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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 23 Feb 2010 :  20:39:30  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
Poll Question:
I noticed amazon has roughly 40 FR novels either available or soon to be in eBook form. And it looks like most(if not all) new releases are coming available in eBooks as well.

Which form would you prefer to be buying in? Or will you buy a mix of both?

Feel free to share any thoughts. I am debating on going with an eReader of some typr or continuing to overflow my shelving! Anyone planning on going all digital? Or waiting for the readers to be more affordable? My wife was going to buy me one for my birthday, but I told her I was not sure if I was ready to go that direction.

Choices:

Printed
eBook
Mix of Both
Too soon to decide

(Anonymous Vote)

A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka

"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -

John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963

Edited by - The Red Walker on 23 Feb 2010 20:40:48

Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader

USA
3243 Posts

Posted - 23 Feb 2010 :  21:21:33  Show Profile Send Ashe Ravenheart a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I'm waiting until the prices drop a LOT more. Looking at the iPod as an example, (How much cheaper is the iPod going to get?) I'd rather wait the 7-8 years like I did before buying my first nano and get a terrific deal.

And, to expand on the article (since it's almost 4 years old), the iPod classic now holds 160GB and costs $250. Which means it's now $1.56 per GB, which is an incredible 5000% price reduction over almost ten years. Hell, I just bought my first 1 TB hard-drive for just $100. Give it five years and the e-readers will be down to a more reasonable $100 or less.



[On a fun side note, my friend found this article from 1995 written by Clifford Stoll on how the internet WON'T change everything. Nostradamus, this guy AIN'T]

I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.

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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 23 Feb 2010 :  23:58:33  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I chose the third option.

Unlike many, I don't really have any problems with reading PDFs or e-books. And with the long commute to work via train, I'm usually pressed for space in my carry-all, so having ready access to PDFs and/or e-books has often been a real space-saver for me. [Heh, usually I'll end up dropping another book or piece of source material into my carry-all anyway, for lunchtime reading, but...]

It's largely for this reason that I'm considering the iPad for purchase, because my current e-reader is a few years old now and largely archaic in terms of the files it can access. So having further access to Realms novels in e-book format would work for me just as well as physically printed copies.

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Edited by - The Sage on 23 Feb 2010 23:59:44
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36805 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2010 :  00:24:14  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I don't really care for ebooks. I'll stick with printed books as long as I can.

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Lady Fellshot
Senior Scribe

USA
379 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2010 :  02:19:31  Show Profile  Visit Lady Fellshot's Homepage Send Lady Fellshot a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I like the readers and all, but the e-books are too expensive for the most part. I'm not against the idea of e-books, but I tend to vote with my pocketbook in such cases. If the price of e-novels drops or some clever person comes up with a reasonably priced subscription system I'll reconsider my position.
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scererar
Master of Realmslore

USA
1618 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2010 :  02:31:13  Show Profile Send scererar a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I dig ebooks though I agree that ereader prices are still too high. I too am looking at the ipad as a future option. I have been able to replace most of my library in an electronic format. Just waiting for WOTC to get on board for the FR stuff.
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe

South Africa
757 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2010 :  07:39:28  Show Profile  Visit Kyrene's Homepage Send Kyrene a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I voted "Too soon to decide", since I don't have an e-reader and therefore cannot compare. For now, the very few FR novels I am still willing to buy are printed.

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Rosemary Jones
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
148 Posts

Posted - 07 Mar 2010 :  02:07:24  Show Profile  Visit Rosemary Jones's Homepage Send Rosemary Jones a Private Message  Reply with Quote
My line on ebook readers was "When it costs me a $100 or so and I can check out books from the library." Because I couldn't see buying both a print and ebook version for certain authors, even though I might want to travel with the ebook and keep the regular one safe at home on the shelf.

So, in January, my local Sony store had a Pocket Reader (floor model) for $119. I can check out and load ePubs from the library -- including many new WOTC titles -- and I can also buy the ones that I want permanently in book form.

So I'm now a happy . But, Red Walker, it has not stopped my shelves from overflowing. I'm still buying as many or more "keepers" for my book collection.

Rosemary Jones
www.rosemaryjones.com
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Hawkins
Great Reader

USA
2131 Posts

Posted - 07 Mar 2010 :  21:45:24  Show Profile  Visit Hawkins's Homepage Send Hawkins a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I voted for "Printed," but I would like to note that I think all books (novels, rpg, et cetera) should start coming with codes from the publisher (most likely tear-off inside the cover like in textbooks) that should allow you to download a digital copy of the book at no additional cost.

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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 07 Mar 2010 :  23:46:43  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rosemary Jones

My line on ebook readers was "When it costs me a $100 or so and I can check out books from the library." Because I couldn't see buying both a print and ebook version for certain authors, even though I might want to travel with the ebook and keep the regular one safe at home on the shelf.

So, in January, my local Sony store had a Pocket Reader (floor model) for $119. I can check out and load ePubs from the library -- including many new WOTC titles -- and I can also buy the ones that I want permanently in book form.

So I'm now a happy . But, Red Walker, it has not stopped my shelves from overflowing. I'm still buying as many or more "keepers" for my book collection.



I cannot imagine not holding a book in my hands a flipping through it...but 5 years from now? Who knows!

A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka

"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -

John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 07 Mar 2010 :  23:47:44  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by HawkinstheDM

I voted for "Printed," but I would like to note that I think all books (novels, rpg, et cetera) should start coming with codes from the publisher (most likely tear-off inside the cover like in textbooks) that should allow you to download a digital copy of the book at no additional cost.



I agree...but I don't see it happening.

A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka

"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -

John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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skychrome
Senior Scribe

713 Posts

Posted - 08 Mar 2010 :  19:56:58  Show Profile  Visit skychrome's Homepage Send skychrome a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I voted "too soon to decide". In general I love having a paper book in my hands.
On the other hand if eBooks where significantly cheaper than the printed versions and I had an eReader that has nice features like flipping pages instead of just scrolling down plus I can get new FR novels and even "TSR out of print"-stuff: I would probably go for it without a second thought.

"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe

United Kingdom
729 Posts

Posted - 08 Mar 2010 :  20:28:09  Show Profile Send Thauramarth a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I would definitely go for eBooks. Although I do like the feel of books, I lead what one could call a highly mobile life, and the advantage of having as many books with me as possible outweighs any disadvantages the eReader might have.

One caveat - still holding out for a bit until there's clarity on compatibility of the formats.
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Ayunken-vanzan
Senior Scribe

Germany
657 Posts

Posted - 08 Mar 2010 :  20:56:47  Show Profile  Visit Ayunken-vanzan's Homepage Send Ayunken-vanzan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
At the moment I prefer the printed book. Reading texts on a computer or with one of the current ebook readers cannot substitute reading a book for me, but that may change with the iPad.

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Jhoebryn
Acolyte

43 Posts

Posted - 08 Mar 2010 :  21:31:44  Show Profile  Visit Jhoebryn's Homepage Send Jhoebryn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have a Kindle (the Amazon ebook reader) and I have to say I like it. The ability to carry a large collection of books is definitely a plus. The eInk technology is not nearly as tiring to read as a lighted screen (sorry iPad...), it reads like a book (light source required).

I actually find I prefer reading on the Kindle to reading an actual book - read page, hit button, read page, hit button... fairly simple process, and on the Kindle it is quick (the Barnes and Noble Nook is much slower to change pages - my wife has one). The ability to purchase and download books is also a huge benefit (no running to the bookstore only to find they don't have the title in stock).

My biggest fear has already been mentioned - the Kindle format for books. When this kindle is ancient, will I be able to download the books to the next device I purchase or will I lose them. For me, that is the biggest drawback. So far, I still buy all the Realms novels as they come out, but I am actually reading the Haunted Lands trilogy on the Kindle. I just like reading on it better...
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Rosemary Jones
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
148 Posts

Posted - 09 Mar 2010 :  03:30:41  Show Profile  Visit Rosemary Jones's Homepage Send Rosemary Jones a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by HawkinstheDM

I voted for "Printed," but I would like to note that I think all books (novels, rpg, et cetera) should start coming with codes from the publisher (most likely tear-off inside the cover like in textbooks) that should allow you to download a digital copy of the book at no additional cost.



You may very well see this happening. I was at an event for publishers and this idea was very seriously discussed among small press and independents. I can definitely see some bright publisher using this as an "added value" Others were discussing essentially the reverse: buy the e-book, get a discount (up to the full price of the e-book) on a print version.

For those in the Northwest and heading to Norwescon, I'm leading two panels on small press publishing/e-books on Friday, April 2. As I get closer to the date, I'm planning to post my notes on my website for those who can't make it or want some additional material.

Rosemary Jones
www.rosemaryjones.com
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Victor_ograygor
Master of Realmslore

Denmark
1075 Posts

Posted - 09 Mar 2010 :  19:24:46  Show Profile  Visit Victor_ograygor's Homepage Send Victor_ograygor a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Mix of Both :O)

Victor Ograygor The Assassin and Candel keeps cellar master

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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 11 Mar 2010 :  21:21:42  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rosemary Jones

quote:
Originally posted by HawkinstheDM

I voted for "Printed," but I would like to note that I think all books (novels, rpg, et cetera) should start coming with codes from the publisher (most likely tear-off inside the cover like in textbooks) that should allow you to download a digital copy of the book at no additional cost.



You may very well see this happening. I was at an event for publishers and this idea was very seriously discussed among small press and independents. I can definitely see some bright publisher using this as an "added value" Others were discussing essentially the reverse: buy the e-book, get a discount (up to the full price of the e-book) on a print version.

For those in the Northwest and heading to Norwescon, I'm leading two panels on small press publishing/e-books on Friday, April 2. As I get closer to the date, I'm planning to post my notes on my website for those who can't make it or want some additional material.



Rosemary...I hope it eventually happens(sooner the better) that would be very cool....thanks for the info!

A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka

"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -

John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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danbuter
Seeker

USA
74 Posts

Posted - 11 Mar 2010 :  23:14:41  Show Profile  Visit danbuter's Homepage Send danbuter a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have no interest in an ebook reader. I LIKE real books. Unless ebook readers cause a lot less eyestrain than computer screens, I would get headaches.

Nothing beats the gray box!
Dan
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Alisttair
Great Reader

Canada
3054 Posts

Posted - 12 Mar 2010 :  13:33:06  Show Profile  Visit Alisttair's Homepage Send Alisttair a Private Message  Reply with Quote
For novels I need to have an actual printed book. Game mechanics and lore books I can stand in e form (only so much of it though)

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Alisttair
Great Reader

Canada
3054 Posts

Posted - 12 Mar 2010 :  13:34:30  Show Profile  Visit Alisttair's Homepage Send Alisttair a Private Message  Reply with Quote
For novels I need to have an actual printed book. Game mechanics and lore books I can stand in e form (only so much of it though)

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GRYPHON
Senior Scribe

USA
527 Posts

Posted - 12 Mar 2010 :  14:44:31  Show Profile Send GRYPHON a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Too soon to decide...
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe

Greece
581 Posts

Posted - 22 May 2010 :  22:31:43  Show Profile  Visit BARDOBARBAROS's Homepage Send BARDOBARBAROS a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Mix of Both

BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!


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swifty
Senior Scribe

United Kingdom
517 Posts

Posted - 23 May 2010 :  18:18:30  Show Profile  Visit swifty's Homepage Send swifty a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by danbuter

I have no interest in an ebook reader. I LIKE real books. Unless ebook readers cause a lot less eyestrain than computer screens, I would get headaches.

most dont acyually cause eyestrain.

go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS.
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Jorkens
Great Reader

Norway
2950 Posts

Posted - 24 May 2010 :  13:04:28  Show Profile Send Jorkens a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I really, really hate to read anything of a screen and never trust anything computer-based, as it will continually break down when I am near. On the other hand I love to hold books, look at the cover and sort them in the shelves, in addition to reading them.

Anyone curious about what I voted?
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 01 Jun 2010 :  18:37:03  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Still on the fence......kinda.

Wife bought me an iPad and the books on there(especially the illustrated ones) are gorgeous.

I have yet to purchase an eBook FR title though.....I keep looking over at my bookshelves (which hold every FR Novel except the ablolithic thingys) and have a hard time not buying the next one to put with them! Maybe I will get over it , but I have a hard time "splitting" my collection of FR into two parts....

A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka

"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -

John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Rosemary Jones
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
148 Posts

Posted - 05 Jun 2010 :  04:44:37  Show Profile  Visit Rosemary Jones's Homepage Send Rosemary Jones a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I own an ebook reader that is compatible with my local library system. I do love it for commuting and other travel. And I can check out the FR books that I don't want to lug around in my suitcase! So that's a nice plus.

Last couple of conventions I attended, this has been a HUGE topic of discussion. Most seem to fall into an "either/or" idea: either you go all e-book or all print. I'm finding that I'm more a "both/more the merrier" I'm still buying print books, but I'm reading at least one book a week on my Sony reader.

Rosemary Jones
www.rosemaryjones.com
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GERGE
Acolyte

9 Posts

Posted - 08 Jun 2010 :  15:01:25  Show Profile  Visit GERGE's Homepage Send GERGE a Private Message  Reply with Quote
For foreign guys like me eBooks are like a dream come true. You simply cannot find books newer than one year in Turkey. Hardcovers of fantasy novels never come here anyway. Only paperbacks.

I have a Nook and being able to buy anything I want from Barnes&Noble is great.

Let me give you an example: I bought this today:http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Passage/Justin-Cronin/e/9780345516862 It was released today too. If I didn't have a Nook, I would either had to wait for one and half year or so for the mass-market paperback or pirate the book and read it from computer. I could order the book from U.S. but my student budget can't pay for a hardcover plus Int. shipping.

So, you guys from the U.S. might not think that eBook is a big deal, but it is.

To talk about FR novels, I just bought a FR novel I simply can't find in Turkey as a B&N eBook. They are really great

Edited by - GERGE on 08 Jun 2010 15:31:54
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 08 Jun 2010 :  20:07:26  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by GERGE

For foreign guys like me eBooks are like a dream come true. You simply cannot find books newer than one year in Turkey. Hardcovers of fantasy novels never come here anyway. Only paperbacks.

I have a Nook and being able to buy anything I want from Barnes&Noble is great.

Let me give you an example: I bought this today:http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Passage/Justin-Cronin/e/9780345516862 It was released today too. If I didn't have a Nook, I would either had to wait for one and half year or so for the mass-market paperback or pirate the book and read it from computer. I could order the book from U.S. but my student budget can't pay for a hardcover plus Int. shipping.

So, you guys from the U.S. might not think that eBook is a big deal, but it is.

To talk about FR novels, I just bought a FR novel I simply can't find in Turkey as a B&N eBook. They are really great



that is awesome! I see more and more FR books popping up available as ebooks and it doesnt hurt that many FR authors are supportive.....Rosemary Jones(you'll like her stuff alot!), Paul S Kemp(of Erevis Cale Fame) and Erik Scott de Bie to name just a few!

A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka

"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -

John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 13 Jun 2010 :  10:31:03  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
nothing can sunbstitute an actual, you-can-feel book. ebooks are good, but printed are a lot better. and of course, if you're into having your own physical (as opposed to electronic) library that you want to expand and expand (like what i do), then the choice is obvious...

Every beginning has an end.

Edited by - Dennis on 13 Jun 2010 10:36:37
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author

2396 Posts

Posted - 15 Jun 2010 :  00:21:45  Show Profile  Visit ElaineCunningham's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Ebooks would provide a way to keep all the backlist in print. Ebooks would also give an inexpensive way to experiment with new forms that are not commercially viable, such as a novella, and experiment with new delivery methods, such as sending new installments of a digital serial novel directly to the reader's phone.
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