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jornan
Learned Scribe

Canada
256 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  04:31:10  Show Profile Send jornan a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
I just noticed this alarming trend. Many of the sequels that WotC are currently releasing started out as printed books and then the sequel is in ebook only format.

Downshadow --> Shadowbane
City of Ravens --> Prince of Ravens
Sword of the Gods --> Spinner of Lies
Mistshore --> Spider and Stone
Brimstone Angels --> Lesser Evils

Meanwhile, untried authors and character arcs are getting printed books:

Venom in her Veins
Rose of Sifaril
The Gilded Rune

I think it is a marketing ploy to get you hooked on the characters and then practically force you to buy into ebooks if you want to know the continueation/conclusion to a story.

Kentinal
Great Reader

4703 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  04:49:37  Show Profile Send Kentinal a Private Message  Reply with Quote
No one can be forced, however some might like the option. I stay with print, when I purchase.

"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon
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Ayrik
Great Reader

Canada
8041 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  04:54:29  Show Profile Send Ayrik a Private Message  Reply with Quote
"Lured" suggests hidden motives and risk unpleasant consequences.

I think "offered" is a more suitable word. The publisher is offering the same content printed onto different media, eBook instead of paperbook.

WotC seems pretty realistic about their approach to and expectations from the eBook market. It's not about "saving the trees and environment" or "creating less pollution" or any of that (because those assumptions are debatable) ... it's not even about reducing logistics costs/delays and saving money (because the consumer is still paying roughly identical prices for either format) ...

The reality is that the D&D game and D&D fiction are generally targeting younger crowds who already have and use smartphones and iToys and eReaders - many of them are more comfortable reading an eBook than a paper one. Simply put, Wizbro wants to explore the best methods of reaching their target audience, and the best method might be eBooks.

Although, yes, consumers are being "lured" into a trap. Digital books and readers can impose various DRM inconveniences - books might "expire" if not authenticated every 30 days, readers might simply refuse any books published outside certain parameters or reject certain content/publishers/authors, etc etc - censorship and invasion-of-privacy issues abound. To be honest, I very much doubt Wizbro is tech-savvy or paranoid enough to develop such restrictions; in effect, they probably pay the ePublisher to handle the details for them, and their main interest is reasonably robust anti-piracy technologies.

[/Ayrik]
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Therise
Master of Realmslore

1272 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  04:58:43  Show Profile Send Therise a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Personally, I kinda love being able to get e-books from my library system (both at Univ and city libraries). I get to quickly download a book for free, and -yes- it will expire eventually. But I don't even have to walk into the library, and I don't have to physically return anything.

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
8041 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  05:07:08  Show Profile Send Ayrik a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I actually prefer to visit the library firsthand. Partly because I always encounter other reading material I would otherwise never notice. Partly because the librarian is really cute.

[/Ayrik]
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe

USA
586 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  05:17:02  Show Profile  Visit Tyrant's Homepage Send Tyrant a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I too have noticed this trend and I am not a fan. I have no intention of buying an ereader to read a few Realms novels (only them because the other books I buy are published by companies that haven't gone insane yet). I would like to read those books, but right now I will have to read them on my computer if I want to read them and I already stare at my computer screen too much. I am giving serious thought to trying to read Shadowbane this way. I had hoped to read it before GenCon and it appears that for now this will be the only way. If they want to release books in only ebook format, that is one thing. But, releasing later parts of ongoing series like that is ridiculous (ridiculous being a very mild form of what I really mean). It would be like making Iron Man 3 only viewable in 3D no matter where you watch it (theater, on disc, on TV, download, whatever). 3D as an option is nice, for those that like it, but for it to be the only choice is dumb.

As a side note though, Lesser Evils is listed as having a paperback on Amazon. Hopefully that acually happens.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code

Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36974 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  05:31:08  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jornan

I just noticed this alarming trend. Many of the sequels that WotC are currently releasing started out as printed books and then the sequel is in ebook only format.

Downshadow --> Shadowbane
City of Ravens --> Prince of Ravens

(snip)

I think it is a marketing ploy to get you hooked on the characters and then practically force you to buy into ebooks if you want to know the continueation/conclusion to a story.




I'm no fan of WotC, but I think we're reaching, with these -- or do you really think that several years ago, when practically no one was reading eBooks, that WotC was already planning on getting into that market by forcing people to buy digital sequels or nothing at all?

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
294 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  05:40:50  Show Profile  Visit ErinMEvans's Homepage Send ErinMEvans a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant

As a side note though, Lesser Evils is listed as having a paperback on Amazon. Hopefully that acually happens.



Lesser Evils will definitely be released in both paperback and ebook formats. I double-checked. :) /side note

www.slushlush.com
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  06:41:09  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jornan

I think it is a marketing ploy to get you hooked on the characters and then practically force you to buy into ebooks if you want to know the continueation/conclusion to a story.


How are you being forced to buy into an e-book? It's entirely your choice whether you wish to purchase these books in order to continue to read any new adventures featuring a favourite protagonist.

You can't fault Wizards' for developing a trend toward e-fiction. It's the way of the industry these days. And if they want to keep up with the latest developments in the industry, then e-publishing is the way to go.

Instead, you should be glad that you at least have the option of deciding whether to purchase these e-books, or not. And spare a thought for those of us overseas who are more-than-willing to get hooked on Wizards' e-books, but can't because the distribution/purchasing e-architecture, has yet to be properly developed.

We are, at least for the time being, even denied any opportunity to willingly entertain whether we want to purchase these books or not.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)

"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood

Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe

USA
586 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  06:54:07  Show Profile  Visit Tyrant's Homepage Send Tyrant a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans

quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant

As a side note though, Lesser Evils is listed as having a paperback on Amazon. Hopefully that acually happens.



Lesser Evils will definitely be released in both paperback and ebook formats. I double-checked. :) /side note


Thanks for looking into that and letting us know. I know there was at least one book (I believe it was Shadowbane) that had a listing for a physical book for quite a while even though it wasn't happening so it's good to hear that is not the case here.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code

Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest
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Ergont
Acolyte

Russia
24 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  08:41:41  Show Profile  Visit Ergont's Homepage Send Ergont a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Tyrant, I suppose WotC after "Eye of Justice" would print a Shadowbane Omnibus. It seems obviously to me.
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Tanthalas
Senior Scribe

Portugal
508 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  13:50:43  Show Profile Send Tanthalas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jornan

I just noticed this alarming trend. Many of the sequels that WotC are currently releasing started out as printed books and then the sequel is in ebook only format.

Downshadow --> Shadowbane
City of Ravens --> Prince of Ravens
Sword of the Gods --> Spinner of Lies
Mistshore --> Spider and Stone
Brimstone Angels --> Lesser Evils

Meanwhile, untried authors and character arcs are getting printed books:

Venom in her Veins
Rose of Sifaril
The Gilded Rune

I think it is a marketing ploy to get you hooked on the characters and then practically force you to buy into ebooks if you want to know the continueation/conclusion to a story.




Well, there's another way to look at this:

WotC isn't sure about how the eBook market will do so they're testing the waters with tried authors and character arcs.

I'm not a fan of eBooks (and when WotC finally resolves the mess with international releases of eBooks I will only buy them grudgingly), but what really irks me is this eBook only policy.

Regardless, lets not assume that WotC is this evil company that is out to get us.

Sir Markham pointed out, drinking another brandy. "A chap who can point at you and say 'die' has the distinct advantage".
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe

Canada
158 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  15:26:06  Show Profile Send Clad In Shadows a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik

"Lured" suggests hidden motives and risk unpleasant consequences.

I think "offered" is a more suitable word. The publisher is offering the same content printed onto different media, eBook instead of paperbook.

WotC seems pretty realistic about their approach to and expectations from the eBook market. It's not about "saving the trees and environment" or "creating less pollution" or any of that (because those assumptions are debatable) ... it's not even about reducing logistics costs/delays and saving money (because the consumer is still paying roughly identical prices for either format) ...

The reality is that the D&D game and D&D fiction are generally targeting younger crowds who already have and use smartphones and iToys and eReaders - many of them are more comfortable reading an eBook than a paper one. Simply put, Wizbro wants to explore the best methods of reaching their target audience, and the best method might be eBooks.

Although, yes, consumers are being "lured" into a trap. Digital books and readers can impose various DRM inconveniences - books might "expire" if not authenticated every 30 days, readers might simply refuse any books published outside certain parameters or reject certain content/publishers/authors, etc etc - censorship and invasion-of-privacy issues abound. To be honest, I very much doubt Wizbro is tech-savvy or paranoid enough to develop such restrictions; in effect, they probably pay the ePublisher to handle the details for them, and their main interest is reasonably robust anti-piracy technologies.



That's all well and good, but why not release them in both formats? You're reaching the WHOLE audience that way. I don't care if publishers release e-books. I just care that it seems to be an "all or nothing" approach. They're taking away the format I prefer. They're taking away choice. If you want to read more about the characters you happen to have enjoyed, then you're either forced to do so in a digital format, or not at all.

Wizards is the only established publisher that I know of that is doing this.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36974 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  15:56:35  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows

quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik

"Lured" suggests hidden motives and risk unpleasant consequences.

I think "offered" is a more suitable word. The publisher is offering the same content printed onto different media, eBook instead of paperbook.

WotC seems pretty realistic about their approach to and expectations from the eBook market. It's not about "saving the trees and environment" or "creating less pollution" or any of that (because those assumptions are debatable) ... it's not even about reducing logistics costs/delays and saving money (because the consumer is still paying roughly identical prices for either format) ...

The reality is that the D&D game and D&D fiction are generally targeting younger crowds who already have and use smartphones and iToys and eReaders - many of them are more comfortable reading an eBook than a paper one. Simply put, Wizbro wants to explore the best methods of reaching their target audience, and the best method might be eBooks.

Although, yes, consumers are being "lured" into a trap. Digital books and readers can impose various DRM inconveniences - books might "expire" if not authenticated every 30 days, readers might simply refuse any books published outside certain parameters or reject certain content/publishers/authors, etc etc - censorship and invasion-of-privacy issues abound. To be honest, I very much doubt Wizbro is tech-savvy or paranoid enough to develop such restrictions; in effect, they probably pay the ePublisher to handle the details for them, and their main interest is reasonably robust anti-piracy technologies.



That's all well and good, but why not release them in both formats? You're reaching the WHOLE audience that way. I don't care if publishers release e-books. I just care that it seems to be an "all or nothing" approach. They're taking away the format I prefer. They're taking away choice. If you want to read more about the characters you happen to have enjoyed, then you're either forced to do so in a digital format, or not at all.

Wizards is the only established publisher that I know of that is doing this.



I don't know that they're the only publisher doing this, but I do agree that WotC needs to get away from the all-or-nothing mindset. That's the same reason I've not participated in the DDI.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
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Ayrik
Great Reader

Canada
8041 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  17:58:33  Show Profile Send Ayrik a Private Message  Reply with Quote
'Tis sad indeed that my Dungeon and Dragon magazines basically end at the last print issue. Then again, I don't play the "recent" versions of D&D or Realms setting so I find few new articles which are necessary or appealing, overall I don't think I'm really missing much. The ending of the era is not a recent thing, it happened last decade.

[/Ayrik]
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe

Canada
158 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  18:15:06  Show Profile Send Clad In Shadows a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows

quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik

"Lured" suggests hidden motives and risk unpleasant consequences.

I think "offered" is a more suitable word. The publisher is offering the same content printed onto different media, eBook instead of paperbook.

WotC seems pretty realistic about their approach to and expectations from the eBook market. It's not about "saving the trees and environment" or "creating less pollution" or any of that (because those assumptions are debatable) ... it's not even about reducing logistics costs/delays and saving money (because the consumer is still paying roughly identical prices for either format) ...

The reality is that the D&D game and D&D fiction are generally targeting younger crowds who already have and use smartphones and iToys and eReaders - many of them are more comfortable reading an eBook than a paper one. Simply put, Wizbro wants to explore the best methods of reaching their target audience, and the best method might be eBooks.

Although, yes, consumers are being "lured" into a trap. Digital books and readers can impose various DRM inconveniences - books might "expire" if not authenticated every 30 days, readers might simply refuse any books published outside certain parameters or reject certain content/publishers/authors, etc etc - censorship and invasion-of-privacy issues abound. To be honest, I very much doubt Wizbro is tech-savvy or paranoid enough to develop such restrictions; in effect, they probably pay the ePublisher to handle the details for them, and their main interest is reasonably robust anti-piracy technologies.



That's all well and good, but why not release them in both formats? You're reaching the WHOLE audience that way. I don't care if publishers release e-books. I just care that it seems to be an "all or nothing" approach. They're taking away the format I prefer. They're taking away choice. If you want to read more about the characters you happen to have enjoyed, then you're either forced to do so in a digital format, or not at all.

Wizards is the only established publisher that I know of that is doing this.



I don't know that they're the only publisher doing this, but I do agree that WotC needs to get away from the all-or-nothing mindset. That's the same reason I've not participated in the DDI.


Yeah, that's why I threw in the "that I know of" bit. I've gotten a couple of e-book only Stephen King novellas, but one of those was about an Amazon Kindle, so it was a little more fitting. There probably are publishers out there who dedicate their time to ebooks, but those tend to be smaller, less established.

Anyways, I just want a choice, and Wizards is taking that away from us regarding a growing numbers of books. I'll probably give in at some point when I've gotten myself a tablet (no interest in purchasing an actual e-reader), but I would still prefer paper a million times over e-books.
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phranctoast
Learned Scribe

USA
151 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  18:25:29  Show Profile Send phranctoast a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The irony of all this is, I stayed away from E-readers previously as the WOTC books I liked to read were not available yet. Now it's the exact opposite.

Currently reading: Spider and Stone by Jaleigh Johnson: Sequel to Mistshore
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Kiaransalyn
Senior Scribe

United Kingdom
762 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  18:34:56  Show Profile Send Kiaransalyn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jornan

I think it is a marketing ploy to get you hooked on the characters and then practically force you to buy into ebooks if you want to know the continueation/conclusion to a story.


What's an ebook?


Death is Life
Love is Hate
Revenge is Forgiveness


Ken: You from the States?
Jimmy: Yeah. But don't hold it against me.
Ken: I'll try not to... Just try not to say anything too loud or crass.
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore

India
1591 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  18:39:05  Show Profile Send Thauranil a Private Message  Reply with Quote
[/quote]

What's an ebook?

[/quote]

Good one.
seriously however I think saying lured is a bit much but certainly it seems that people are being pushed into buying ebooks by constraining thier choice.
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  20:36:18  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I can assure you this was NOT the plan when I wrote Downshadow. AFAIK, WotC hadn't even DREAMED of ebook-only releases then. When I wrote Shadowbane, it was decided during the process that it would be an e-book only release.

And yes, I'm hoping WotC releases a Shadowbane omnibus eventually, for the sake of my print-only readers and my own (physical) bookshelf.

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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jornan
Learned Scribe

Canada
256 Posts

Posted - 26 Jun 2012 :  22:44:48  Show Profile Send jornan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I think everyone is getting caught up in the semantics of the term lured. What I'm saying is I think there is a bit more behind the idea of sequels to printed books coming out only in ebook format.

I also know that no one is forcing me to buy an ebook, but as I stated "if you want to read the continuation of a story arc" you have to purchase an ebook to do so and I think WotC is using this as a way to get the people like me, who have read every book as they have come out, onto the ebook band wagon. Try it, you might like it sort of thing.

Sage, I'm also not against ebooks completely and agree they are a great resource for those so inclined and those people overseas. I'm only against ebook exclusivity.

Its like a drug dealer giving your first hit for free, only your first hit is printed format and second is ebook exclusive.

I also know that WotC might not have been planning some of these sequels as ebook exclusive, but I'm saying they are using it as an opportunity to force the readers hand into buying into ebooks. How many Polls and Petitions have you seen for a sequel to Jack Ravenwild? I have seen many over the years and I think it is a case of "fine we will give you the sequel, but you have to buy into our new cheaper for us but not the consumer format".

I also don't think WotC are evil or anything stupid like that. I simply think there is a degree of marketing involved in these decisions.

This would be like the sixth book in A Song of Ice and Fire all of a sudden being ebook exclusive. You know people who invested all the time into the series are going to read the book the only way that they can. ebook.

Erin, great to hear Lesser evils will be printed as well.


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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 27 Jun 2012 :  02:08:20  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jornan

Sage, I'm also not against ebooks completely and agree they are a great resource for those so inclined and those people overseas. I'm only against ebook exclusivity.
Most publishing companies run their product lines based on the bottom-profitable-line.

If indications show a fundamental shift toward e-publishing in the industry that produces greater profits for the company, over that of older methods of print and distribution, then why would the company still maintain that older production method -- and potentially at a loss -- in addition to it's new method of money-making?

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)

"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood

Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage
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jornan
Learned Scribe

Canada
256 Posts

Posted - 27 Jun 2012 :  03:45:48  Show Profile Send jornan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I know from a business perspective that it makes way more sense to publish electronically. I get that, but I can still be saddened by the slow death of the printed book.
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader

USA
2717 Posts

Posted - 27 Jun 2012 :  08:17:27  Show Profile Send Jeremy Grenemyer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I just discovered a listing for Rise of the Zhentarim: Bound by Blood. That's got me seriously considering purchasing my first Realms e-book.

In terms of the scroll topic: I think we are being lured to e-books, but it's not like it's a conspiracy or evil.

WotC, to me, seems to be moving in the same direction as the rest of the publishing industry. I remember some years ago reading about how books may become viewed as collectors items in their own right as digital availability of books grew, and I think we're seeing WotC explore that avenue with their 1st Edition D&D reprints and their survey about interest in 3.5E reprints.

I think this shows that print books aren't going to die anytime soon. There will just be less of them. As long as there is a market (and so money to be made), WotC will chase it.

E-books and fancy reprints: the future is now.

Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver).

Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 27 Jun 2012 08:19:49
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Hyset
Acolyte

Austria
9 Posts

Posted - 27 Jun 2012 :  10:42:55  Show Profile  Visit Hyset's Homepage Send Hyset a Private Message  Reply with Quote
As a person that ownes all the paper FR-novels published so far,
I indeed got me a kindle just to be able to read the ebook FR-novels.

And then I wanted to buy them, and could not, because
some of them are not sold outside of US?

Is WotC nuts???

If some books are not published in paper format, then at least
make all those ebooks available worldwide!!!


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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 27 Jun 2012 :  16:14:26  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
@Hyset: Not being able to download ebooks outside the U.S. isn't WotC's fault or an oversight on their part. It's a question of distribution rights with their international distributors.

And believe me, WotC is working hard on trying to get that resolved so people can get their products. Don't give up hope!

Check this thread for more information: http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16422&whichpage=2

It's frustrating for you, as a reader, and also for those of us who wrote the darn books and want you to be able to read them.

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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Aulduron
Learned Scribe

USA
343 Posts

Posted - 28 Jun 2012 :  01:11:08  Show Profile Send Aulduron a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Books only released electronically are books I don't get to read. :( Although it's getting hard to buy any books now that B&N seems to be the only non-christian seller of new books in my area. They have a horrible selection of Forgotten Realms books.

"Those with talent become wizards, Those without talent spend their lives praying for it"

-Procopio Septus
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Caolin
Senior Scribe

769 Posts

Posted - 28 Jun 2012 :  03:10:27  Show Profile Send Caolin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Honestly, this is a losing battle. Print books are going to be relegated to a niche market like vinyl. Sure vinyl has seen a resurgence in popularity among "purists", but it still only represents a small portion of music sales. At some point in time you will see the price of eBooks drop below that of print and that will be the death knell mass printing of books...at least for non-educational books.

And to be quite frank I welcome that day. We will get reasonably priced eBooks and a lot less tress will have to be cut down.
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BEAST
Master of Realmslore

USA
1714 Posts

Posted - 28 Jun 2012 :  03:13:40  Show Profile  Visit BEAST's Homepage Send BEAST a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I don't believe it's a matter of an intentional lure, so much as it is an industrial and corporate process of transition. It's a paradigm shift.

And as our international Realms fans have attested, it ain't the smoothest transition, either.

WOTC apparently has to make a case-by-case-basis decision as to which books will continue to be offered in hardcopy form, as well as e-book form, and some new books don't seem to be making that cut. The books probably have to have sufficient projected sales to warrant the infrastructure and budget for printing and logistics/distribution costs.

You know what you could do, and continue to get hardcopy novels? Become a RAS fan. His stuff sells like hotcakes, and WOTC is certainly gonna keep releasing his stuff in paper book form for some time to come!

"'You don't know my history,' he said dryly."
--Drizzt Do'Urden (The Pirate King, Part 1: Chapter 2)

<"Comprehensive Chronology of R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Works">
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D-brane
Learned Scribe

United Kingdom
140 Posts

Posted - 28 Jun 2012 :  04:10:01  Show Profile  Visit D-brane's Homepage Send D-brane a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by BEAST


You know what you could do, and continue to get hardcopy novels? Become a RAS fan. His stuff sells like hotcakes, and WOTC is certainly gonna keep releasing his stuff in paper book form for some time to come!

I hope that you're joking. Because I'm not forcing myself to like Salvatore's fiction just so Wizards of the Coast gets the message that some of us readers still like printed hard-copies.

Not when other writers currently penning for the Forgotten Realms deserve the same treatment.

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence."
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore

USA
1446 Posts

Posted - 28 Jun 2012 :  10:06:25  Show Profile Send Eilserus a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I prefer reading books in hardcover. But I have to tell you, the wife picked up an iPad this spring and I really love reading books on that thing. I'm not opposed to ebooks, but I certainly won't pay the same price as a hardcover costs. If I'm to shell out 20+ bucks, I want something tangible and if I'm paying the same price why pay for pixels when you can get the real thing. If ebooks were 7 to 15 dollars or somewhere in that range I'd buy them. Granted there are certain authors(Salvatore and Greenwood for instance) I read that I would only buy hardcover, but that's probably more of a personal choice there. I'd buy a ton of older Realms paperback books for 3 bucks a pop or so in ebook format if I saw them.

Personally, I think Wizards is out of their mind if they don't start tapping the Apple line like iPads for distribution. Apple is a titan in their market, and Wizards should use that.

Edited by - Eilserus on 28 Jun 2012 10:09:50
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