Controlling PDF Accessibility
Filip Luszczyk:
As Ron points out, the reasons I ramblingly outline above are not really open for discussion - not in this thread, at least. I'm fully aware this is not a particularly common approach, but I know where I'm heading with this and so far it proves fruitful.
Paul,
Thanks, I'll take a closer look at the options they offer. I wasn't aware the sevice was open for individual authors interested in uploading their content. Seems like this solution might be worth serious consideration. I like it how you can't easily copy or print the document, but can still search it.
Now, I recognize the value of having some preview material available publically. If it was possible to set full access permissions for specific users, that would be just perfect for my purposes.
Raven,
Well, I generally don't come to internet forums with easy problems :) I started this thread specifically because I'm aware experts have worked out some solutions throughout all those years of their struggle, but I'm only very vaguely aware about the specifics. I wouldn't be all that surprised if it was a no solution issue, actually. If that turns out to be the case, I'll have to revise my strategy, I guess.
However, I think the impression of my need for total control might be blurring the issue. The control does not need to be total - it only needs to be total enough :)
First, it makes little sense trying to prevent overt and intentional piracy attempts. That was already discussed to death in various threads, there's no way around that. So, no real point to worry about that. I think I already have some basic anti-piracy measures in place: specifically, it's not possible to access the site without being invited or having one's request approved, and it's not possible to stay for long without getting actively involved in the community and meeting others via VoIP. For those requesting membership, there are questions to answer that filter out obviously inappropriate people. This is by no means foolproof, but if the person was active on the internet, I'm usually able to assess things quickly, identifying potentially problematic behaviors or associations. Otherwise, the first few days are telling, and a new user plain won't stay for more than a few weeks without joining any games. From that point on, we're no longer interacting solely on the "abstract cyberspace entities" level, and I don't think people tend to pirate buddies. And even if that happens, at the very least I'd know precisely who to cut of from any future content. I don't think much more could be done in this regard.
It's more about "accidental" spreading of the site's exclusive content due to ignorance, carelessness and, especially, fanboy attitude, but not necessarily ill will. Here are some more specific examples of what I'd rather prevent:
* People who are genuinely interested in seeing my games for one reason or another, but not interested in actually playing them, retaining a copy for reference purposes after a visit, and perhaps spreading it as a seemingly free content.
* 18-20 years old newcomers who just totally, totally have to take the content outside and show it to their friends from other communities, because they totally, totally have to see this or that and otherwise won't, because they won't register, because we eat babies.
* Mistakingly approving an account for somebody who suffers serious reading comprehension and/or communication problems and consequently, turns out completely unpredictable.
* Completely illogical behavior, like that guy sharing a publically available Vassal module on Rapidshare, even though he had to link his players to Vassal site anyway so that they could install Vassal Engine in the first place. (Someday, rolling my eyes too much is bound to start causing severe pain.)
That sort of stuff.
Overall, what I want is a bit like putting foam protectors on every hard edge or corner to prevent accidental damage to young children. I already have some foam here and there in my place, but there are still some big sharp corners that stand out. So, I feel I could use some more foam - but not necessarily to the point of having the house built entirely out of it :)
Mike,
Watermarks don't appeal to me. There's something about them that makes me feel uncomfortable about that solution, but I can't even articulate it well...
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What kind of content are we talking about here, anyway? Do they really need it just to be in your game?
Game manuals, settings, support material, in wildly varying states of completion. Players in my game need access to the content to be in my game. The same applies to my friend's players, should I not participate in their game. Potential players need some access to the content before they decide which game to join. Assuming I'll have print copies to distribute, providing their owners and their players with some access to the digital version seems sensible as well. Also, sometimes, for reasons, I might actually want to share the content with individuals who don't and won't participate in our games.
Mike Sugarbaker:
One problem with watermarks is they really only tell you who to blame after something goes wrong. So yeah.
greyorm:
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However, I think the impression of my need for total control might be blurring the issue. The control does not need to be total - it only needs to be total enough :)
I was trying to say that, and failed. But, yes, that's pretty much what I'm looking into, something that will meet enough of your primary needs to be a viable solution -- basically, hat even if possible to still make a copy, something that will keep the majority of users from doing so.
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