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Old 05-21-2009, 04:12 PM   #20
ahi
Wizard
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moejoe View Post
I stand corrected. And I just downloaded your 'Art of War' PDF and it does look fantastic. But let me ask you this, why, if it just a matter of correct formatting, do we get so many badly put together PDF's (especially from Publishing houses)? Are they (as I think someone else suggested) just "Printing to PDF" rather than taking the time to do it correctly, or is there some other reason I'm not aware of?
Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

I suspect the reasons are:

- Many do just "print to PDF".

- Few publishers have competent staff to handle the generation of eBooks--most of said staff may well have less understanding and know-how than your average mobileread.com member. (Which does not mean to be a swipe--merely pointing out a paid professional should be more knowledge and capable than an enthusiastic amateur.)

- Plus, if the PDF is not from a eBook reader specific/targeted website, it may have intentionally been aimed at people either reading on their computers or printing to letter/A4 size paper sheets. My "Art of War" (original book size) PDF saw more than 3000 downloads since February. I hope, but I am not convinced, it will get as many downloads of the eBook reader targeted versions (PDF or Mobipocket or ePub) anywhere near as quickly. If a publisher is using the PDF as a promotional tool for their dead-tree book, targeting people unlikely to buy that paperback book might not seem that attractive.

I think once publishers start taking eBook reader devices seriously, the quality of books will rise considerably.
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