Woodworking ebooks - would you?

[Steve Maskery]

I'd be interested to know people's views on the desirability of getting their woodworking books in ebook format.

I've not got a huge library, but all my books are paper. But I recognise that the e format is becoming increasing popular, at least for fiction.

Is it an appealing format to those who buy woodworking books?

 

[MMUK]

Not my thing personally, I prefer a hard copy of books - you can still read them when your kindle crashes or your computer packs up.

I can see that there would be a decent market for them though. Price will be an important factor for many as popular ebooks are usually a tenth to a fifth of the price so you could well find that many more will buy than would if you only offered a hard copy.

 

[heimlaga]

I prefere paper books because they don't rely on fragile computer technology to be readable. I don't think an e-book will be readable 50 years from now.

 

[pcb1962]

ebooks are ok for fiction where you read through from start to finish but technical and reference books I like to be able to flick through and pick out parts to read. The one advantage an ebook has for me is being able to search it, so ideally I would like my paper books to also have a downloadable pdf available.

 

[AndyT]

Although I happily read lots of scans of old books on a screen and also read fiction that way, if you are thinking about selling something you will be writing I reckon you should offer a proper paper book. However, it's now easier than ever for you to offer both. Separate deals or give the download version to anyone who buys the paper.

Self publishing and print on demand make this possible even for big bulky books like Simon Barley's recent British Saws and Saw makers. Have a look at lulu.com and lightningsource.com who seem to be the major players. The really big advantage for specialist titles is that there is no minimum print run any more so you don't need to tie up money in unsold stock.

 

[n0legs]

Only if there was a print facility.

 

[RogerP]

Pirating would be the big problem. All too easy with e-books.

 

[custard]

I store as many things as possible digitally, but woodworking books aren't one of them. I want to be able to pencil notes and dimensions in the margin, have plans that I can take into the workshop, easily compare designs from three or four different sources at the same time; and none of these are easy or even possible with e-books.

 

[JJ1]

I much prefer a proper book every time.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Thank you all, gentlemen. You've all pretty much confirmed my own feelings on the matter (I have a smartphone but no tablet or reader).

 

[Alexam]

It is useful to have a book or two on the iPad that I can browse through on holiday when there is a spare moment. I have one that |I have only just 'dipped' into briefly, but others may be useful.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Paper books every time for me.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[MrYorke]

So how old is everyone that prefers paperback over an ebook?

 

[deema]

Everything possible eBook, and I'm rapidly approaching the half century. Hate storing books, trying to find the reference I need, you can always print an eBook page without too much difficulty.

 

[ayuce]

I'd prefer e books Steve, perhaps as an engineer (40+ years old) i'm too accustomed to them. It's practical, easy to carry and easy to organise. You can print out the pages you need. I only keep hardcopy of few reference books only.

For e books you need a screen having proper aspect ratio and size. If you consider a tablet iPad with 4:3 aspect ratio and 9.7" display one of the best options. Tried the tablets with 16:9 aspect, no go.

 

[RogerP]

So how old is everyone that prefers paperback over an ebook?

I'm 72 and was in the IT industry from 1980's. I have different preferences according to the type of content.

For text only I prefer e-books with e-ink (Kindle) not tablets with their reflections and short battery life.

For something with lots of illustrations, diagrams, photos then hardback books every time.

I don't enjoy extended reading on the PC. Rather be away from the computer and in a comfy chair (or bed )

I have a couple of Kindles but no real use for a colour tablet.

 

[petermillard]

eBooks every time for me - but then I don't really read woodworking books :?

 

[John15]

I would be happy with e books provided it's possible to copy items of particular interest.

John

 

[MMUK]

The other advantage of hard copies is that the vertically challenged among us can use them to reach and put another shilling in the meter :lol:

 

[Steve Maskery]

Thanks guys.

There are a few interesting questions raised.

I think it's fair to say that the average age of the hobby woodworker is higher than the average age of people. I always imagine my typical customer as a grandad making stuff in his garden shed. I know that is stereotypical, and, indeed, even if it's true, there is nothing at all wrong with that. I bet I don't have many customers under 30, I suspect most are my age and older. No, nothing wrong with that at all.

The point about images, drawings and annotating is also interesting. I can't see a dimensioned drawing being easy to interpret on such a small screen.

As to piracy: we live in a difficult world, do we not? I know my DVDs are copied. Everybody wants something for nothing, including me. But if people who create intellectual property are not recognised and rewarded, what incentive is there for anyone to create anything worthy at all?

I was approached about writing a book, and I certainly have enough material to do so, some of it already covered in my published works. But the gentleman who made the suggestion no longer works for that publisher and it seems quite a challenge to start again from scratch selling the idea to a different team. An ebook would be easier to do independently, it's just a question of whether there would be sufficient market. I'm not yet convinced that there would be. In years to come it might be a different case, as the generation of woodies starts to include those who are youthful today.