How can we convince Amazon to sell ePub format?

[fjtorres]

Library books on readers don't generate income.
That is why Amazon doesn't support it.
Even if it became enough of an irritant to impact sales, library ebook support does *not* require ePub support.

Since Overdrive already has the infrastructure to support Mobi-drm, it would be trivial effort for Amazon to get Overdrive's Console on Kindle and running on whispernet *without* adding ePub support.

Float up any justification you like, but Amazon can match or better all *market* needs without ePub. Personal prejudices however, they don't care about.

They're in business to make money not to be loved by pundits.

Again: you want epub? Buy an epub reader. Nobody is stopping you.

Want a reader that supports Amazon and Library ebooks? Buy an android webpad. The Pocketbook IQ at US$149 runs both Kindle and the Overdrive Media Console and Audible just fine. Makes a sweet color kindle and the price is right. Also surfs the net and plays video and games. Plenty of other comparable Android webpads out there, too. In sizes from 4-11 inches and prices from US$100 to US$600. No shortage of choices.

You want the world to behave the way *you* want it to? Well, sorry, but that just "ain't gonna happen".

[Kali Yuga]

Meh

Most end-users don't care about format, even when it results in vendor lock-ins. By the time Amazon either adopts or switches to ePub, people will care even less.

The people who do care largely know how to circumvent it anyway, if it really bugs them.

[EowynCarter]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

Meh

Most end-users don't care about format, even when it results in vendor lock-ins..

Well, more like most end user don't care about format, until it slaps them in the face, because things have changed and they fell like moving.
Or : Hey, why can't I read the book I just bought ?

I happily used mobi. Then sony switched, the French editor switched to ePub, followed by pretty much everyone but amazon.
Me : Mmm, what do I do now ?

I didn't care much about adept. Bah, I can get rid of it. Until a wrong step with ade. Result : book unreadable, because authenticated to the temporary user, rather than my adobe ID. I had to re-pay the books again.

[asjogren]

For *most* of my reading of eBooks, Mobi and ePub are interchangeable. When there are drawings, tables, graphs, or pictures Mobi suffers in comparison. But, then eInk is poor for most of those graphical portions.

I tend to agree with FJTorres above that it CURRENTLY is not in Amazon's interest to offer library books. That is UNTIL Kindle sales drop. Each Kindle is a lock-in. Kindle for PC and Kindle for Android do not lock the customer into the Amazon store.

By the way, Overdrive public library eBooks were the primary reason to supplement my Kindle with a PocketBook IQ. And it was the primary reason I told my partner NOT to buy a Kindle but to buy a Nook instead.

Had Amazon supported Overdrive public library books, we would have had 2 Kindles. Amazon's bookstore works well, but the public llibrary is a more significant source for us than new purchases.

When my Kindle dies, I am unlikely to buy another. Yet, I really like the device. And I like the bookstore.

[screwballl]

The closest library that offers temporary epub lending is around 400 miles away... so that had zero impact on my decision of which reader to buy... but for areas where it IS available AND you visit the library a lot, then I can see it lending more weight to purchase decisions. In my case even if it was available locally, that would still not have made any impact on my decision since I already have over 1000 ebooks (legally) on my computer, and with the other online sources, I have the choice of millions. Enough to hold me over until either the Kindle, or I die, whichever comes first.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by screwballl

The closest library that offers temporary epub lending is around 400 miles away... so that had zero impact on my decision of which reader to buy... but for areas where it IS available AND you visit the library a lot, then I can see it lending more weight to purchase decisions. In my case even if it was available locally, that would still not have made any impact on my decision since I already have over 1000 ebooks (legally) on my computer, and with the other online sources, I have the choice of millions. Enough to hold me over until either the Kindle, or I die, whichever comes first.

Distance is irrelevant. You don't need to set foot in the library.

I never bothered to use the library until I got my e-reader. It's convenient and I don't need to worry about returning books on time. There's no hassle involved at all.

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Distance is irrelevant. You don't need to set foot in the library.

I never bothered to use the library until I got my e-reader. It's convenient and I don't need to worry about returning books on time. There's no hassle involved at all.

In almost every case (the Philly library apparently being the exception) you have to step inside the library to apply for a library card. My library also charges a $65 fee if you reside outside the county.

[DiapDealer]

In almost every case (the Philly library apparently being the exception) you have to step inside the library to apply for a library card. My library also charges a $65 fee if you reside outside the county.

Thank you. You saved me some typing.

[DavidI]

I don't think there is much we can do to get Amazon to support ePub, which is too bad, because I'd like to have the ability to create ebooks with text that floats around images. For most books the mobi standard is fine, but for many illustrated classics, like Alice in Wonderland, the ePub versions look much better than the mobi versions.

[screwballl]

I got my ereader to read words, not look at pictures. For people wanting good access to pictures or especially color pictures, they would be better off finding a reader with an LCD screen that is essentially a "netbook tablet" laptop.

[rcuadro]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Does your library buy new eBooks in Mobipocket? Nope, they don't. They buy in ePub mostly.

Good point....

[BobLenx]

Personal opinion here, but I think eventually there will be one standard ebook format, and it isn't going to be Amazon's - it will be ePub. With GoogleBooks now on-line, and major libraries putting their material into digital format, and more companies producing eReaders, ePbub will win out.

A happy Kindle-2 and Kindle-3 owner and avid reader. No ax to grind.

[Kitabi]

Originally Posted by screwballl

I got my ereader to read words, not look at pictures. For people wanting good access to pictures or especially color pictures, they would be better off finding a reader with an LCD screen that is essentially a "netbook tablet" laptop.

You mean the Kindle app on the iPad or the PC would not have picture related issues that stem from the format itself?

[boswd]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

In almost every case (the Philly library apparently being the exception) you have to step inside the library to apply for a library card. My library also charges a $65 fee if you reside outside the county.

Oh no the horror of actually stepping outside of your house.

pssst here's a tip, go to a library in your county

[boswd]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

Meh

Most end-users don't care about format, even when it results in vendor lock-ins. By the time Amazon either adopts or switches to ePub, people will care even less.

The people who do care largely know how to circumvent it anyway, if it really bugs them.

a familiar sounding statement that seems to nomally come from Kindle and Apple owners

coincidence they tend to have the largest sheep following and are walled gardens?