iBowdlerize

[robin_d_laws]

Comments

Drama Queen Much?

[anonymous]

So you publish to a PDF, or offer an alternative marketplace. Apple isn't even trying to control the contents of documents put on your iPad (I put my PURCHASED copies of a couple of XXXenophobia issues on mine), just limiting what gets sold in THEIR STORE.

I'm not thrilled with their limits on in-app purchases, but that's about the only place I think they're over-reaching. They certainly haven't limited what you can get to via Safari.

[varianor]

To say nothing of what's available as viewable, barely rated content in a video that one can download. This is a thinly-veiled attempt to constrict content to match up with higher profit, it would seem, as well as to appeal to concerned mothers everywhere. (Who apparently have no idea that teens these days have seen far more explicit material than their mothers did at the same age. Which I personally find disappointing, but that's a separate discussion.) Well said. Parental controls are fairly simple.

Hm. One wonders if the device should have a means of tracking everything done to it for the parents of the smart hacker's benefit. Eh, the bright kids will probably beat that too!

I’m not seeing it.

[r_fisher]

Isn’t that what Apple is doing? It gives parents the ability to restrict web/app use. It allows other e-book apps and sellers on its devices. It provides age-based ratings for apps that tie to the parental controls. Adults can get whatever content onto their Apple devices, and parents have some controls to try to help limit what content their kids can get to.

As a Mac, iPhone, and iPad owner, I have my share of complaints with Apple, but this isn’t among them.

[lordjobe]

Apple = Big Brother and Steve Jobs doesn't view this as a Bad Thing(tm)?
Sad really.

He gives us "freedom from porn" because, as mere sheep, we're too stupid to think for ourselves and take responsibility for what we view. Parents need to get off their collective asses and be parents. Don't let Big Brother Jobs do it for you.

I do find it cute that Kick-Ass got a pass because it's a Marvel book, but Jesus Hates Zombies was canned because it's offensive. Good thing I never underestimate the power of Human Stupidity and Hypocrisy.

Hyperbole

[mysticalforest]

I just a couple days ago I finished reviewing every ereader for the iPad I could find (which interested parties may read here) and over the course of doing that I discovered that there are many ways to get content onto my iPad.

Apple's censorship of apps is neither here nor there and has no practical impact on the content I receive.

I wrote in the aforelinked review:The iPad is the preeminent reader for books-no other device is as comprehensive in its coverage of available formats.
...and I stand by that

Re: Hyperbole

[robin_d_laws]

The fact that Apple's content restriction efforts can be easily circumvented and are thus entirely symbolic is all the more reason for it to ensure that it's sending the right symbolic message -- that booksellers fight for freedom of expression, not against it.

Re: Hyperbole

[mysticalforest]

I don't follow, I must admit. The degree of its meaninglessness equates to its urgency?

Re: Hyperbole

[robin_d_laws]

If you believe that symbolic actions are inherently meaningless, I'm not sure how to get us on the same page.