Silk Pagoda Publishes for Sony

paulkbiba · 02-27-2007, 10:51 AM

I just noticed that the http://www.silkpagoda.com (the reincarnation of Blackmask) has started publishing some of its books in Sony format. I'm still waiting for a good reader that will do Mobipocket, but the rest of you guys have fun.

Bob Russell · 02-27-2007, 11:18 AM

They also have the Blackmask collection available on CD, if I remember correctly, in multiple formats now including Sony Reader!

Does anyone know how much overlap there is between Gutenberg and the SilkPagoda CD? I was interested (because I'm an obsessive collector, not because I'll read most of the books) but not if it's just the Gutenberg collection reformatted. I'm one of those people that doesn't mind, for most books, a text only formatting.

RWood · 02-27-2007, 11:38 AM

The Sony format is about 10,000 titles on one DVD. There is some overlap but also a bunch of stuff that is not in Gutenberg. Delivery was less than a week and no shipping charges.

Bob Russell · 02-27-2007, 12:09 PM

In that case, I'll definitely need to take another look!

HarryT · 02-27-2007, 12:41 PM

Has anyone heard any recent news about what's happening with Blackmask? I know the owner had to take the site down after (to my mind) rather inadvisedly fighting and losing a court case for copyright infringement with the "Doc Savage" stories, but I'm slightly puzzled why he can't simply bring it back up with the offending material removed. Anyone know any more?

NatCh · 02-27-2007, 12:48 PM

If I remember correctly (and if I understood correctly in the first place), the lawyers are basically blocking him from doing what you describe until he proves that he can't/won't distribute the disputed content ever again. Just goes to show that legal isn't the same thing as sensible.

HarryT · 02-27-2007, 12:51 PM

That's a pity. I do hope it returns - it was an excellent site with a good selection of material that's not on PG.

Bob Russell · 02-27-2007, 12:58 PM

But even with the loss of the Doc Savage files, this Silk Pagoda DVD looked worthwhile to me. Less than $30 and free shipping for 10,000 Blackmask books. And they have a Sony Reader version which is perfect for that uncle of yours who wants stuff to read on his Reader, but doesn't want to convert anything or download anything.

But I went for the version that has .lit files plus the html source. I'm guessing that I can get the books as rtf either from conversion of the non-DRM'd .lit files, or I can use the html files if necessary, which should be like the Blackmask web site. I can easily convert to Sony Reader format myself, or for my Treo. Not that I'll actually read these books. I really do seem to be much more interested in the collecting of them. For some strange reason, it gives me a sense of stability and security to have control of the content in my own hands. I guess too many sites seem to just "disappear" over time.

HarryT · 02-27-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Russell

For some strange reason, it gives me a sense of stability and security to have control of the content in my own hands.

No, I understand exactly where you're coming from and I feel the same way. I too bought one of the BM DVD's a couple of years ago - in my case I bought the one in Mobipocket format, since that's what I used as a bookreader on my iPaq Pocket PC. I could easily enough convert those to RTF to use on the Reader, of course.

paulkbiba · 02-27-2007, 01:10 PM

By the way, I just finished reading his free version of Journey to the West. Absolutely fascinating, and great fun. I'm starting on his other free books now.

Dr. Drib · 02-28-2007, 09:03 PM

is this: The PDF files leave absolutely no breathing space on the left and right margins. However, let me state that it's a wonderful bargain, but one should first see if one can live with the formatting.

I also bought a BM set when I had an REB 1100 (still do, actually), and they sent me a wrong formatting set. So I actually have two different sets.

Again, this is a great set of reading material, but just be aware that the formatting for the Sony leaves no margins. Other formatting, as discussed, is available.

Don

Bob Russell · 02-28-2007, 09:28 PM

Is that a problem not having margins? I thought it was the best use of limited screen real estate on the Reader. RTF files are like that also, I think.

RWood · 02-28-2007, 09:57 PM

And others have complained in these forums about the excessive margins around the Sony CONNECT store books. For me there is problem in using the full screen for text.

Dr. Drib · 02-28-2007, 10:06 PM

For me, it's as if a book (hardback, mass market, trade paper) had absolutely no margins so that the text went right to the edge of the paper.

So for me, I like the idea of a a bit of margin. On my RTF files, I'll come in a bit left and right. On BookDesigner, the margins are perfect. Additionally, for me, I have no problem with the Sony Connect books.

Hey, did you see the new bundle by Clemons/Rollins. Looks good....

Don

RWood · 02-28-2007, 10:10 PM

I just think of the metal frame around the eink screen as the margins. As long as there are no letters hidden under it I'm fine.

02-27-2007, 10:51 AM	#1
paulkbiba Connoisseur Posts: 84 Karma: 45 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: United States Device: Nokia e61i, iPhone	Silk Pagoda Publishes for Sony I just noticed that the http://www.silkpagoda.com (the reincarnation of Blackmask) has started publishing some of its books in Sony format. I'm still waiting for a good reader that will do Mobipocket, but the rest of you guys have fun.

02-28-2007, 09:03 PM	#11
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 44,737 Karma: 55645321 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One	The "Problem," if I may categorize it as such.... is this: The PDF files leave absolutely no breathing space on the left and right margins. However, let me state that it's a wonderful bargain, but one should first see if one can live with the formatting. I also bought a BM set when I had an REB 1100 (still do, actually), and they sent me a wrong formatting set. So I actually have two different sets. Again, this is a great set of reading material, but just be aware that the formatting for the Sony leaves no margins. Other formatting, as discussed, is available. Don

02-28-2007, 10:06 PM	#14
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 44,737 Karma: 55645321 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One	Let me stretch the analogy For me, it's as if a book (hardback, mass market, trade paper) had absolutely no margins so that the text went right to the edge of the paper. So for me, I like the idea of a a bit of margin. On my RTF files, I'll come in a bit left and right. On BookDesigner, the margins are perfect. Additionally, for me, I have no problem with the Sony Connect books. Hey, did you see the new bundle by Clemons/Rollins. Looks good.... Don

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02-27-2007, 11:18 AM	#2
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	They also have the Blackmask collection available on CD, if I remember correctly, in multiple formats now including Sony Reader! Does anyone know how much overlap there is between Gutenberg and the SilkPagoda CD? I was interested (because I'm an obsessive collector, not because I'll read most of the books) but not if it's just the Gutenberg collection reformatted. I'm one of those people that doesn't mind, for most books, a text only formatting.

02-27-2007, 11:38 AM	#3
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	The Sony format is about 10,000 titles on one DVD. There is some overlap but also a bunch of stuff that is not in Gutenberg. Delivery was less than a week and no shipping charges.

02-27-2007, 12:09 PM	#4
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	In that case, I'll definitely need to take another look!

02-27-2007, 12:41 PM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Has anyone heard any recent news about what's happening with Blackmask? I know the owner had to take the site down after (to my mind) rather inadvisedly fighting and losing a court case for copyright infringement with the "Doc Savage" stories, but I'm slightly puzzled why he can't simply bring it back up with the offending material removed. Anyone know any more?

02-27-2007, 12:48 PM	#6
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	If I remember correctly (and if I understood correctly in the first place), the lawyers are basically blocking him from doing what you describe until he proves that he can't/won't distribute the disputed content ever again. Just goes to show that legal isn't the same thing as sensible.

02-27-2007, 12:51 PM	#7
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	That's a pity. I do hope it returns - it was an excellent site with a good selection of material that's not on PG.

02-27-2007, 12:58 PM	#8
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	But even with the loss of the Doc Savage files, this Silk Pagoda DVD looked worthwhile to me. Less than $30 and free shipping for 10,000 Blackmask books. And they have a Sony Reader version which is perfect for that uncle of yours who wants stuff to read on his Reader, but doesn't want to convert anything or download anything. But I went for the version that has .lit files plus the html source. I'm guessing that I can get the books as rtf either from conversion of the non-DRM'd .lit files, or I can use the html files if necessary, which should be like the Blackmask web site. I can easily convert to Sony Reader format myself, or for my Treo. Not that I'll actually read these books. I really do seem to be much more interested in the collecting of them. For some strange reason, it gives me a sense of stability and security to have control of the content in my own hands. I guess too many sites seem to just "disappear" over time.

02-27-2007, 01:10 PM	#10
paulkbiba Connoisseur Posts: 84 Karma: 45 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: United States Device: Nokia e61i, iPhone	By the way, I just finished reading his free version of Journey to the West. Absolutely fascinating, and great fun. I'm starting on his other free books now.

02-28-2007, 09:28 PM	#12
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Is that a problem not having margins? I thought it was the best use of limited screen real estate on the Reader. RTF files are like that also, I think.

02-28-2007, 09:57 PM	#13
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	And others have complained in these forums about the excessive margins around the Sony CONNECT store books. For me there is problem in using the full screen for text.

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02-28-2007, 10:10 PM	#15
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	I just think of the metal frame around the eink screen as the margins. As long as there are no letters hidden under it I'm fine.