PDF "problem" and Javascript question

by 7 replies
8
Here is a possible "problem" I encountered.
I am planning to create several reports that ppl can download after paying for them.
As usual I will offer a 30 day money-back guarantee.
One of the things that I am a bit worried about is that somebody buys the PDF, then ask the money back and still keep using the repport.
In the software I develop I always do a check on my server (over TCP/IP) whether the license is genuine, meaning, paid for and allowed to run on that machine (using the local IP address and a license code). If the person running that piece of software requested the money back then the software will not run. The value returned from the server tells the software not to run.
I do know that it is possible to insert Javascript into PDF Files.
Would it be possible to create some JavaScript that does exactly what I described above?

Hoping to hear from you all.
#programming #javascript #pdf #problem #question
  • no.

    you might be able to get the JS into the file, but the user would always have the option of not letting adobe access the internet.

    Feels like about the same as "if someone bought my book, how could i stop them from photocopying pages then returning it to the store for a refund."
  • You could use the javascript to validate/invalidate the key stored in the client computers registry. The sale/refund is offered online and the key must be purchased/refunded online. You store the key in the client computers registry so they don't need to be connected to the internet to validate the key. When refunded you set the value to indicate the purchase was refunded and when they reopen the product you offer the key for purchase again. You could even program the javascript to allow the user to preview up to and including the glossary of the book and allow the book to be downloaded for preview for free.
    • [1] reply
    • Sounds good in theory, but the user can easily block Javascript from being executed in a PDF file, and as ussher mentioned, they can also block the PDF from accessing the internet.

      There is really no foolproof way to "protect" a PDF from piracy (or even an .exe ebook, for that matter).
      • [1] reply
  • Once you "hand" over content, its gone. Pure and simple.

    A better approach is constantly pushing out NEW content, and then have "subscription" based access to the new content.
  • Even if you could get javascript to check for a key in the registry, not all operating systems have registries and adobe is not the only program capable of reading pdf files.

    One way I have seen that PDF's use the 'getting stolen' effect to their advantage is to create the PDF in such a way as it instructs on the HOW to do something, then directs to your stores that sell the tools necessary.

    If you can create this kind of setup, the price on the ebook is just for show. to create the perception of value. (but in your mind your thinking, buy it, steal it, i dont care because everyone who reads it is coming back to me to buy the tools any how.)
Join the discussion

Next Topics on Trending Feed