Why I love ebooks

[BeccaPrice]

The US election was Nov 6. By Nov. 9, David Frum (a conservative commentator who used to write speeches for one of the George Bushes, I forget which one) had self-published a small book called Why Romney Lost. There's no way traditional publishing could ever have that kind of turnaround.

I heard about it today from my husband while we were in the car, miles from the nearest book store. I turned on my k3 with 3g and in minutes had it downloaded to my kindle and was reading parts of it out loud while he drove. The conversation continued with no break.

God, I love living in the future.

[Gazella]

Agreed. One of the best features is the free 3G wireless. It's amazing. I love it!

[Quexos]

I guess that is one practical instance of the use of 3G to get an e-book right away but usually I'm not in such a hurry that I can't drive to a book store for a paper book or that I can't wait to be home to get it on my Wi Fi device. Besides I already got a lot of books to read before thinking of getting yet another one out there so I don't mind waiting to be within Wi Fi range to get some book I would decide to read right away.

[wizwor]

I think the OP was excited that the book was available much quicker than if traditional publishing methods had been used. 3G delivery is just icing on the cake.

[shanghaichica]

Although I don't have a 3G enabled kindle I agree totally. Its wonderful to be able to download a book instantly wherever you are. I usually have my kindle well stocked up with books but on the rare occasion I want something on the spur of the moment I just connect my kindle to my phones wifi hotspot and get it.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

.
God, I love living in the future.

Me too. It's great isn't it!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Quexos

I guess that is one practical instance of the use of 3G to get an e-book right away but usually I'm not in such a hurry that I can't drive to a book store for a paper book or that I can't wait to be home to get it on my Wi Fi device. Besides I already got a lot of books to read before thinking of getting yet another one out there so I don't mind waiting to be within Wi Fi range to get some book I would decide to read right away.

But the point was that it was a fast turn-around ebook. That doesn't happen with print -- at all -- period -- end of story.

[copyrite]

This could be the first ever book for hubby to read on my Kindle!

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

The US election was Nov 6. By Nov. 9, David Frum (a conservative commentator who used to write speeches for one of the George Bushes, I forget which one) had self-published a small book called Why Romney Lost. There's no way traditional publishing could ever have that kind of turnaround.

I heard about it today from my husband while we were in the car, miles from the nearest book store. I turned on my k3 with 3g and in minutes had it downloaded to my kindle and was reading parts of it out loud while he drove. The conversation continued with no break.

God, I love living in the future.

Newspapers and periodicals get out analyses immediately in print. I expect more from a book. I read a book to get an in-depth understanding, and that is simply not possible without the passage of some time.

[shalym]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Newspapers and periodicals get out analyses immediately in print. I expect more from a book. I read a book to get an in-depth understanding, and that is simply not possible without the passage of some time.

This isn't really a "book". It's a long article formatted for the Kindle, published by Newsweek, and sold for $3.99.

Shari

[BeccaPrice]

Originally Posted by wizwor

I think the OP was excited that the book was available much quicker than if traditional publishing methods had been used. 3G delivery is just icing on the cake.

Exactly. The book is currently relevant. In the 2 months or more it would take traditional publishing to get such a book out (really, though, it was more a pamphlet - calibre says 42 pages), by that time the election would be long enough over that Frum's points would be lost.

The 3G delivery was just icing, yes... but all part of "I love living in the future"

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Newspapers and periodicals get out analyses immediately in print. I expect more from a book. I read a book to get an in-depth understanding, and that is simply not possible without the passage of some time.

Are you absolutely sure of this? Can nobody be right the first time around?

Obviously hindsight has it's advantages, but if we wait for the final definitive analysis we may possibly be dead before it is available.

Helen

[jbcohen]

I frequently get intimidated by the sheer size of the book and with electronic books that's not really an issue.

[BWinmill]

Originally Posted by BeccaPrice

Exactly. The book is currently relevant. In the 2 months or more it would take traditional publishing to get such a book out (really, though, it was more a pamphlet - calibre says 42 pages), by that time the election would be long enough over that Frum's points would be lost.

Print publications can be printed and put into distribution channels pretty quickly. It will never be as quick as digital distribution, yet newspapers and periodicals show that it can be done in a matter of hours if it is needed.

Digital simply makes it more desirable to produce these instant publications, since the cost is lower (thus the risk is lower).