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Tags > ebooks
Quid pro quo will define the author-publisher relationship - Peter Meyers on HTML5, ebook formats and the evolution of publishers and authors.
December 20, 2011
In this video interview, author and digital book producer Peter Meyers addresses the state of ebooks and book apps and weighs in on the changing relationship between authors and publishers.
Ebook refunds and absolute satisfaction - Why no-questions-asked ebook refund policies work.
By Joe WikertNovember 23, 2011
Joe Wikert says if you trust your customers with a generous ebook returns policy, they'll pay you back with loyalty and future business.
Top Stories: November 7-11, 2011 - Tim O'Reilly on ebooks, confessions of a not-so-public speaker, and why social network analysis matters.
November 11, 2011
This week on O'Reilly: Tim O'Reilly looked at the past and future of ebooks, Suzanne Axtell shared her first steps toward becoming a public speaker, and we learned that social network analysis goes far beyond social networks.
Four short links: 11 November 2011 - Technocracy's Blind Spot, Progressive Enhancement, Libraries and ebooks, and Library Fablab
By Nat TorkingtonNovember 11, 2011
Nudge Policies Are Another Name for Coercion (New Scientist) -- This points to the key problem with "nudge" style paternalism: presuming that technocrats understand what ordinary people want better than the people themselves. There is no reason to think technocrats know better, especially since Thaler and Sunstein offer no means for ordinary people to comment on, let alone correct,...
Thoughts on ebooks triggered by the appointment of Andrew Savikas as CEO of Safari Books Online
November 8, 2011
Subscription is the right model for heavy users, pay-per-view works for occasional users, ad-supported appears to be the best way to fund fast-changing current content, and of course, some content is better rendered as an app than a book.
Top Stories: October 24-28, 2011 - 10/30/11 is Dennis Ritchie Day, post-PC and the new tech revolution, publishing's fundamental shift.
October 28, 2011
This week on O'Reilly: Tim O'Reilly called for a Dennis Ritchie Day to honor the computing pioneer, Mark Sigal examined the players and products in the post-PC revolution, and Hugh McGuire discussed the seismic shifts that are reshaping the publishing industry.
Four short links: 26 October 2011 - CPAN's Sweet 0x10, Social Reading, Questioning Polls, and 3D Manufacturing
By Nat TorkingtonOctober 26, 2011
CPAN Turns 0x10 -- sixteenth anniversary of the creation of the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network. Now holds 480k objects. Subtext -- social bookreading by adding chat, links, etc. to a book. I haven't tried the implementation yet but I've wanted this for years. (Just haven't wanted to jump into the cesspool of rights negotiations enough to actually build it...
Top Stories: October 17-21, 2011 - The joys of animated geo data, Angry Birds and the future of mobile testing, and a look inside The Guardian's creative process.
October 21, 2011
This week on O'Reilly: Andy Kirk explained why data, maps and animation work so well together, we discovered the connection between a game-playing robot and the future of mobile app testing, and we learned how The Guardian develops its data journalism.
Building books for platforms, from the ground up - Jon Feldman on "Speakeasy Cocktails" and a new approach to content development.
October 19, 2011
In this interview, Open Air Publishing's Jon Feldman says publishers aren't truly embracing digital and are simply pushing out flat electronic versions of print books. He talks about the development of "Speakeasy Cocktails" and how it embraces the rich ebook experience.
Top Stories: October 10-14, 2011 - The obstacles of indoor navigation, "Moneyball" for software engineers, and a call for hyperlinking restraint.
October 14, 2011
This week on O'Reilly: Nick Farina explained why smartphones have yet to crack the indoor navigation problem, we explored the relationship between "Moneyball" and software engineering, and Pete Meyers looked at the pros and cons of links in ebooks.
TOC Frankfurt launches with a global ebook market survey - Free report: "The Global eBook Market: Current Conditions & Future Projections"
October 10, 2011
"The Global eBook Market" survey examines how the main drivers of digital change in the publishing industry impact emerging ebook markets across Europe, Brazil and China.
Four short links: 28 September 2011 - Future Tech, Book Lawsuits, Site Design, and Sundae Problems
By Nat TorkingtonSeptember 28, 2011
Russell Davies: Four Thought (audio) -- some very nice thinking on the future of technology. The Fight Over the Future of Digital Books (The Atlantic) -- Authors Guild v. HathiTrust is a strange legal twist. For an association of professional writers, the Guild seems to have forgotten some of the basic principles of its craft, such as not placing...
Publishing News: Survey says publishers continue to miss out on digital opportunities - Aptara’s latest survey is out, news organizations as ebook publishers, and a recipe site that works like I
September 23, 2011
The Third Annual eBook Survey of Publishers was released this week. Also, news organizations continue to venture into ebook publishing, and the KeepRecipes site may be the most useful online recipe organizer yet.
The problem with deep discount ebook deals - Deep discounts need to be associated with some sort of return.
September 23, 2011
Joe Wikert says publishers should move away from one-product deep discount campaigns and start thinking about how to build a much more extensive relationship with customers.
Papercut has designs on a new storytelling genre - Papercut looks to create an experience that falls somewhere between text and a movie.
September 21, 2011
In this TOC podcast, ustwo head of publishing Jonas Lennermo says his company's new iPad product, Papercut, is a publishing platform, a storefront, and a storytelling experiment.
Five digital design ideas from Windows 8 - With Metro, it's clear Microsoft has put a lot of thought into touchscreen design.
September 20, 2011
Microsoft's Metro interface offers plenty for digital book designers to study. The best part? Whether or not Microsoft actually ships something that matches their demo, designers can benefit from the great thinking they've done.
Digital copyright gets further complicated with "levels of rights" - How a freelancer ruling complicates copyright and affects the Google Books case.
August 26, 2011
A recent ruling in a case between publishers and freelancers could complicate the Google Books settlement as well. Here, attorney and literary agent Dana Newman explains why.
Searching in ebooks: A unique use case that requires a unique approach - Ereader search tools need to limit disruption and incorporate web search best practices.
August 19, 2011
The current crop of ereaders handle ebook searching in a variety of ways — some are useful and creative, some aren't. Here, Pete Meyers looks at the state of ebook search and how it can be improved.
Sometimes the questions are as enlightening as the answers - 10 digital book questions worth pondering.
August 5, 2011
If you're willing to accept the ambiguity, an answer of "I don't know" can launch intriguing possibilities. Here, Peter Meyers offers 10 open-ended questions about the shift from print to screen.
Top Stories: July 25-29, 2011 - Data and education, real-time data, what publishers can learn from startups.
July 29, 2011
This week on O'Reilly: We looked at how data can help education, Theo Schlossnagle made the case for real-time business data, and we learned that tech startups can teach publishers a thing or two.
Books as a service: How and why it works - Will a "Netflix for ebooks" catch on? 24Symbols is counting on it.
July 28, 2011
24Symbols, a kind of Netflix for ebooks, aims to benefit readers and publishers alike. Company co-founder Justo Hildago outlines the books-as-a-service model in this interview.
Ebook empowerment with EPUB3 - EPUB3 could yield enhanced ebooks that finally work on multiple platforms.
July 27, 2011
New features in EPUB3 are expanding the horizons of ebook enhancement. In this interview, Julien Simon and Jérémie Gisserot of Walrus Books discuss the advantages of EPUB3 and what they'd like to see developers do next.
Four short links: 19 July 2011 - Async Javascript, PDF Malware, 2D Games, and Reinventing Textbooks
By Nat TorkingtonJuly 19, 2011
Tame.js -- async programming library for use with node.js and other V8 projects. (via Hacker News) The Rise of PDF Malware (Symantec) -- detailed whitepaper showing the incident rate, techniques, and evasion techniques of PDF malware. Despite the fact that the number of PDF CVEs [Common Vulnerability/Exposure] are close to Microsoft Office’s numbers, the amount of nonunique PDF attacks...
Publishing News: Newspapers finally test tablet-content bundle - Newspapers bundle tablets and content, Google gets an ereader.
July 15, 2011
In the latest Publishing News: Sister newspapers in Philadelphia announced a tablet program, Iriver launched an ereading device with the Google eBookstore on board, and Peter Meyers says digital can fix footnotes.
Sustainable publishing is a mindset, not a format - Dennis Stovall on the intricacies of sustainable publishing.
July 15, 2011
Dennis Stovall, director of the Publishing Program at Portland State University, discusses the state of sustainable publishing and who's doing it right.
Notes that don't break the reading flow - The flexibility of the digital page offers considerable promise for notes.
July 14, 2011
When you move away from the passage you're currently reading to consult a note you lose your connection in a very literal way. The digital canvas provided by ebooks and ereaders can change this.
Radar's top stories: June 27-July 1, 2011 - Getting started with Hadoop, a look at Clojure, publishing lessons from Pottermore
July 1, 2011
This week on Radar: We took a deep dive into Hadoop, Stuart Sierra discussed Clojure's growing popularity, and we looked at two key aspects of J.K. Rowling's Pottermore that publishers should copy.
Two lessons from Pottermore: Direct sales and no DRM - Why publishers should take a note from J.K. Rowling's latest effort.
June 29, 2011
It's not surprising that J.K. Rowing is forging ahead with a well thought-out direct sales plan for Harry Potter ebooks, but it's a shock that publishers aren't doing the same things for their titles.
Radar's top stories: June 20-24, 2011 - HTML5's influence on web development, data and genetic secrets, and how to build big JavaScript apps with big teams
June 24, 2011
This week on Radar: We looked at the how HTML5 is shaping web development, scientist Charlie Quinn revealed how open source and big data are advancing life sciences, and Nicholas Zakas explained how big teams can build big JavaScript apps.
Publishing News: Direct "Potter" ebook sales fire up the book world - Harry Potter goes digital (and exclusive), Amazon tablet rumors abound, and faster horses won't cut it
June 24, 2011
In the latest Publishing News: Pottermore will exclusively sell Harry Potter ebooks, Amazon tablets could arrive in August, and Joe Wikert talks about creating mobile experiences that surpass expectations.
9 digital book-making tools - A survey of tools for creating apps and ebooks.
June 23, 2011
As a preview for his upcoming free webcast, Pete Meyers offers a quick overview of digital tools used for app and ebook creation.
Edits as a storytelling device - Toggling edits on and off in ebooks could reveal deeper layers and intent.
June 10, 2011
The omissions and alterations behind books are often telling, and with a little technical know-how that information could be woven into ebooks.
10 innovative digital books you should know about - A look at 10 envelope-pushing digital books.
June 3, 2011
These days, Peter Meyers is knee-deep in digital books. Here he shares 10 of the best digital / interactive texts he's run across.
The Five Keys to a Successful eBook Production: The Story of Spot the Dot
By Mark SigalJune 2, 2011
What are the key steps in building a successful interactive eBook? This piece looks at the best practices from the perspective of a recently launched children's eBook called 'Spot the Dot.'
Part book, part film, part website - A web-based documentary creates a new kind of reading experience.
May 26, 2011
Peter Meyers has been writing about and helping create digital books for about 15 years, and during that time he hasn't seen anything as innovative, as well executed, and as plain lovely to look at as "Welcome to Pine Point."
Creating a Successful eBook (PePcon 2011)
By Ron BilodeauMay 24, 2011
After my presentation on "Creating a Successful eBook" at PePcon, I got lots of requests for the GREP expressions that I used to clean up my ePub files, so here they are
Publishing News: BAFTA nomination hints at app crossover appeal - The Malcom Tucker app might win a BAFTA, Kindle ebook sales outpace print, and a Kindle wish list.
May 20, 2011
For the first time ever, an app has been nominated for a TV BAFTA, Kindle sales might indicate the ebook tipping point, and the Kindle team gets some (unsolicited) pointers from Joe Wikert.
Open Question: Are we at the ebook tipping point? - It's official — Kindle books are outselling print books.
May 19, 2011
Not only have Kindle sales increased by a factor of three year over year, the digital copy sales have overtaken the combined sales of hardcover and paperback book sales. Is the ebook tipping point upon us?
What ebook designers can learn from Bible-reading software - A deep dive into the ebook innovations of Logos Bible Software and Glo Bible.
May 19, 2011
Pete Meyers has been kicking the tires on two reading systems — Logos Bible Software and Glo Bible — both of which are filled with reader-friendly ebook features.
A premium layer for web-based content - ValoBox looks to make premium (and locked) content accessible.
May 19, 2011
By removing the "hoops, headaches, and hangovers" of traditional online book buying, CompletelyNovel co-founders Anna Lewis and Oliver Brooks hope their company new company, ValoBox, will streamline ebook consumption.
Publishing News: How to improve ebook marginalia - Improving ebook note tools, ask for data and you'll get it, the ABA partners with On Demand Books
May 13, 2011
Pete Meyers suggests ways to improve ebook note-taking tools, publishers can actually get consumer data from Apple, and the American Booksellers Association wants its member stores to have Espresso Book Machines.
3 ways to improve ebook note taking - It's time for ebooks to evolve beyond their basic note-taking tools.
May 12, 2011
Ebook note-taking needs attention. The upside is that the ereader company that builds the best tools could also create a competitive advantage.
Inside the E-Wars: It's a Braver New Digital World Than Ever Before
By William StanekMay 11, 2011
I've been a writer in my heart since I was old enough to hold a pencil and a professional writer for nearly 20 years (writing as William Stanek and Robert Stanek). Over the years many would-be writers have asked...
Skimming on the digital side - How digital publications can make browsing easier.
May 4, 2011
The use of strict print design elements in digital content locks readers into systems that aren't user friendly. A little rethinking can go a long way toward solving that problem.
What's new? Alerting readers to ebook revisions - Thoughts on how to distribute and spotlight key ebook changes.
By Peter MeyersApril 28, 2011
Plenty of publishers offer free downloads each time an author makes a big change to an ebook file, but what's missing is a reader-friendly system that lets everyone know what's new.
Four short links: 26 April 2011 - Android Nook, Market Failure, Social Spread Analysis, and Chinese eBooks
By Nat TorkingtonApril 26, 2011
Barnes and Noble Nook Color Gets Android Upgrade (Wired) -- was an e-reader, but now Barnes and Noble are offering an upgrade to turn it into a fully-fledged Android tablet. The only thing you won't be able to do is download apps from the Google marketplace. The Nook retails for $250. (via Glyn Moody) Anime Site Treats Piracy as...
4 ways DRM is like airport security - The failings of DRM become clear when viewed through a different lens.
April 15, 2011
The similarities between digital rights management and airport security go beyond near-universal dislike. Comparing the two shows the failings of both.
Getting your book in front of 160 million users is usually a good thing - "Pirate's Dilemma" author Matt Mason on BitTorrent.
April 15, 2011
Pirating your own book may seem like an odd promotion strategy, but that's just what Megan Lisa Jones did with her new novel. Matt Mason, author of "The Pirate's Dilemma," says P2P platforms like BitTorrent are a great way to reach audiences and distribute content.
Publishing News: Week in Review - NPR for ebooks, piracy as a promotional tool, and how and when book trailers work.
April 8, 2011
In the latest Publishing News: Gluejar wants to apply a public broadcasting model to ebooks, Megan Lisa Jones "pirated" her own book, and Quirk Books VP Brett Cohen discusses the intricacies of book trailers.
Publishing News: Week in Review - Amazon launched Cloud Drive, the Google Books settlement might get complicated, and good data leads to good business.
April 1, 2011
In the latest Publishing News: Amazon extended its reach into the cloud, Dana Newman looked at overlapping issues between the Google Book settlement and Golan v. Holder, and what publishers need to do with all that data.
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