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vallon
Acolyte
USA
31 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Jun 2012 : 15:11:44
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Just this past week, I read and truly enjoyed Rich Baker's novel 'The City of Ravens'. The story, and especially its 'hero' Jack Ravenwild, provided me with several laugh-out-loud moments.
I was floored when I found out yesterday that a great character like Jack wasn't lost to the 4e time-jump, but is back in action(and mayhem)in Mr. Baker's upcoming 'Prince of Ravens'(July 3).
This pleasant surprise was quickly spoiled by what looks like another Kindle-only release.. I don't know what bothers me more: Being forced to purchase my favourite releases in a format I don't care for, at a price not much cheaper than a paperback version that I would 'own' and have on one of my shelves? Or perhaps not finding any rhyme or reason in Wizard's decisions as to which stories are honored by an actual paper release or not?
As I spend most of my days in front of a computer, the last thing I want to do when I get home is to have to stare at another screen if I want to unplug and enjoy a good book. I understand that ownership has its privileges, but I'm not very pleased by this new trend.
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1281 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2012 : 15:47:03
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I'm with you...I know eBooks are the way of the future, but I just can't get into them. I read newspapers online exclusively and love blogs, but somehow when I want to read a novel I can't do it electronically. I love paper books, especially FR books. I was given a Kindle for my birthday and returned it. I couldn't get any old FR books on it and the fiction I like outside of FR wasn't available either. And the few books I got on it I found I didn't want to read electronically.
To each their own, I just wish the option was there for both sides. Sadly the future is not kind to paper book lovers (but is kind to trees). Odd the price isn't coming down for ebooks tho, given how much of the total cost of a paper book is to print and ship and store books (which is all zero for ebooks). Gouging the customers. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2012 : 17:12:23
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I agree with everything said above. I am also curious about WoTC's process for determining which books get printed and which ones get the E-book only penalty tag. I have read more than a few Realms books which didn't seem worth the paper they were printed on, so to me it seems weird that a book which many scribes are all ready taking about would get the E-Book only tag. |
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 |
Edited by - Artemas Entreri on 01 Jun 2012 17:12:46 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2012 : 18:59:40
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I totally agree.
Where we used to get something physical that we could hold in our hands, now we are literally buying 'air'.
At least when we start getting virtual food from the internet, it will be easier to diet.  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
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Lirdolin
Learned Scribe
Germany
198 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 11:02:30
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| I know, e-book only releases suck and I prefer real books myself, but be happy you can at least read them at all! I can't even order most e-books here and that's what should be changed first. |
Edited by - Lirdolin on 02 Jun 2012 11:03:09 |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 11:41:31
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| I prefer real books than Kindle ....Or both of them ...BUT NOT KINDLE ONLY!!!!!! |
BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3287 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 12:43:43
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That is why I am only going to buy certain books from WotC (Physical books by certain authors, Ed mainly.). I have pretty much given up on WotC.
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"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 12:53:46
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I've never read a novel that wasn't an actual book...so they are losing my business. I hate trying to read a book in digital format...absolutely hate it.
There's just something about that freshly cracked spine, the feel and smell of a book... |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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vallon
Acolyte
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 17:29:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
I've never read a novel that wasn't an actual book...so they are losing my business. I hate trying to read a book in digital format...absolutely hate it.
There's just something about that freshly cracked spine, the feel and smell of a book...
Indeed. |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 18:11:52
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You people and your Iron Age ways... *snicker*
(of course, I'd never waste my money on ghetto tech like kindle or nook, but I do <3 my iPad reader)
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
Edited by - Therise on 02 Jun 2012 18:18:37 |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2012 : 18:27:54
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WotC is currently looking into a Print-on-Demand model. I don't know details, only that it's being considered.
An actual (and prohibitivel expensive) print run would be ideal, sure, but at least with pod, you could get paper if you want it.
I advise anyone with strong feelings on the issue to contact WotC directly. If you prefer, email me and I'll forward your feedback.
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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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 00:24:40
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"Ghetto Tech"? 
I see we have an elitist amongst us. Excuse me for not being willing to pay more for a stupid logo.
I am very happy with my Motorola tablet - it does everything I need it to do.
I still refuse to read books on it though - I'm old-school when it comes to my reading habits. Books are like women - if you can't hold 'em, it takes all the fun out of having one. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 03 Jun 2012 00:25:55 |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 02:12:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
"Ghetto Tech"?
I see we have an elitist amongst us. Excuse me for not being willing to pay more for a stupid logo.
I am very happy with my Motorola tablet - it does everything I need it to do.
I still refuse to read books on it though - I'm old-school when it comes to my reading habits. Books are like women - if you can't hold 'em, it takes all the fun out of having one.
I choose to take this as a compliment rather than an insult. 
See, I don't think elitism, or striving for better things, is bad in any way. Kindle and Nook IMO are ghetto tech because they are overly expensive and typically have just the one function.
Do you call me "elite" because I far prefer the multi-functionality of the iPad? Your Motorola tablet can likely make the same claim... so are you not "elitist" in that sense as well?
Or is it because I'm highly adaptable to new tech when you choose to reject it for emotional reasons?
Nostalgia has its place, but paperbacks are bulky, get yellowed or dirty/torn/worn-out, and are not even truly collectible. If I take a reader loaded with 50 books or more, I have tons of choices and can change my mind on what to read.
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 02:35:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
There's just something about that freshly cracked spine, the feel and smell of a book...
-No, no, no! You never crack the spine! 
But... it's just a paperback...
Saving the spine would only amount to like 20 cents more on a trade-in, if memory serves.
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 02:36:47
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| Aye, I understand both ways: for a simple paperback, she is going to get used! For a hardcopy, well, that's a gentle read. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 02:42:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Therise
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
There's just something about that freshly cracked spine, the feel and smell of a book...
-No, no, no! You never crack the spine!
But... it's just a paperback...
-Doesn't matter. Makes it look sloppy on the bookshelf. You ever break a book's spine, I will hunt you down!
-Had a mother's former boyfriend do that to me, snap a few spines from my book collection as a punishment for something, a long time ago. Schmuck. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
Edited by - Lord Karsus on 03 Jun 2012 02:43:07 |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 03:03:24
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quote:
-Doesn't matter. Makes it look sloppy on the bookshelf. You ever break a book's spine, I will hunt you down!
-Had a mother's former boyfriend do that to me, snap a few spines from my book collection as a punishment for something, a long time ago. Schmuck.
Wow, I hope she dumped that guy... what a petty thing for him to do. I don't personally take that great of care with my paperbacks, but doing that to someone on purpose is just vindictive.
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 03:24:41
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| The public library made me feel like a criminal when I returned a broken book. I knew, of course, that I'd have to pay for a replacement copy ... but still, the evil glares and haughty lectures and unspoken accusations of book rape and vandalism, lol. Incidentally, the book broke because I'd put it on the roof of my car, forgotten about it, then inadvertently ran it over while parking. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 04:27:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
There's just something about that freshly cracked spine, the feel and smell of a book...
-No, no, no! You never crack the spine!
Agreed, all of my paperbacks are pristine |
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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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 08:47:54
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LOL - and I thought I was bad. All my books eventually look pretty shabby. I had a friend once who had a fit because I wrote in the margins of one of his rule books (its not like they're the Dead Sea Scrolls or anything).
And I'm not talking about an RPG book - it was one of those thin ones you used to get with SPI games. We were playing a few things wrong, and I circled stuff - I didn't think it was any big deal.
He probably didn't crack spines either. 
I don't know much about Kindle or Nook - all I know is Apple is way over priced, especially for propriety stuff you have to go back to the manufacturer for for anything. I remember when even the software had to come from them.
And I have a pet-peeve against them because they have an exclusive deal with my local cable company - their programming ONLY works on Apple products (so if I want to watch TV on my tablet, I HAVE TO buy an I-Pad... and thats just not going to happen). Same goes for the I-phone, I-pod, etc... so I can't watch TV in my room on my computer anymore, and you can't get basic cable without a box, so I'm screwed (or have to pay a monthly fee for a box I will only use occasionally).
Thats corporate BS at its worst.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 13:14:06
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| Kindle is useless in India. All you get are the usual overpriced best seller types. Just try finding any FR books on it, its impossible. |
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froglegg
Learned Scribe
317 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 13:21:18
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quote:
Originally posted by vallon
Just this past week, I read and truly enjoyed Rich Baker's novel 'The City of Ravens'. The story, and especially its 'hero' Jack Ravenwild, provided me with several laugh-out-loud moments.
I was floored when I found out yesterday that a great character like Jack wasn't lost to the 4e time-jump, but is back in action(and mayhem)in Mr. Baker's upcoming 'Prince of Ravens'(July 3).
This pleasant surprise was quickly spoiled by what looks like another Kindle-only release.. I don't know what bothers me more: Being forced to purchase my favourite releases in a format I don't care for, at a price not much cheaper than a paperback version that I would 'own' and have on one of my shelves? Or perhaps not finding any rhyme or reason in Wizard's decisions as to which stories are honored by an actual paper release or not?
As I spend most of my days in front of a computer, the last thing I want to do when I get home is to have to stare at another screen if I want to unplug and enjoy a good book. I understand that ownership has its privileges, but I'm not very pleased by this new trend.
AMEN!
Give me a real book anyday.
Nothing can beat a good soft chair, a nice reading lamp with a good book and no cpu or cell allowed in the room. Good times!
John |
Long live Alias and Dragonbait! Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb the Realms need you more then ever!
On my word as a sage nothing within these pages is false, but not all of it may prove to be true. - Elminster of Shadowdale
The Old Grey Box gets better with age! |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 17:57:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
Aye, I understand both ways: for a simple paperback, she is going to get used! For a hardcopy, well, that's a gentle read.
Heh!
I strive to treat every book like a lady, however tarted up or digital-only she might be.
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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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 20:24:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
Aye, I understand both ways: for a simple paperback, she is going to get used! For a hardcopy, well, that's a gentle read.
Heh!
I strive to treat every book like a lady, however tarted up or digital-only she might be.
Cheers
Most of my soft paper novels are used like Lore Books...they are often highlighted! Yes, I know...many faces of  or or 
However, it is a practice I learned when once upon a time I was a Priest...yes, priest. I often took a soft print copy of scripture and did the same with a highlighting frenzy! To me, it wasn't the physical words that are important, but the meaning they convey.  |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 20:28:28
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| -When I read Forgotten Realms books, that's why I used a folded up piece of paper as a bookmark, along with my real bookmark (celebrating it's tenth birthday now; got it when Lord of the Rings first came out)- things of interest, like Elven words, or Elven names, or Kara-Tur things, I'd jot down on the paper so I didn't forget them. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 20:51:39
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| Well, all I can say is that book highlights work much better for memorizing...whether "on a mission" or sitting in a classroom. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2012 : 02:03:44
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well add my name to the disdain of digital books.
I dont have time to boot my pc for anything other than web surfing game platying or screwing around in word.... |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2012 : 04:24:07
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Honestly, from my perspective this thread is about discussing a LUXURY PROBLEM.... 
At least you US guys have the chance to download FR e-books, while outside the US you don't, at least 95% of them.
Prince of Ravens is not available for me, THANK YOU VERY MUCH AGAIN WOTC!
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"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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Kindle Unkind
