no need to "protect" the files with DRM.

I hate Comixology's reader software. Organization is non-existent. I love using ComicRack as it is so customizable. I can't use it to read the Comixolology library with its DRM. That's annoying. Also, the revocable license is annoying. If Comixology wanted to do a subscription like the Marvel Unlimited service (or I suppose Bone-A-Fach-ee's upcoming service), then I might consider it, but I'm pretty attached to reading via ComicRack.

I'm a huge proponent of open flow of information between everyone. In the Linux/Android world, almost all software is distributed freely, but users donate to the developers whatever amount they see fit. It's a beautiful system. I love GNU licenses, Creative Commons, etc.

I don't think i've ever agreed with you more dunlow

Oh *SQUEE*! There's some sort of unholy Canadian/Dunlow alliance forming

[MarkRoseHFX]

Oh *SQUEE*! There's some sort of unholy Canadian/Dunlow alliance forming

yeahhhh

no

[lorddunlow]

Oh *SQUEE*! There's some sort of unholy Canadian/Dunlow alliance forming

yeahhhh

no

What he said.

I do feel very passionately about this topic. I dreamed for years of digital media with the kind of ubiquitous access that is possible now. It infuriates me that the corporations put road blocks and shackles on my dreams becoming reality.

[bamaphilosopher]

Oh *SQUEE*! There's some sort of unholy Canadian/Dunlow alliance forming

[bamaphilosopher]

Oh *SQUEE*! There's some sort of unholy Canadian/Dunlow alliance forming

yeahhhh

no

What he said.

I do feel very passionately about this topic. I dreamed for years of digital media with the kind of ubiquitous access that is possible now. It infuriates me that the corporations put road blocks and shackles on my dreams becoming reality.

[Beware Cyclops]

[quote="kjjohanson]Oh *SQUEE*! There's some sort of unholy Canadian/Dunlow alliance forming[/quote]

It might have something to do with the blood moon. Weird things tend to happen.

[Paradigm38]

After Amazon controls Canuckology, maybe printers will exclusively use Canadian maple for all print media going forward... the land can then be terraformed into a giant Mother-Moose ship! (maple leaf tat on buttock totally optional).

[bygranddesign]

When I heard about this acquisition ... the first thing I thought about was perhaps this will be the first step towards a Netflix-type subscription model for online comics..

I buy comics from comixology but usually its for important issues that I want to have easy access to .. or because of Laziness or time reasons (I don't feel like or have time to drive to my LCS which is 1/2 hour away but I want to read Harbinger now)

I would buy a lot more digital if the pricing was more reasonable - A physical copy, i can trade, sell or give away to someone else .. but a Digital version has less secondary value - so why should it be the same price?

I would love to see this type of model which I think would benefit Amazon, Publishers and the Consumer/Reader:

- Pay $15 a month for a standard subscription and get every digital back issue(3 months old) available from all the major publishers to read
- Pay $30 a month for a Premier subscription and get every digital issue NEW and old available to read
- You would be renting these comics through subscription - when you don't have the subscription anymore you can't read the comics anymore.
- You can also forgo the subscription and Buy the comics just like we currently do now .. But, IMO, Amazon should use their influence to negotiate cheaper prices and pass along some savings to the consumer. More 99 cent sales and 1$ dollar off cover price for new comics.

I think some would say that this will hurt retailers like Blockbuster was put out of business by Netflix/Redbox/Itunes - but I think it could have the opposite effect - expanding readership could increase the pool of collectors who want physical copies. I probably would do the $15 a month subscription (be able to read 3 month old back issues) and still buy new physical comics (and maybe even increase my pull list order if there is stuff I read online that I really liked)

[bamaphilosopher]

When I heard about this acquisition ... the first thing I thought about was perhaps this will be the first step towards a Netflix-type subscription model for online comics..

I buy comics from comixology but usually its for important issues that I want to have easy access to .. or because of Laziness or time reasons (I don't feel like or have time to drive to my LCS which is 1/2 hour away but I want to read Harbinger now)

I would buy a lot more digital if the pricing was more reasonable - A physical copy, i can trade, sell or give away to someone else .. but a Digital version has less secondary value - so why should it be the same price?

I would love to see this type of model which I think would benefit Amazon, Publishers and the Consumer/Reader:

- Pay $15 a month for a standard subscription and get every digital back issue(3 months old) available from all the major publishers to read
- Pay $30 a month for a Premier subscription and get every digital issue NEW and old available to read
- You would be renting these comics through subscription - when you don't have the subscription anymore you can't read the comics anymore.
- You can also forgo the subscription and Buy the comics just like we currently do now .. But, IMO, Amazon should use their influence to negotiate cheaper prices and pass along some savings to the consumer. More 99 cent sales and 1$ dollar off cover price for new comics.

I think some would say that this will hurt retailers like Blockbuster was put out of business by Netflix/Redbox/Itunes - but I think it could have the opposite effect - expanding readership could increase the pool of collectors who want physical copies. I probably would do the $15 a month subscription (be able to read 3 month old back issues) and still buy new physical comics (and maybe even increase my pull list order if there is stuff I read online that I really liked)

That's not a bad idea. Right now, I don't even pick up DC or Marvel. However, if they did some service like that, and I tried some things and liked them, I might go out and pick up physical copies. I think you are right that this could actually increase sales. Your point seems reasonable to me.

[lorddunlow]

So Ed (Paradise) already posted this, but I thought I'd share.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/04/26/ ... 5-voucher/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I knew it wouldn't be long before Amazon started cutting Apple (and Google) out of their cut of the pie (which I've always had a problem with anyway).

Anxiously awaiting what other changes occur.

I guess I'll go buy (or more correctly rent indefinitely) some comics for free with my $5! This would actually be my first ever purchase on Comixology.