January 9th, 2008

08:55 am
eBooks...

Lets talk about pdf products for a few minutes.

I'm not really interested in another debate about how print books are so much better than pdf and how a pdf is not "real" so it should always be free. If that is your view, I've read it in other threads and on other forums...duly noted. I'm asking for feedback on folks who do find some value in the product.

What do you like about pdfs?

Is it the immediate access (no waiting for shipping) or the ability to copy/paste sections of the text? Is it the access to out-of-print materials or reduction of paper waste?

What "features" should pdf products have?

Should eBooks be bookmarked, with hyper-links and errata? What about other features?

Should publishers offer two versions (screen & printer-friendly) of a pdf when they put it up for sale?

Should all pdfs offer this? Why do you suppose some publishers don't offer this?

What should pdf products be priced at? Why?

20% off the print product? 50% off? What about pdf-only products?

Feel free to expand upon these points with your own views and other experiences.