Exacerbating the problem is the fact that the publishers are not only trying to keep the old definition, but to constrain it even more. They're reactionaries rather than conservatives.
An example would be books. In the past, a book I owned could be resold or given away. With digital documents however, my copy is only a "license" which forbids any and all transfers. In the past, if I owned a document, I owned it forever. But now, I must pay for a new "license" each time I upgrade the format. Such as buying an mp3 when I already own the CD, or paying extra for the "digital" version of a DVD or book I already own.
Yes, you're correct (I up-voted you). But, if you don't like the fact you are purchasing only a license then don't purchase a license to the digital content. Buy the REAL property, the book, instead of the intellectual property.
An example would be books. In the past, a book I owned could be resold or given away. With digital documents however, my copy is only a "license" which forbids any and all transfers. In the past, if I owned a document, I owned it forever. But now, I must pay for a new "license" each time I upgrade the format. Such as buying an mp3 when I already own the CD, or paying extra for the "digital" version of a DVD or book I already own.