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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Lady Shadowflame
Learned Scribe
115 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 05:43:54
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I don't like ebooks.
I don't trust the companies that put them out not to pull this sort of trick. (Warning to kiddies, there's one swear-word in the title on that page.)
Because I don't want my computer etc tampered with by companies just so they might deign to allow me access to what I've bought and paid for.
If someone comes around to your house and takes your books, that's theft. If a company deletes files you've bought, that's apparently 'acceptable.'
Besides, getting them requires a steady net connection, and the ability to buy online. Which I don't have.
I'm not American, so this is not a case of 'oh, American readers, don't you understand this makes it easier for the rest of the world?' Easier? Sure, easier to get ripped off.
I'm used to struggling to get books. It's lousy and annoying. But at least once I get them, they're mine and can't be taken from me. And I can lend them to friends, or put them on whatever shelf in my house I like.
Unlike digital content, where the people releasing it seem to wet themselves in excitement at the thought they can force everybody who ever sees or hears something to pay for it. Good luck lending an ebook to your best friend. And if you ever change computers or devices, you lose your digital content. I only need to look at iTunes to see that, with their thing of how the music you bought can only be accessed on X number of computers. Oh, and that includes the same computer if iTunes has glitched, or if you've had to reformat.
Imagine if someone came to your house because they were angry you'd played your CDs on one too many players.
So yes. I mistrust digital content, have no desire to get a credit card just to get it, and am likely going to have to pass on any book exclusively released in that format until the publishing companies cure themselves of the acute recto-cranial inversion they seem to be suffering regarding digital content. |
Save a lizard... Ride a drow.
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Edited by - Lady Shadowflame on 22 Aug 2011 05:45:57 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 14:28:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Lady Shadowflame
Unlike digital content, where the people releasing it seem to wet themselves in excitement at the thought they can force everybody who ever sees or hears something to pay for it. Good luck lending an ebook to your best friend.
Actually some e-readers make it easy to lend ebooks to friends. As e-readers become more afforable and widespread, it will be as easy to lend an ebook as it is a paperback. And, unlike books, you'll be certain to get your ebook back. 
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AdamBridger
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
118 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 15:16:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
@Adam: Thank you for the comments, and do keep your eyes peeled for an announcement about ways to get print copies! I am in no way excluding that as a possibility.
Also, if you feel strongly about it, you should forward your comments on to WotC, as stated earlier in the thread.
Cheers
I will try and do so within the next few days.
Question for Erik if you have the time?
When in the writing process did you find out that Shadowbane would be an e-only release and how do you feel about your work (which you've put in a lot of time and effort into) being the 'test-case' for an e-book exclusive release? |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 16:31:23
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I am against ebooks in just about every way imaginable. I'm the type of person who will buy a hardcover book over a softcover or MMPB any days of the week. I know my hardcovers are more expensive. I don't care. I like hardcovers better. They last. They look better on a bookshelf. So, as someone who willingly pays more for what I feel is the superior format, I will not be lured in by the cheaper price of the ebook. If I buy a book, I want the book. Not a text file on a screen. It needs to go on my bookshelf with the rest of my books. I don't like the way the industry is heading. And I don't like that I will be forced to comply, or be forced to stop reading.
My wife has a kindle, so it's not like I am uninformed regarding how the eReader works. I just don't like the direction society is heading where we're all just staring into little screens in our hands for one reason or another. I will be holding out for as long as possible in hopes that Shadowbane will see a paper release. If not, then I may have to get the kindle edition and use the kindle app for my android phone.
Also, I just noticed that the new Salvatore book Neverwinter will be 16.26 in hardcover on Amazon, while the kindle edition will be 14.94. Please tell me how this makes sense. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 17:21:04
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quote:
Originally posted by AdamBridger
Question for Erik if you have the time?
When in the writing process did you find out that Shadowbane would be an e-only release and how do you feel about your work (which you've put in a lot of time and effort into) being the 'test-case' for an e-book exclusive release?
I found out after I had already submitted the final draft but before I let all of you know.
As for how I feel about it, I'll honestly say I have mixed feelings. I'm a little nervous about how it will be received, anxious about the implications for my writing career (i.e. if Shadowbane does poorly, does that mean no more WotC writing for me?), and a little worried the whole thing will fall apart.
Then again, that's not all that different from how I feel about any of my new books, just somewhat enhanced by the experimental nature of this particular situation.
And hey, maybe it'll sell really well. The ebook market is, after all, on the rise, and the book is (in my of course unbiased opinion) really awesome, particularly for fans of Helm. (Spread the word!)
I'm looking forward to seeing how it does, and I really appreciate all your guys' support. I would ask that if you like the character and the series and want to see more, whether you buy a copy or not, communicate your opinions to WotC. I really do want to see this story through to its conclusion (and believe me, there IS an end), and wouldn't want this kind of wrinkle to jeopardize that.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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AdamBridger
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
118 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 18:25:38
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| Thanks Erik. It's really great to have authors interacting so well with their fans and allowing us an insight into the situation that many other authors would not take the time to do. Hope all goes well with the release. |
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Elsenrail
Seeker
Poland
72 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 19:30:05
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Hmm, when I typed "Shadowbane" in searchbox for Kindle Store, it didn't appear (only as a MMP, which is unavailable). Good to know that it's still there. :)
If it helps your case, I will buy the digital copy, though I will not read it. I want to see this story through, so you have my support here. However, I will let WotC know (I already have) how I feel about it. I can only hope there are some conscious people at WotC, whose thinking spectrum is far larger than $ numbers. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 19:42:48
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You'll buy a copy but not read it? Wow. That's going above and beyond.
Um, I would like you to read it, though, somehow. I mean, that's what I care about, more than sales numbers, is getting the story to people to enjoy.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 21:30:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by AdamBridger
Question for Erik if you have the time?
When in the writing process did you find out that Shadowbane would be an e-only release and how do you feel about your work (which you've put in a lot of time and effort into) being the 'test-case' for an e-book exclusive release?
I'm looking forward to seeing how it does, and I really appreciate all your guys' support. I would ask that if you like the character and the series and want to see more, whether you buy a copy or not, communicate your opinions to WotC. I really do want to see this story through to its conclusion (and believe me, there IS an end), and wouldn't want this kind of wrinkle to jeopardize that.
Cheers
This is the only reason I would be buying this. If only to do my part to ensure that you (1) get paid for your work and (2) are able to sell enough copies to continue the story. However, I will also do my part to help inform WOTC that it's a dick move to alienate a demographic. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 22:39:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
This is the only reason I would be buying this. If only to do my part to ensure that you (1) get paid for your work and (2) are able to sell enough copies to continue the story. However, I will also do my part to help inform WOTC that it's a dick move to alienate a demographic.
Well thank you for your support, and I want to make it clear--for the record--that I'm not encouraging people to post negative opinions to WotC. I just want you to say what you feel and think, so that we can all find the right path forward here.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2011 : 22:55:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
This is the only reason I would be buying this. If only to do my part to ensure that you (1) get paid for your work and (2) are able to sell enough copies to continue the story. However, I will also do my part to help inform WOTC that it's a dick move to alienate a demographic.
Well thank you for your support, and I want to make it clear--for the record--that I'm not encouraging people to post negative opinions to WotC. I just want you to say what you feel and think, so that we can all find the right path forward here.
Cheers
Of course, and I would never go complaining to WOTC like a neanderthal and then end it by stating that Erik told me to do it. :)
I like WOTC. I'm probably in the minority in that I like 4th edition. I like the idea of the Spellplague and the possibilities it opened. What I don't like is the direction they could potentially take regarding ebooks vs paper books. If they were to go exclusively ebook with all of their novels going forward, they would lose me (and others, I'm sure) as a customer.
I'll be sure to get my point across to them in a civilized manner. If enough people do that, then there may be change. If not, then oh well. |
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phranctoast
Learned Scribe
USA
151 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2011 : 14:57:51
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Wow..
This is Ironic. I returned a Kindle when I received it a few years ago as a gift due to the lack of WOTC books available. |
Currently reading: Spider and Stone by Jaleigh Johnson: Sequel to Mistshore |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 17:49:52
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Man this being an eBook only really has me in a quandary!
I really, really want to read this book. I really, really, in no way want to support the price structure that wotc is taking. Even the older novels being newly released as eBooks are $6.39.
I would never pay that for books I already have physical copies of.....I fear that buying the new novels at the current prices will validate the overall pricing strategy.
Arrrggghhhh! |
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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 18:11:05
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Man this being an eBook only really has me in a quandary!
I can only recommend taking your comments to WotC directly. This is feedback that would be important for them to hear.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 21:20:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Man this being an eBook only really has me in a quandary!
I can only recommend taking your comments to WotC directly. This is feedback that would be important for them to hear.
Cheers
Good point. I understand what WOTC is trying to do with the whole Ebook thing, but for me personally there is nothing better than sitting down and relaxing with a nice book...not a kindle, nook, or ipad. |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 21:39:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Man this being an eBook only really has me in a quandary!
I can only recommend taking your comments to WotC directly. This is feedback that would be important for them to hear.
Cheers
I know it's been metioned in several scrolls, but I'm not sure what is the most effective place to send them something, or if email or wriiten letter is best....I'll have to do some research. |
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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jornan
Learned Scribe
Canada
256 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2011 : 21:59:15
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| I also don't know the best forum to make my voice heard about this subject. Also, don't include the ipad as WotC books are not supported on that application. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2011 : 15:25:14
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quote:
Originally posted by jornan
I also don't know the best forum to make my voice heard about this subject. Also, don't include the ipad as WotC books are not supported on that application.
I wouldn't know. I enjoy reading BOOKS not computer screens. It's good to unplug from today's world now and again. |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2011 : 19:41:21
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I wanted to drop in and share this link. It contains links to a sample chapter, a list of the EXPANSIVE bundled content in SHADOWBANE, and links to download a copy (of course).
Check back for updates as well.
http://erikscottdebie.com/shadowbane/
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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hawkytom
Seeker
USA
82 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2011 : 22:35:56
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This is very disturbing news!! I just saw this topic and I guess I can cross September 27th off my calender. (I just searched B&N website LAST WEEK and they had Shadowbane listed as a Mass Market Paperback available on 9/27). I was formerly a Forgotten Realms release date buyer for EVERY book they put out and other fantasy novels in other settings by the FR authors I know and love.
Unfortunately I might have to start buying trilogies only after all 3 books have been released instead of the day they are released, because I'm not willing to get burned by this again. :(
Now I wish I didn't waste my time buying all 5 or so Abyssal Plague books(however many were actually released...). HUGE letdown that I wont even be able to finish the whole story afterall. Hopefully this isn't the way of the future for books or I will just end up giving up reading new novels for good. One of the major things I get out of reading NOVELS(not eBooks) is getting away from a computer screen/electronics, or else I might as well be playing a computer game.
I'm truly sorry I'll have to miss out on your novel Erik Scott de Bie, hopefully more of your books in the future will be released in Paperback or Hardcover so I will actually buy/read them...if not it will truly be depressing :'( |
Any Lone Wolf fans? Old school gamebooks from the 80's? They are being re-released/updated, and new books 29-32 being written: http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/novels/lonewolfsolo.html
Forgotten Realms BOOKS owned: ALL of them! (ebooks?...NONE! ever) |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2011 : 22:55:16
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I appreciate that, hawkytom. And if you feel that strongly about it, you might want to let the people at WotC know your concerns. Advocate for what you want! That's the only way you'll get it.
Also, don't give up hope. There may well be opportunities to get actual print copies. One never knows what will happen in the future.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2011 : 23:17:02
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| I think that what is most confusing about this decision, is that Shadowbane is part of an on going series (or is it two?). To change format in the middle of something is most perplexing. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. --Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
"Mmm, not the darkness," Myrin murmured. "Don't cast it there." --Erik Scott de Bie, Shadowbane
* My character sheets (PFRPG, 3.5, and AE versions; not viewable in Internet Explorer)
* Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Reference Document (PFRPG OGL Rules)
* The Hypertext d20 SRD (3.5 OGL Rules)
* 3.5 D&D Archives
My game design work:
* Heroes of the Jade Oath (PFRPG, conversion; Rite Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 1: Cantrips & Orisons (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 2: 1st-Level Spells (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Martial Arts Guidebook (forthcoming) (PFRPG, designer; Rite Publishing)
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hawkytom
Seeker
USA
82 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2011 : 23:22:08
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Thanks Erik, I'll be sure to send my concerns to WotC. I hope your right about having an opportunity to get a printed copy!
Why can't they just raise the price and/or print less, or just sell them on a per order/reserve/pre-pay basis!! (I'm sure there are some other hardcore fans that have been around for like 10-20+ years who would be gladly purchase more pricey limited-edition copies!!)
I doubt this is really a solution that would actually be practical and profitable enough for them to bother, but I'm still hopeful something will be done! Honestly at this point I'd be willing to go to great lengths if they made it still possible to get our favorite books in BOOK form. |
Any Lone Wolf fans? Old school gamebooks from the 80's? They are being re-released/updated, and new books 29-32 being written: http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/novels/lonewolfsolo.html
Forgotten Realms BOOKS owned: ALL of them! (ebooks?...NONE! ever) |
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hawkytom
Seeker
USA
82 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2011 : 23:25:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Hawkins
I think that what is most confusing about this decision, is that Shadowbane is part of an on going series (or is it two?). To change format in the middle of something is most perplexing.
I agree Hawkins; That is what really has me upset about all this! I've already purchased all the abyssal plague NOVELS and now they make the novel I was anticipating the most of the series become an eBook! low-blow |
Any Lone Wolf fans? Old school gamebooks from the 80's? They are being re-released/updated, and new books 29-32 being written: http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/novels/lonewolfsolo.html
Forgotten Realms BOOKS owned: ALL of them! (ebooks?...NONE! ever) |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2011 : 00:48:42
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SHADOWBANE is part of two series: The Abyssal Plague series and my own personal Shadowbane series, following this particular set of characters.
Definitely forward your comments to WotC.
I want to make one thing clear: I don't want to seem like I'm pressuring you to buy a book in a format you don't like. But the success of the book does make a great deal of difference to my career, so I would take it as a personal favor if you'd at least consider trying it if your reservations allow. (Heck, I consider every purchase of one of my books to be a personal favor!)
Also, I do believe the novel is well worth a first venture into e-book territory. I strongly believe in it, and I hope if you do choose to take a risk, you won't regret it.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
8041 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2011 : 01:10:58
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Is this eBook only available in proprietary formats? Lack of generic .pdf format will discourage many (myself included) from ever purchasing it, mostly because it limits access to proprietary platforms and introduces artificial DRM constraints. I do (I really do) understand the publisher's choice to layer DRM controls on the content, particularly in view of WotC's past experiences with rampant eBook piracy, but that doesn't mean I'll rush out to subscribe.
I hate to admit it, Erik, but chances are I'll never read your book simply because I refuse to pay middlemen and buy into the restrictions which are embedded in the only currently available formats. I much prefer my books - paper and electronic copies both - to never expire and to be accessible in any manner on any platform I choose. |
[/Ayrik] |
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hawkytom
Seeker
USA
82 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2011 : 01:12:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Definitely forward your comments to WotC.
I want to make one thing clear: I don't want to seem like I'm pressuring you to buy a book in a format you don't like. But the success of the book does make a great deal of difference to my career, so I would take it as a personal favor if you'd at least consider trying it if your reservations allow. (Heck, I consider every purchase of one of my books to be a personal favor!)
I can tell eBooks are going to create a huge dilemma for me down the road. I'm just worried that reading 'books' in general is shifting towards eventually being phased out completely, in favor of eBooks!
I really want to support the Authors and the Realms setting, but at the same time my purchase would also be telling WotC that I'm ok with purchasing eBooks and that their production of novels is no longer necessary.
This is just like video games not coming with "instructions booklets" in the game boxes anymore, now they have tiny little inserts with their Credits and tells you to refer to the 'digital manual'. *sigh*
What WotC e-mail should I be contacting? I did a quick search and didn't really see anything that jumped out to me as being the correct address to send my concerns. Thanks!
(I'll let you know if I end up giving in and justbuying your eBook afterall my complaints  ) |
Any Lone Wolf fans? Old school gamebooks from the 80's? They are being re-released/updated, and new books 29-32 being written: http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/novels/lonewolfsolo.html
Forgotten Realms BOOKS owned: ALL of them! (ebooks?...NONE! ever) |
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hawkytom
Seeker
USA
82 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2011 : 01:16:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
I hate to admit it, Erik, but chances are I'll never read your book simply because I refuse to pay middlemen and buy into the restrictions which are embedded in the only currently available formats. I much prefer my books - paper and electronic copies both - to never expire and to be accessible in any manner on any platform I choose.
It seems this eBook thing is worse than I'd feared...I unaware of all these intricacies with electronic books. I wouldn't be satisfied either with potential 'expiration' or 'inaccessible' material at all! |
Any Lone Wolf fans? Old school gamebooks from the 80's? They are being re-released/updated, and new books 29-32 being written: http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/novels/lonewolfsolo.html
Forgotten Realms BOOKS owned: ALL of them! (ebooks?...NONE! ever) |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
8041 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2011 : 01:41:23
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In all fairness, Kindle is a very mainstream (in fact, overwhelmingly best-selling) eBook technology which is unlikely to expire any time soon, if at all. Nonetheless, a Kindle book can only be accessed on a Kindle-licensed machine and the format (that is, Amazon's business decisions) has in the past endured some controversial and unpopular changes. Amazon could, just like Microsoft and Apple, arbitrarily decide at any time that they'll update the format (mostly to support more advanced DRM) in some way which requires Kindle eBooks to be read only on newer machinery (hardware/firmware/software) which is updated to their (paid license/subscription) requirements. Even today there is something of a demand for earlier (or jailbroken) Kindle-reading devices and software versions which are technically less capable and compatible yet also entirely unshackled by newer restrictions, just as there is a demand for ancient (or modified) DVD players and game console stations which don't incorporate newer firmware-level playback restrictions.
Adobe .pdf is the only proprietary eBook-type format throughout history which has become truly open source (and can therefore be freely ported onto every existing and future platform); everybody else requires that one way or another you call the mothership and you buy into, and keep buying into, their eBook technologies. The corporations who invent new technologies invest heavily in ensuring their inventions will provide a sustainable stream of revenue, they actively discourage opensource alternatives designed to promote maximum sharing and intercompatibility. In large part this is because unrestricted data piracy can reach seriously criminal proportions, although it is invariably the end-consumer who pays the price and suffers the most disadvantages.
Short version is that I am something of an avid anti-DRM freeware copylefted opensource device-hacking sort of nerd, my concerns are valid and worrisome yet vastly outweighed by the expectations of consumers; the official counter is that you needn't be concerned about extra laws and policing unless you're a criminal. At the same time I'm a technologist who has personally lost hard-earned coin to electronic piracy, and so I understand very well the need to install countermeasures to protect the authors and creators. Welcome to the Digital Millennium.
Anyhow, this is not the proper forum for arguing the merits and evils of DRM - many other places already exist for such discussion. I'm just saying that this novel, alongside many others, will never be accessible to me simply because I have made a conscious choice to not pay for the (non-fiction) elements I don't want which are bundled into the package; if it became available in an unlocked package then I'd happily purchase a copy. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 03 Sep 2011 01:53:26 |
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Shadowbane E-book Release
