MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - New trend? digitize your books for $1USD each.

sufue · 11-22-2011, 11:23 AM

Soooo...

I got my second batch of scans from 1dollarscan. The first batch was ordered before they implemented their new website and new pricing policy; the second was after.

In the first batch, I was able to download one HUGE zipped file that when unzipped contained individual .pdf files for each of my books. The files had cryptic names, but WTH, it's not to hard to rename a file.

Sadly, in the second batch, there appears to be no single zipped file with all of the scans. Instead the new web interface appears to make me download each of my 27 books individually - still with cryptic names since I'm not willing to double the cost of the scans just to avoid having to change it myself! This is sort of a pain in the neck, especially since the downloads are a couple of hundred MB each, so they take some time. And, I can't imagine if I had sent even more books, although it's still less effort than scanning myself.

I have e-mailed them to ask if there is a way to get a single zipped file for the whole order, and will update here if/when I get a reply. I also am wondering if I am missing something obvious - if anyone here knows how to get a single zipped file from their new web interface, PLEASE post the info!

There is also a possibly interesting option called "Fine Tune" now offered for free - at least for now

. Fine Tune claims to tailor the .pdf output for your device - i.e. reduce margins for smaller screens, optimize characters, etc. You have to request it, and then they do it, and notify you when it's ready. (Supposedly the original file is also retained.)

I've asked for a couple of my books to be optimized for different devices and will be interested to see if it makes any noticeable difference.

11-22-2011, 11:23 AM	#93
sufue lost in my e-reader... Posts: 8,154 Karma: 66191692 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: sunny southern California, USA Device: Android phone, Sony T1, Nook ST Glowlight, Galaxy Tab 7 Plus	Soooo... I got my second batch of scans from 1dollarscan. The first batch was ordered before they implemented their new website and new pricing policy; the second was after. In the first batch, I was able to download one HUGE zipped file that when unzipped contained individual .pdf files for each of my books. The files had cryptic names, but WTH, it's not to hard to rename a file. Sadly, in the second batch, there appears to be no single zipped file with all of the scans. Instead the new web interface appears to make me download each of my 27 books individually - still with cryptic names since I'm not willing to double the cost of the scans just to avoid having to change it myself! This is sort of a pain in the neck, especially since the downloads are a couple of hundred MB each, so they take some time. And, I can't imagine if I had sent even more books, although it's still less effort than scanning myself. I have e-mailed them to ask if there is a way to get a single zipped file for the whole order, and will update here if/when I get a reply. I also am wondering if I am missing something obvious - if anyone here knows how to get a single zipped file from their new web interface, PLEASE post the info! There is also a possibly interesting option called "Fine Tune" now offered for free - at least for now . Fine Tune claims to tailor the .pdf output for your device - i.e. reduce margins for smaller screens, optimize characters, etc. You have to request it, and then they do it, and notify you when it's ready. (Supposedly the original file is also retained.) I've asked for a couple of my books to be optimized for different devices and will be interested to see if it makes any noticeable difference.