Jan 28

eBook Readers and the Man Booker Prize

You know that the eBook Revolution has gone mainstream when judges for the esteemed Man Booker prize literary competition have been sent eBook Readers to streamline the process of wading through the more than 100 novels that are in the running. The BBC has a post on this earth-shaking development, as the prize organizers offered the eBook option to avoid sending tons of physical books.

It remains an option, and the more hidebound among the judges can still request hard copies.

Fascinating development though, yah?

Jan 27

Budget eBook Readers – Price and Function

CNetNews has an interesting update on ‘budget’ eBook Readers that uses the $139 Amazon Wifi Kindle as the watermark for price and function. It goes on to list several devices on the market priced as low as $99.

(Please remember Kobo’s eReader was the first to sell at $150 and, I think, the one that started all eReader prices dropping.) The post starts a discussion thread that’s well worth the read, too.

Jan 26

B&N Nook 3G Discontinued

Androidcommunity reports Barnes and Noble making moves to discontinue their Nook 3G eBook Reader after market forces drive eBook adopters to the E Ink Nook WiFi and NookColor (tablet). An unfortunate turn for the Nook 3G, but you can’t argue with consumer demand.

Just some growing pains in the eBook Revolution.

Jan 25

Digital Book World Conference 2011 Begins and the eBook Revolution Trundles on Regardless…

The Digital Book World Conference & Expo 2011 opened Monday and runs until January 26th.  The Los Angeles Times has a post on it.

I’ve looked around the DBW site but see no mention of Indie authors. I guess they will have no impact on the Digital Book World. Actually, it isn’t surprising that they’ve been overlooked when you consider all of (traditional) publishing’s BIG SIX publishers have sent small armies to attend.

The event’s Program reads like a who’s who of irrelevant business ideas. Just an example: “Fun Facts Now That We’re an Ebook Retailer & Wholesaler” (soon-to-be irrelevant middlemen), “Author Royalties for Ebooks: What the Agents and Publishers Say Is the State of Play” (irrelevant middlemen) and “A CEO’s View of the Future” (irrelevant overlords…).

It would be a gas to check this thing out, yah? I wonder if they failed to mention Indie Authors because it’s like mentioning ‘meteorites’ to dinosaurs…

Jan 24

Aldiko Book Reader 2.0 turns any Android device into an eBook Reader.

Sys-Con Media posted on Aldiko’s release of the Aldiko Book Reader 2.0. This FREE updated version of the popular Aldiko Book Reader for Android allows users to access eBook catalogs from various booksellers, as well as read and organize titles through a resident interface. Additionally the updated App supports EPUB and PDF eBook formats. Read the post for more.

Jan 23

Saturday eBook News Stories…held over to Sunday…

Suite101 says Kobo is celebrating Kobo eReader’s guest stint in a recent episode of The Office by arranging a Facebook Contest and eReader giveaway.

The Indian Express has a post outlining the University of Kashmir’s progress in upgrading the Jammu and Kashmir libraries by digitizing some 8 million pages from books in various libraries.

Androinica reports on Sony Electronics announcement about the delivery of a Sony eBook Reader App for Android. The App is available for devices using Android 2.2 or higher.

eBookNewser reports on Amazon extending the 70% royalty option from the Kindle Digital Text Platform (now Kindle Direct Publishing) for independent authors and publishers  to include Canadian customers. Up until now the option only applied to US and European customers.

Jan 21

Amazon Sales Ranking Questioned

The Guardian.co.uk has a post on an Amazon.com author who published an eBook instructing readers how to manipulate the Amazon sales ranks. The story goes on to say how he did it, and that Amazon responded by taking his eBook off the list of sales items. Can’t say I blame them. Whether his technique actually impacts the sales rank or not, the eBook giant cannot afford to have people lose faith in the system.

Jan 20

Libraries join the eBook Revolution

Our friend Jorgen stopped by with a link to a post by Mary Rakoczy for the Triblocal (Bolingbroke) featuring the Plainfield Public Library in Illinois. The article details many of the challenges facing bricks and mortar libraries in this eBook reading age.

Lots of information, but well worth a read. I like the idea of renting eBook readers to the curious, or for those who do not own one. Reminds me of the early days of renting video tape players along with your movie.

Jan 19

What’s the Best Price for an eBook?

We’ve been recommending lower prices for eBooks for years now. Here’s a detailed EvilGeniusChronicles post that provides some sensible numbers. I have to say that the market will indeed have its say on the graphs and figures cited, but a price range of $2.99-5.99 is what we’ve been thinking for a full year now.

Despite what the publishers say, eBook profits come from quality AND quantity.

Jan 18

Borders Struggles to Remain Competitive

The second-largest bricks and mortar bookseller in the U.S. is struggling to remain viable and competitive in the digital age. TheDetroitNews.com offers comprehensive coverage of Border’s ironic fight to survive in an era when people are reading more than ever.

We’ve followed its efforts to remain relevant including its attempt to buy rival Barnes and Noble. We hope the best for this big competitor whose continued existence will keep the other book giants from dominating the market.