Well I'm not too pleased with these price changes, though I could live with digital-only QST.
But there seems some obfuscation or hidden info on the downloading of QST and freedom to use it on any device the member may choose.
The instructions for QST didn't seem to seem to explicitly describe or state exactly what format the 'downloadable' QST is supplied in or speak comfort to me in therms of portablility, document and/or Viewing Rights survivability should something like the 'registered PC/Tablet/Handset' fail.
The above potential troubles come with DRM'd e-books, which is sort of what these Magazine issues look like.
So, I am not making a rant here, and I like the ARRL and understood the member bulletin
http://www.arrl.org/member-bulletin?issue=2023-07-23 introducing the changes. I had been wanting to rejoin as I'd let the membership lapse, but want to know some facts about the Digital Magazines first.
In view of what I was able to read on the ARRL web site, in particular there 27 pages of fairly good Instructions:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST/PageSuite/UserGuide.pdf I am stating my views on the inconveniences of files that seem to be registered to an internet-connectable device. I hope I am incorrect about that suspicion.
I would think that potential document issues of this sort among those persons who may use a variety of normal computing platforms would be a concern to many people, what with the diverse types of devices and frequent switching of device during a typical day.
So, what about the potential blocking issues below, and are these problems with the digital version of QST? IF Yes, then that's fine, it's their magazine and decision and i just won't go in for it.
What format is the file?
PDF?
Something else?
Something else with remote-revocation?
(like when microsoft removes a program or right from a PC and calls it an update)
There is talk about 'apps' in the Instructions, and having to open the downloaded file at least briefly while logged in for that download simply to authorize the reading of the file later when not online. This looks like e-reader /proprietary stuff. Is there a required reader?
What happens later when I copy the file to my never-online, non-phone, older Android tablet to read while waiting somewhere? That's a weekly occurrence. Nice 10" tablet.
This could create an untenable mess if there's non-portability of simple reading material among the desktop, notebook, and tablets whicheveris needed at the moment - based on the natural movements of one's devices throughout the days of one's of everyday life.
I keep everything on a 'server' - (old big fat PC +NAS and keep that backed up) - and open it from whatever home-networked machine I'm on at the time, depends where I'm sitting, - or if Or if I'm heading out, I copy the reading material to a tablet and go.
