How to protect content from re-distribution?

Don't want others to freely re-distribute downloaded content

[leunga]

Let's say I have some good content and somebodies are willing to pay for the content (e.g. by download). However, if I try to deliver the content, say in PDF format, is there away to protect the content (or more specifically the PDF file) from re-distribution by others. Perhaps, I shall avoid PDF file in this case, right? I really need some advice.

Andrew

[Kshitij]

Its very difficult to protect data on internet mainly like mp3s, pdf, doc etc. The way can be to write your website name on first page of the pdf file & at bottom of every page in this way it will also promote your site

[lammert]

In case of PDF files, one possibility is to generate these PDF files on the fly after payment has been received and to print the name/address or other personal information of the buyer on each page. This is what the ISO organization is doing for example if you buy downloadable ISO standards from their website.

[Swaraj]

Guys, in regards with protecting the content, can anyone please suggest me a way on how to inform Google about the sites copying my contents. Because of the copied content my blog contents and its URLs are getting de-index by search enigne. Please suggest me the proper way...

[articlewriter]

@swaraj, I found this blog helpful to deal with similar issues:
[kuanhoong.com...]

One other way of doing it is to file a DMCA request:
[google.com...]

Both will cost you time indeed!

[Swaraj]

Hey, thanks for both the links, I m thinking to follow both the ways. Hope that google will take some serious actions against these type of websites.

[tangor]

Short answer is NO.

If you do biz electronically your "stuff" is out there and can be distributed. The protection you seek is called DRM. Look at the costs in time, effort, and resources to see if that is reasonable. Even so, it's a krap shoot. If it is electronic it can be defeated and shared around the world for zip as soon as you sell a few. Sorry, no good news in this regard. If the major Hollowood (sic) guys and Music Media haven't got it right yet with all their bazillions in the effort that does make one wonder how the itty bitty guy can do it...

[tangor]

Dang it! My manners need adjusting! Welcome new guys/gals/units/daleks! Of which there are a few.