Is there a way to display PDF files online without making it possible to save the file itself?

That is, impossible without resorting to some m4d h4ck1ng sk1llz, obviously...

The idea is to make the document available online, but also to make sure all content is accessible exclusively where I want it to be, for as long as I want. Preferably, reading the document would also require registration, so that it couldn't be accessed anonymously.

I'm open to non-PDF formats, as long as they offer similar layout potential. HTML will not work.

I think what you want to do is stream a PDF. It's possible, but I hope you have good coding skills. You could also learn Flash to do something similar (IIRC).

However, here's a little not-so-secret: anything someone sees/hears on the web is downloaded to their computer anyways. It may not be easy to find where, and it might be deleted after use, but it is there. Even streamed files can be captured (if it passes through your computer's hardware..and everything does...you can save it -- I have a couple widely available browser plug-ins that let me capture or save supposedly "secure media" with a button push). There's also the problem that you'll spend more effort than it will end up being worth trying to keep a few illegitimate users from seeing the files, with a side result of alienating your legitimate users increasingly the more difficult you make it for the illegitimate users.

And even lots of people without m4d h4ck1ng sk1llz at least know how to make a screenshot. But most people'll honor a "do not redistribute" notice too. And those that don't honor it often aren't stopped by feeble security measures.

HTML pages might actually be a good technical option, because people generally don't save them. They revisit your site instead. Meshing that with PDF, you could end up with an in-browser pdf reader (probably using Flash) somewhere on your website.

The main questions is why you want to go through the hassle of keeping a firm grasp on your content.

Jasper Flick wrote: The main questions is why you want to go through the hassle of keeping a firm grasp on your content.

Now, obviously, I'm aware of the streaming issue, and I know how to use the print screen button. M4d h4ck1ng sk1llz :) Most people won't bother, it would be easier for them to revisit and link their players. However, people do have a PDF saving reflex (I do), and some do save HTML (I occasionally do).

Also, people actually don't give a damn about "do not redistribute" notices, in my experience. That might be true of many people hanging out in design circles, but for an average gamer out there the designer is some abstract internet entity rather than an actual person to reckon with. People interact with files, not authors.

Heck, I've seen people putting my Vassal Engine module on Rapidshare for their friends to download, even though that one is freely available for anyone on Vassal site. Because, why would they just link them there?

Of course it's not possible to prevent someone who really wants to pirate the file. The point is not to provide a fast and easy way to save the file via browser alone. I believe that even a few additional clicks should be enough to stop most common users and prompt them to just link the site to others.

Flash might work, actually. That's a pretty good suggestion, Raven! I'd have to learn at least some basics first and figure out the hosting, but those could prove useful for other purposes as well.

It doesn't sound like it'd be difficult to hand-generate a PDF for each person who wants it in this case. Watermark it with their name, and maybe add a few unique clandestine word changes if you're concerned that someone has PDF-editing software.

...unless I'm misunderstanding exactly how you're determining who gets to access the content. (What kind of content are we talking about here, anyway? Do they really need it just to be in your game?)

For all I care, if someone uses my content, but we don't even interact, never mind play, for all purposes the person could just as well not exist. A portion of my effort is wasted.

Filip,

So, your goal would be to make your stuff available as a way of connecting with like-minded folks? You could <a href="http://books.google.com/intl/en/googlebooks/book_search_tour/books4.html">load your stuff to Google Books.

Paul

Hey everyone,

I don't know much about Filip's product, but he has explained at length that he really does care about the access issue. Plus he's a bit defensive about it and really doesn't want to discuss it.

So please, let's focus this thread on the available technology and options, not on why Filip should or shouldn't want to do this thing or some other thing. He's stated his needs and the forum is supposed to be here to help him; clearly he's not concerned about access and piracy merely reflexively, and therefore intended help aimed at his goals isn't help at all.

Filip, whatever phrasing or line of inquiry irritates you so far, please do your part and ignore it rather than being diverted into trying to fight it. Some straightforward technical points and options have in fact been presented, so please focus on those.

Best, Ron

Filip, just a heads up that I spoke too soon: Flash isn't as secure as you might think. There is a Firefox extension that allows you to download .swf files with a click.

Thing is, you're running into what a lot of web designers and content managers have struggled with for years: how do I control my content once I release it for others to see? (Unfortunately for your purposes, there's never been a good, working solution to that problem. I think, to your frustration, you'll find that there are solutions that will allow you to get close to total control, but there are still going to be leaks -- sometimes easily exploited leaks.)

I'm still thinking on it to see if anything else comes to mind that will work the way you seem to want it to work.

As Ron points out, the reasons I ramblingly outline above are not really open for discussion - not in this thread, at least. I'm fully aware this is not a particularly common approach, but I know where I'm heading with this and so far it proves fruitful.

Paul,

Thanks, I'll take a closer look at the options they offer. I wasn't aware the sevice was open for individual authors interested in uploading their content. Seems like this solution might be worth serious consideration. I like it how you can't easily copy or print the document, but can still search it.

Now, I recognize the value of having some preview material available publically. If it was possible to set full access permissions for specific users, that would be just perfect for my purposes.

Raven,

Well, I generally don't come to internet forums with easy problems :) I started this thread specifically because I'm aware experts have worked out some solutions throughout all those years of their struggle, but I'm only very vaguely aware about the specifics. I wouldn't be all that surprised if it was a no solution issue, actually. If that turns out to be the case, I'll have to revise my strategy, I guess.

However, I think the impression of my need for total control might be blurring the issue. The control does not need to be total - it only needs to be total enough :)

First, it makes little sense trying to prevent overt and intentional piracy attempts. That was already discussed to death in various threads, there's no way around that. So, no real point to worry about that. I think I already have some basic anti-piracy measures in place: specifically, it's not possible to access the site without being invited or having one's request approved, and it's not possible to stay for long without getting actively involved in the community and meeting others via VoIP. For those requesting membership, there are questions to answer that filter out obviously inappropriate people. This is by no means foolproof, but if the person was active on the internet, I'm usually able to assess things quickly, identifying potentially problematic behaviors or associations. Otherwise, the first few days are telling, and a new user plain won't stay for more than a few weeks without joining any games. From that point on, we're no longer interacting solely on the "abstract cyberspace entities" level, and I don't think people tend to pirate buddies. And even if that happens, at the very least I'd know precisely who to cut of from any future content. I don't think much more could be done in this regard.

It's more about "accidental" spreading of the site's exclusive content due to ignorance, carelessness and, especially, fanboy attitude, but not necessarily ill will. Here are some more specific examples of what I'd rather prevent:

* People who are genuinely interested in seeing my games for one reason or another, but not interested in actually playing them, retaining a copy for reference purposes after a visit, and perhaps spreading it as a seemingly free content.
* 18-20 years old newcomers who just totally, totally have to take the content outside and show it to their friends from other communities, because they totally, totally have to see this or that and otherwise won't, because they won't register, because we eat babies.
* Mistakingly approving an account for somebody who suffers serious reading comprehension and/or communication problems and consequently, turns out completely unpredictable.
* Completely illogical behavior, like that guy sharing a publically available Vassal module on Rapidshare, even though he had to link his players to Vassal site anyway so that they could install Vassal Engine in the first place. (Someday, rolling my eyes too much is bound to start causing severe pain.)

That sort of stuff.

Overall, what I want is a bit like putting foam protectors on every hard edge or corner to prevent accidental damage to young children. I already have some foam here and there in my place, but there are still some big sharp corners that stand out. So, I feel I could use some more foam - but not necessarily to the point of having the house built entirely out of it :)

Mike,

Watermarks don't appeal to me. There's something about them that makes me feel uncomfortable about that solution, but I can't even articulate it well...

What kind of content are we talking about here, anyway? Do they really need it just to be in your game?

One problem with watermarks is they really only tell you who to blame after something goes wrong. So yeah.

However, I think the impression of my need for total control might be blurring the issue. The control does not need to be total - it only needs to be total enough :)