34 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
34 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What's The Best Way To Secure A PDF? (Stamping??)

by IMstudier
27 replies
This is a subject I haven't inquired into in some time and I'm wondering if there have been any innovations in this area lately.

I've had a quick look around and 'stamping' seems like a good idea. Basically, when someone purchases your PDF their name and email address (and possibly home address) are stamped onto the PDF to discourage sharing.

I also saw book guard pro which will secure a pdf (PDF Security - BookGuard Pro - Protect Your PDF's, eBooks & More) but I'm thinking this outputs the file as a .exe which may put people off (or would it?). Would this also mean that they couldn't put it on a handheld device to take with them portably?

Are any of you guys securing your PDF ebooks? Do you recommend any methods? Pro's and Con's etc.

Thanks for any suggestions.
#pdf #secure #stamping
  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    Turn it into a video product and ship it on DVD.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2019821].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author IMstudier
      @Superform. What do you use to stamp the PDF? Is it all automated?

      @Alexa. Thanks. Yes it seems to me that .exe is the only reliable way to make it happen. Would be good to know though if .exe files can be put onto say an iPhone (I doubt it). Another thing about.exe - is it all automated? I don't want to have to be there to activate codes and so on- that's what I like about PDF.

      @Micheal. Even with that solution the DVD can be uploaded and shared online. Though you would have a longer lag time between launch and piracy I think.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2019912].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Originally Posted by IMstudier View Post

        @Micheal. Even with that solution the DVD can be uploaded and shared online. Though you would have a longer lag time between launch and piracy I think.
        Its much more expensive but you can stream it in such a way with digital right management that they will neither have a copy besides watching it online and can't reproduce it. the bottom line is there really is nothing that stops piracy cold. You have to expect some of that for anything digital.
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2019936].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
        Originally Posted by IMstudier View Post

        @Superform. What do you use to stamp the PDF? Is it all automated?

        @Alexa. Thanks. Yes it seems to me that .exe is the only reliable way to make it happen. Would be good to know though if .exe files can be put onto say an iPhone (I doubt it). Another thing about.exe - is it all automated? I don't want to have to be there to activate codes and so on- that's what I like about PDF.

        @Micheal. Even with that solution the DVD can be uploaded and shared online. Though you would have a longer lag time between launch and piracy I think.

        But that person is fewer and further between, and hosting big video files present logistical issues (and cost).

        Not to mention the perception of value is much higher with end customers, so the price (and profit) potential is greater.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2019941].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author allenjohn
    Hi - Another option is to actively encourage rebranding of certain links within the e-book. This then creates the viral potential, if done well. Regards Allen
    Signature

    Make Money with Niche Blogs Auto Profit - Let us build YOUR auto blogging empire for you. BUY BACK GUARANTEE for Gold Orders! FAQ - NEW! - One Way Link Building Service

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2019932].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMstudier
    Good points on the DVDs guys.

    @Alexa. Yeah I've read about that product too. I'm considering it. Would be nice to hear from Christophe if he sees this. Only disadvantage I see with it is that you have to create in HTML.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2020031].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christophe Young
    Yes, I use Ebook Pro to deliver all my ebooks. It's really simple to use. Just write up your ebook in Word and transfer or compile it into Ebook Pro and it will be fully protected.

    You can link it up to Paypal and have your ebooks delivered (with unique usernames and passwords) to customers immediately after purchase. It's all on autopilot.

    There's a more detailed review in my Sig. Also Here.

    Looks like I'm becoming the official Ebook Pro shill. Well, if I use something and it works great and makes me money, why not?
    Signature
    Under Construction
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2020188].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author IMstudier
      Thanks for the reply Christophe.

      I didn't realize it could be automated with ebook pro, that's great. Would this also be the case for clickbank purchases?

      More importantly, is there still the opportunity to get the purchaser's name and email address onto my aweber account automatically (I think ebook pro promote mail loop?).

      Do you have many technical queries from customers...."I can't get it opened", "Can I get another copy"...that sort of thing.

      Sorry for all the questions. How about price? Book Guard Pro is only $17/month.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2020554].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christophe Young
    Yes, you could use Clickbank as well. Just put a username and password on the download page and protect it. Don't think you can send automatic emails using CB though as purchasers are directed to a dl page after purchase.

    Ebook Pro does store the customer's name and email after purchase but I believe you'd have to manually add them to your autoresponder of choice. I haven't used Mailloop so I couldn't comment on that. You could also put an opt in form on your DL page, but I haven't done that either.

    I've never had a customer complain about Ebook Pro, it's real user friendly. Occasionally you'll have someone who didn't get the email with download links but that's rare and usually their fault for not checking the right email address.

    Ebook Pro isn't cheap but it's a one time purchase, no monthly charges. Check out their sales page for more information.
    Signature
    Under Construction
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2021010].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author BigFredLim
      Originally Posted by Christophe Young View Post

      Yes, you could use Clickbank as well. Just put a username and password on the download page and protect it. Don't think you can send automatic emails using CB though as purchasers are directed to a dl page after purchase.

      Ebook Pro does store the customer's name and email after purchase but I believe you'd have to manually add them to your autoresponder of choice. I haven't used Mailloop so I couldn't comment on that. You could also put an opt in form on your DL page, but I haven't done that either.

      I've never had a customer complain about Ebook Pro, it's real user friendly. Occasionally you'll have someone who didn't get the email with download links but that's rare and usually their fault for not checking the right email address.

      Ebook Pro isn't cheap but it's a one time purchase, no monthly charges. Check out their sales page for more information.

      Hi Christophe

      Do you know if Ebook Pro is still available in the market? If not, do you have an alternative suggestion?

      Thank you.

      BigFred
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3257681].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMstudier
    Thanks for your help Christophe.
    If I do purchase it I'll use your aff link.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2021045].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author stanislavlem
    I use Adobe Acrobat X Pro to convert my files from .doc to .pdf.

    And then in this program (after converting) just add some restrictions (not allowed copying etc). So a person can only print the pdf and couldn't copy materials.

    And when you open such PDFs there is a "SECURED" in the top!

    Hope it helps
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3257748].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Never use a "exe" file to protect your PDF, because that cuts off all your mac customers, and your linux customers. I've seen some serious problems from people doing that.

    Caleb
    Signature

    Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3665649].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Caleb Spilchen View Post

      Never use a "exe" file to protect your PDF, because that cuts off all your mac customers
      This isn't quite right, Caleb. The software called "e-book pro", which was being discussed in this thread, had both PC and Mac versions available (without the Mac users needing to run "Parallels" to emulate Windows).

      I think the idea that all .exe-file e-books are entirely unsuitable for all Mac users is one of those urban myths of internet marketing. I suspect it tends to be promulgated a bit by people who don't like .exe-files and wouldn't ever buy one themselves. "Marketers", in other words - as opposed to "customers", who don't quite seem to share the problem at all.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3665750].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    I think the idea that all .exe-file e-books are entirely unsuitable for all Mac users is one of those urban myths of internet marketing. I suspect it tends to be promulgated a bit by people who don't like .exe-files and wouldn't ever buy one themselves. "Marketers", in other words - as opposed to "customers", who don't quite seem to share the problem at all.
    Alexa,

    That just comes from the number of customer complaints I got when I sent out Windows Software

    Caleb
    Signature

    Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3665758].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Britt Malka
    I'm a Mac-user, Alexa, and I don't know how to use an .exe file on my Mac without using Parallels, CrossOver or other programmes like that. Well, sometimes I can open it with FileJuicer and drag out the content, hehe, but besides that?

    Why do you think it's an urban myth?
    Signature
    *** Idea Factory ***
    9 Simple & Fun Ways to Come Up With Ideas for Non-Fiction Books

    >>> Click here to get immediate access <<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3665765].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Britt Malka View Post

      Why do you think it's an urban myth?
      Because as discussed above, "e-book-pro", the software which was being discussed in this thread, was a .exe-file e-book compiler which produced both Mac-ready and PC-ready versions of e-books, without Mac users needing to use Parallels, Cross-Over or equivalent software, to open and run them. And it wasn't the only one, either.

      I think it's become an "urban myth" because people have continually repeated something that wasn't actually quite true.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3665792].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Britt Malka
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Because as discussed above, "e-book-pro", the software which was being discussed in this thread, was a .exe-file e-book compiler which produced both Mac-ready and PC-ready versions of e-books, without Mac users needing to use Parallels, Cross-Over or equivalent software, to open and run them. And it wasn't the only one, either.

        I think it's become an "urban myth" because people have continually repeated something that wasn't actually quite true.
        I'm sorry, Alexa, but it is true. I've been using a Mac as my main computer for 3 1/2... 4 years? Don't remember it now, but I know that you cannot use an .exe file on a Mac. It's a Windows programme.

        About the e-book-pro software, I got an 404 error from the link above, but found the user manual online, and it says that the programme can produce a Windows version of the eBook as well as a Mac version. These are two different versions.

        On page 105 in this manual, it says:



        "After you have compiled your eBook, it will be saved in two formats: an .exe file (an "executable" program file) for Windows users, and a .zip file for Mac users."

        I would love to know what's inside the zip-file

        In general, I prefer to offer an affiliate programme with my eBooks instead of trying to protect them.
        Signature
        *** Idea Factory ***
        9 Simple & Fun Ways to Come Up With Ideas for Non-Fiction Books

        >>> Click here to get immediate access <<<
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3667763].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Paleochora
    I think the simplest thing is to make it 'rebrandable' and set it free to fly like a bird.:p

    I do recall seeing something offered for free in the war room, however, which protected pdfs, although maybe that is what has already been discussed.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3666367].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CAPTCHAbiz
    The easiest way to secure your PDF is ebooksguard.com
    Signature
    GOOGLE Pays to your PAYPAL?
    Get Paid Every 30 Days
    CLICK HERE >>

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3667773].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christophe Young
    About the e-book-pro software, I got an 404 error from the link above, but found the user manual online, and it says that the programme can produce a Windows version of the eBook as well as a Mac version. These are two different versions.

    On page 105 in this manual, it says:



    "After you have compiled your eBook, it will be saved in two formats: an .exe file (an "executable" program file) for Windows users, and a .zip file for Mac users."

    I would love to know what's inside the zip-file

    In general, I prefer to offer an affiliate programme with my eBooks instead of trying to protect them.
    You are correct in that Ebook Pro does produce TWO dl links after purchase. One is an EXE file for Windows users and the other a ZIP file for Mac users. I've been using Ebook Pro for years with minimal complaints and I recently received my very FIRST complaint from someone about the ebook being an EXE file.

    This guy was (not surprisingly) heavily involved in Internet Marketing and advised me not to sell EXE files as Ebooks. He then asked for a refund a few days later for reasons I still don't understand.

    That leaves hundreds of other satisfied customers who don't care what file format their ebook is, they JUST WANT IT!

    Please be advised that EBOOK PRO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE! Apparently IMC is going in other directions with ebook software.
    Signature
    Under Construction
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3669204].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PabloVTB
    What about WP PDF Stamper?

    I'm running into the same issue right now, still trying to decide
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4142201].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Pierre!
      Glad I stopped by and caught this thread.

      Just started releasing an eBook, and protection was top in my mind, but not higher than ease of use and readability.

      I am not aiming at Mac users with my first eBook, but it would be good to know in the future.

      I'll start looking up some of these resources presented! Sad to hear eBook Pro is done... it sounded pretty much like what I was looking for!

      At least the first eBook is free... future eBooks may be for $$$... depends on what I learn!

      I'll be watching with focused attention!!! Keep up the good work!

      Patrick
      Signature
      Internet Safety Tips - The Essentials
      Internet Safety Tips – “The Essentials” – Examples Of Attacks
      Check out this chapter, then sign up to download YOUR copy!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4142449].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author celente
    you can password it imho. That is the best and then email them the password.
    Signature
    Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4142978].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author coachinggeek
      Picking up on this older thread, because I'm getting ready to launch a PDF file for my users as an intro to my new membership program.....

      Stamping a PDF or sending out a password after doesn't keep it from being passed around, uploaded to torrents, etc. I have a friend whose book first launched as a PDF, locked down and password protected, and years later she is *still* hunting down and getting pirated copies removed.

      How much this happens really depends on the market, but this particular market has a big problem with that sort of thing, and many of her pirated copies were showing up on corporate websites, calling it 'theirs', and they didn't even bother to remove the copyright!

      I'm currently evaluating BookGuardPro for my product, and was wondering if anyone has any new stuff to add about their experiences with them......or knows of a new product that is good. I see EBook Pro is no longer in business...

      Thanks!!
      Signature

      Cordially,
      Vicky Rowe
      http://www.geekmycoaching.com
      Providing Coaching-oriented solutions online for powering up your practice and getting more clients.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7056136].message }}

Trending Topics