Quote:
Originally Posted by rjnagle
Hey, you guys are really missing the point about Cybook/mobipocket.
The big advantage this implementation offers is for content creators. Mobipocket is open to just about any author/publisher who wants to upload their ebook. Yes, mobipocket takes their cut (I think it's 40%) and the contracts have their restrictions, but it's unlike Sony or Fictionwise where you have to go through hoops just to get your content listed.
The only other distributor positioned to take advantage of independent publishing is Lulu, but they only let you upload .doc and .pdf's.
I asked them about .epub uploads on this thread. http://www.lulu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=72973 (No reply so far).
My reason for buying the Cybook is not for the better features (although that is certainly a plus) but the wider availability of content, most of which began as ebooks.
I find it hard to believe that ebooks offered by lone authors would be more expensive than typical books. For the first time in a long time, we have a level playing field in publising. |
There is nothing stopping anyone from releasing content in a large variety of formats anyone can read (RTF or HTML would be fine for most purposes), the only "advantage" mobipocket has is the DRM... IMHO fixing the publishing model would include getting away from the big retailers (online or otherwise) controlling the market and taking a cut.
In other words authors shouldn't need to have their books available on Connect or Mobipocket where the DRM is to protect the store owner (and hardware manufacturer) more than the author.
You may think you have a level playing field, but to us consumers it seems like there are multiple playing fields all surrounded by barbed wire fences and guard dogs - which can't be good for audience attendance figures.