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Fugubot · 01-19-2012, 02:22 PM

Epub3 does not pose a threat to traditional writing because the new functions do not exclude traditional text focus of books. It adds options but does not mandate that they be used. In this sense, it does not really represent much of a change from the cd-rom era multimedia authoring tools or even web authoring tools with the advantage that the ebook format and delivery system will be more accessible (anyone remember installing those Macromedia files in order to see video?). Authors can choose to use or not to use media.

It sounds like there's a worry that audiences will only want newer format of content. I don't see this as a problem. Best content will win and the best content will express itself in the most appropriate format. I've yet to see a compelling movie of Remembrances of Things Past. Even a good movie adaptation of Jane Austin does not replace the experience of reading.

There are good compelling uses for the Epub3 extensions to the standard. Not all books are novels.
Consider a math text book that could generate math problems and correct student progress. If the student answers incorrectly, it could show the error and generate a new problem until the student grasps the concept. No need for a separate course book of problems.

Apple's built in flashcard function is so obvious that its surprising its not already standard. From elementary school spelling to foreign language studies to medical anatomy, students will love this function.

Even novels and other fiction could benefit if wisely produced. Shakespeare that can play audio or video will make learning easier for many students. Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake foreshadow hypertextual reading styles. Yes, production will matter in these adaptations but production already matters in translated works, distinct editions (Folger's Shakespeare, Etc.), audiobooks, etc. Having to note differences in production is already something with which readers are familiar.

We're not moving into a brave new world, just travelling down a path which we've been on for years.

01-19-2012, 02:22 PM	#17
Fugubot Connoisseur Posts: 64 Karma: 10558 Join Date: Nov 2006 Device: Sony Reader	Epub3 does not pose a threat to traditional writing because the new functions do not exclude traditional text focus of books. It adds options but does not mandate that they be used. In this sense, it does not really represent much of a change from the cd-rom era multimedia authoring tools or even web authoring tools with the advantage that the ebook format and delivery system will be more accessible (anyone remember installing those Macromedia files in order to see video?). Authors can choose to use or not to use media. It sounds like there's a worry that audiences will only want newer format of content. I don't see this as a problem. Best content will win and the best content will express itself in the most appropriate format. I've yet to see a compelling movie of Remembrances of Things Past. Even a good movie adaptation of Jane Austin does not replace the experience of reading. There are good compelling uses for the Epub3 extensions to the standard. Not all books are novels. Consider a math text book that could generate math problems and correct student progress. If the student answers incorrectly, it could show the error and generate a new problem until the student grasps the concept. No need for a separate course book of problems. Apple's built in flashcard function is so obvious that its surprising its not already standard. From elementary school spelling to foreign language studies to medical anatomy, students will love this function. Even novels and other fiction could benefit if wisely produced. Shakespeare that can play audio or video will make learning easier for many students. Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake foreshadow hypertextual reading styles. Yes, production will matter in these adaptations but production already matters in translated works, distinct editions (Folger's Shakespeare, Etc.), audiobooks, etc. Having to note differences in production is already something with which readers are familiar. We're not moving into a brave new world, just travelling down a path which we've been on for years. Last edited by Fugubot; 01-19-2012 at 02:32 PM.