Preventing your PDF from being stolen/shared

10 years ago

I have a sneaking suspicion that this issue is why many people have moved to video... it's more difficult to steal someone's video.

Have you thought about loading up your PDF with affiliate offers, so even if it gets passed around, you still profit?

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

New WSO - Fast Attack Funnel System

What Does It REALLY Cost To Build A List? ---- Beginners: How To Install Wordpress - Step by Step

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9285992].message }}

Steve B

10 years ago

Sherice,

Your question has come up before in this forum and typically the discussion turns to talk about "tradeoffs." If you employ lots of protection for your work, it usually means it's more difficult for your buyers to access their purchase. So there is a tradeoff to increased security.

Let's face it, anytime you sell an info product, there is a chance the content will be shared with others. Customers can print pdfs, they can do screen captures, they can even transcribe their copy and tweak it to appear as their own work. I don't think there is a way to ever totally protect your content if someone is driven to share it or resell it.

I think the best approach is to take "reasonable" measures to secure your pdf but still make it easy and convenient for your customers to access their purchase. Adopt the mindset that you are going to have a very small percentage of "leakage" and then don't lose sleep about it.

You can also be sure to add your own links within the pdf so that even if it does get shared, you might still get some added benefit from your material being distributed.

Steve

[ 4 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
SteveBrowneDirect

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286017].message }}

Aussie_Al

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve B

You can also be sure to add your own links within the pdf so that even if it does get shared, you might still get some added benefit from your material being distributed.

Steve

thats what I do - I had a video series a few years back and someone had ripped it and shared it on torrents - no matter what you do certain people will share it

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Punk Lyrics
A-1 Survival

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286873].message }}

Wack0 10 years ago

Originally Posted by Khadaji

I have a sneaking suspicion that this issue is why many people have moved to video... it's more difficult to steal someone's video.

Actually, it's not. With tools like youtube-dl and wget, downloading video is as easy as a PDF.

Please don't call it "stealing"... because if it was stolen, the original would be taken.

Regarding PDF protection, there's really nothing you can do. Not even DRM. If it can be seen, it can be copied. If they can't screenshot it they'd just load it up in a VM and take screenshots of the VM instead.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286878].message }}

RobinInTexas

10 years ago

There's nothing you can do to stop it except just sell lots to honest people and not worry about the pirates who wouldn't have bought anyway.

Password or any other protection is an exercise in futility as it can easily be worked around/cracked.

Thanks

Signature

Robin

...Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just set there.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286009].message }}

stoltingmediagroup

10 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

I know, short of password protection, that there's not much you can do to "lock up" your PDF and prevent it from being shared or stolen once someone has purchased it. Or is there?

To my knowledge there is no way to fully protect a PDF, or any file for that matter, from being shared, unless you consider using some of the DRM solutions that are currently available out there for PDF's.

You should however at least try to discourage the sharing of your file(s) by adding strong legal language inside of the PDF, and also be sure to offer some sort of reward to anyone who reports it to you when someone shares the file with them.

Last but not least, accept that your PDF will be shared, and therefore treat it similar to a free viral PDF by adding links back to your site(s), products, optin forms, affiliate links, etc. This way you might be able to make up for some of the losses, and you can still benefit from your PDF, even if its being shared for free.

Edit: just saw that Steve already mentioned something similar above.

I'm just curious if anyone here has had their WSO ripped off and shared on other, unmentionable sites, and if so, what did you do about it?

Yes, our products have been found on file sharing sites etc. Sending a stern letter seems to do the trick, however by the time a site takes down your file, tons of folks will already have redistributed it elsewhere. Trying to keep up with every single file sharing site online would be a full time job, and may not be a productive way to spend your time.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Arnold Stolting - Stolting Media Group
"I LOVE The Song! The Vibe Is Positive And Firm!" - Kymani Marley. (Son of Bob Marley).
"Very High Quality!" Jeremy Harding - Manager / Producer. Sean Paul.
"They Are FANTASTIC!" - Willie Crawford.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286020].message }}

ecoverartist

10 years ago

Originally Posted by stoltingmediagroup

You should however at least try to discourage the sharing of your file(s) by adding strong legal language inside of the PDF, and also be sure to offer some sort of reward to anyone who reports it to you when someone shares the file with them.

Any idea where I might find this type of legal warning? I'm not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, but I still want to make sure I'm within my rights to take reasonable steps to protect my work. Thanks!

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Sherice Jacob - Conversion Expert & Copywriter
BIG BRAND Copywriting WSO! 6+ Years Running!
101 Blog Writing Prompts for Your Business

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9289726].message }}

stoltingmediagroup

10 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

Any idea where I might find this type of legal warning? I'm not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, but I still want to make sure I'm within my rights to take reasonable steps to protect my work. Thanks!

Not a lawyer either, but you could start by looking online or inside some of your own books or eBooks that you may have purchased to get some ideas. There seem to be some standard text that is used across the board usually very similar to:

Copyright © 2014 by (Your Name).

This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved.

No part of this eBook may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of (Your name).

I've seen some authors go overboard and get pretty detailed by telling the reader exactly what is going to happen to them legally if they share the publication without permission, and it sounds pretty painful.

You don't want to beat up on your reader though, but you do want to make sure that at least they are aware that they will be breaking the law and or your terms if they share your eBook, and that you (your lawyers) will pursue them etc.

I found some more examples here:

Example collocations of form and any in a sentence

Thanks

Signature

Arnold Stolting - Stolting Media Group
"I LOVE The Song! The Vibe Is Positive And Firm!" - Kymani Marley. (Son of Bob Marley).
"Very High Quality!" Jeremy Harding - Manager / Producer. Sean Paul.
"They Are FANTASTIC!" - Willie Crawford.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9292022].message }}

gjabiz

10 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

I know, short of password protection, that there's not much you can do to "lock up" your PDF and prevent it from being shared or stolen once someone has purchased it. Or is there?

I'm just curious if anyone here has had their WSO ripped off and shared on other, unmentionable sites, and if so, what did you do about it? Was it worth contacting all the upload/sharing sites and filing a copyright/original author notice?

Many thanks in advance!
Sherice

Sherice, yes, yes and yes.

I've had dozens of PDF's ripped off, and some posted at those Black Hat sites, but here is what I do.

IN all of my work, I put an Easter Egg, in the form of a hidden bonus, something like, "as a thank you for your purchase, I want to give you this bonus...then explain what it is"...make it juicy and relevant to your content.

Don't make it a download, only send it via email, and I "customize it (a simple find and replace on the original text) which makes it nearly impossible to steal without revealing it was stolen.

When I get requests for this hidden bonus, I confirm if they are a buyer or not, and if not, give them an opportunity to BUY a legitimate copy...or get blacklisted and I DO share this blacklist with other marketers.

It isn't perfect, but it has helped a lot, and most of my work has some personal branding which makes it harder to steal.

BUT, you can't stop the thieves, only slow them down, if they really want it, there will always be a black hat guy who will sell it to them, so make your PDF so valuable, they will want to become customers or be forever on your sh*t list.

gjabiz

[ 5 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286031].message }}

Steven Wagenheim 10 years ago

I'm gonna keep this short (rare for me, I know)

Pick your battles. This is one you can't win. I learned this a long time ago. If you do your marketing correctly and put out a good product, you'll make more than your share of sales.

Don't waste energy on something that is a lost cause.
- [ 3 ] Thanks
Signature

My Soundcloud Music Channel
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286046].message }}

TiffLee

10 years ago

I've always felt that it is a matter not worth worrying over.

Yes, the BlackHat sites will steal your product -- no matter the level of protection you place on it.

But, in the end, these are the people who would have never bought your product in the first place. It kinda, sorta just evens out in the end.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286179].message }}

kindsvater

10 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

Was it worth contacting all the upload/sharing sites and filing a copyright/original author notice?

Yes. This usually results in a quick take down of the pdf.

.

Thanks

Signature

Use Elf Links to Stop Google's Affiliate Bans - Brian Kindsvater IM Help

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286426].message }}

garmahis

10 years ago

Except DMCA takedown notices there's not much you can do.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286809].message }}

Rod Cortez

10 years ago

Please don't call it "stealing"... because if it was stolen, the original would be taken.

That's just silly. You don't have to steal the original to have copyright or trademark infringement if something is protected by either of those laws / protections.

RoD

[ 3 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

"Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."

- Jim Rohn

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286893].message }}

IrisMKH

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Rod Cortez

That's just silly. You don't have to steal the original to have copyright or trademark infringement if something is protected by either of those laws / protections.

RoD

It's playing semantics to feel less guilty - I hear this quote constantly from friends who download music and games illegally.

Trying to defend themselves knowing they are doing something wrong...
I admit to having stuff on my computer that I didn't pay for and I do feel bad whenever I use it... :/ Hence the need to justify oneself. Oh well, a bit off-topic.

I like the ideas of using the pirating to your own advantages, but gjabiz idea of creating an Easter Egg is quite clever!

Thanks

Signature

Currently drawing: http://irishopp.com/

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287829].message }}

yukon

Banned 10 years ago

Why not use an open source php script to generate the pdf file on the fly & embed all the payment info inside the pdf. The pdf isn't hosted on the site as a file, it's generated/deleted as purchased during checkout.

I doubt most people will share pdf files with their personal transaction data inside. Sure they can manually copy/paste the content of a pdf, If they like doing work (most people don't). That way the pdf can also be used as a receipt (personal transaction data).

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286944].message }}

Wack0 10 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

I doubt most people will share pdf files with their personal transaction data inside. Sure they can manually copy/paste the content of a pdf

...you just contradicted yourself there. If something can be shared, it will be.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287122].message }}
- yukon Banned 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Wack0
  
  ...you just contradicted yourself there. If something can be shared, it will be.
  
  I know, that was part of my point.
  
  The contradiction was most people are too lazy to completely copy/paste the content of a pdf & rebuild the entire pdf without the transaction data in the original file.
  
  It's still better than hosting a single file & letting the Black Hat forums hotlink or search a directory on the domain. If they're going to attempt to take the file, make them work.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287713].message }}

Steve B

10 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Sure they can manually copy/paste the content of a pdf, If they like doing work (most people don't).

Yukon,

There are programs that will turn pdf files into Word documents very quickly. I can take a 100-page pdf, run it through mine and in about 15 seconds I have the complete pdf, formatting and all, in a Word document that I can use to delete info, change links, claim as my own, etc. I would never do that to someone's work, but it can easily be accomplished.

Steve

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
SteveBrowneDirect

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287145].message }}

yukon

Banned 10 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve B

Yukon,

There are programs that will turn pdf files into Word documents very quickly. I can take a 100-page pdf, run it through mine and in about 15 seconds I have the complete pdf, formatting and all, in a Word document that I can use to delete info, change links, claim as my own, etc. I would never do that to someone's work, but it can easily be accomplished.

Steve

I know it's pretty much a losing battle as long as refunds are possible, that's why I don't sell to IMers. I'm sure there's a couple of the black hat forum guys that have already posted in this thread, just reading some of the comments. Outside of IM, refunds rarely happen, at least in the niche I target.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287718].message }}

Danny Cutts

10 years ago

I use to panic about my pdf's being stolen but as someone else said i just fill them with links and make money anyway...

Embrace it and dont waste your time worrying about it.. those that steal it wont buy it anyway....

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Come and See me on Facebook... Come and See me at my blog...

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287184].message }}

travlinguy

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Danny Cutts

I use to panic about my pdf's being stolen but as someone else said i just fill them with links and make money anyway...

Embrace it and dont waste your time worrying about it.. those that steal it wont buy it anyway....

I've had just about everything I've ever published jacked. I don't even bother checking anymore.

Interesting comment, Danny. Back in 2000 I wrote a book about self publishing physical books. That book got passed all over creation. At first I was pissed.

In that book was a recommendation for a resource where you could learn how to be a great radio talk show guest, an excellent way to promote and sell books. The guy with the course had products from $37 all the way up to $1000 for his mega super deluxe package deal with 50% commission on everything. It was actually excellent stuff. I don't remember but I think I sold seven or eight $1000 packages at $500 a pop. Made more money in affiliate commissions than I did on the book.

I later saw an offer from a guy that showed people exactly how to write books with the intention of getting them on all the pirate sites. Of course, they were loaded with affiliate links. Oh, the fun of marketing, eh?

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287746].message }}

yukon

Banned 10 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

I've had just about everything I've ever published jacked. I don't even bother checking anymore.

Interesting comment, Danny. Back in 2000 I wrote a book about self publishing physical books. That book got passed all over creation. At first I was pissed.

In that book was a recommendation for a resource where you could learn how to be a great radio talk show guest, an excellent way to promote and sell books. The guy with the course had products from $37 all the way up to $1000 for his mega super deluxe package deal with 50% commission on everything. It was actually excellent stuff. I don't remember but I think I sold seven or eight $1000 packages at $500 a pop. Made more money in affiliate commissions than I did on the book.

I later saw an offer from a guy that showed people exactly how to write books with the intention of getting them on all the pirate sites. Of course, they were loaded with affiliate links. Oh, the fun of marketing, eh?

I guess I look at it a different way. If people keep stealing my stuff, it's time to move to a better neighborhood (better niche without habitual refunds). I don't see how letting people take advantage of a seller is any fun.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287773].message }}

LimitlessTraffic

10 years ago

This is the way I see it,

If your PDF is being stolen, then they weren't buyers to begin with. Regardless of who's product it is, if people are blackhatting it, consider it as a bonus! That's some extra self-branding and maybe some extra cash too if you links here and there.

Thanks

Signature

(NO OPTIN) FREE GUIDE: How I'm Adding An Extra $100-$300 Per Day As An Affiliate!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287319].message }}

fricetix

10 years ago

I'd definitely recommend embedding the customer's name in the PDF, yes, even that can be removed like someone already mentioned, but it requires some a bit more advanced computer skills to do it and depending on your niche, your average customer might not have them.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287522].message }}

absolutelee

10 years ago

If I get really ticked off and have time, I send their host or the site a dmca notice. Normally, I just forget it. It's just part of the biz.

Thanks

Signature

Snag My YouTube Ads Case Study...FREE!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287745].message }}

entrepreneurjay

10 years ago

Quick fix: throw a bunch of affiliate links inside your eBook and let everyone share it problem solved

Prob make more money anyways

, anyone wanna steal mine feel free.

Thanks

Signature

Mastering Blogging with Chat GPT: How to Make AI Generated Text Undetectable

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287926].message }}

talfighel

10 years ago

Anybody can take a lot of content from the PDF and create their own product.

People will steal this stuff all the time. Instead of working their butts off to create unique content for their product, they take the easier route and will copy others.

You can fight them or you can move on and focus on new sales. It is really your choice.

Thanks

Signature

---> [URGENT] Here's How To Build Wealth With Gold And
Silver And Earn Up To $7,000 Per Week!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9289396].message }}

Klemen Znidar

10 years ago

Glen Allsopp is using an interesting technique.

He generates random strings, put them in PDF and links them to your account.

So if his PDFs get shared, he just simply compares the strings and find out who shared the file.
Then he can take legal actions.

This is how I understand his system, I'm not saying its 100% how it works

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

DOUBLE your sales on ANY website - ClickTrait

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9289407].message }}

TiffLee

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Klemen Znidar

Glen Allsopp is using an interesting technique.

He generates random strings, put them in PDF and links them to your account.

So if his PDFs get shared, he just simply compares the strings and find out who shared the file.
Then he can take legal actions.

This is how I understand his system, I'm not saying its 100% how it works

That is better than nothing, but still requires a lot of work in terms of both searching for the "strings" and taking the legal action.

As far as I am concerned, I'd rather just write the sharing "off as losses" than waste time and money fighting a fight that, I feel, cannot be won.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9289574].message }}

guitarizma

Banned 10 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

I know, short of password protection, that there's not much you can do to "lock up" your PDF and prevent it from being shared or stolen once someone has purchased it. Or is there?

I'm just curious if anyone here has had their WSO ripped off and shared on other, unmentionable sites, and if so, what did you do about it? Was it worth contacting all the upload/sharing sites and filing a copyright/original author notice?

Many thanks in advance!
Sherice

Contacting sharing sites isn't really worth it - just a waste of time. However, as mentioned by another warrior, you can slow them down by NOT putting all your eggs in the same basket.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9289498].message }}

ecoverartist

10 years ago

And yes, I figured on it being a losing battle. These multi-upload sites and their ilk spawn faster than you can say "DMCA" so it would certainly be an uphill climb - and I'd rather conserve my energy