Question for the lounge: do I own my Audible and Kindle files like I own my paper books?

[TM99]

3. Wrong. The answer is no.

According to Apple, Google, Amazon, B&N, etc. all iTunes tracks, eBooks, podcasts, audibles, apps, etc. are 'licensed' to you. You can confirm this on their respective terms and conditions pages. They are not sold to you.

Licensed content is single-use. It can not be transferred legally. The supreme court has also determined that the first-sale doctrine does not apply to digital apps and content. You can not sell your eBook nor lend it if and when you so decide.

Unless an eBook is a public domain free title, you are not allowed to share it. And purchasing the eBook does not make you an owner like with a paper book.

There is a real reason why torrenting is as it is.

Personally, if I still only buy hardbacks and paperbacks. The only eBooks I get are either checked out from a library or public domain and downloaded for free.

Caveat emptor.