Should Books come with an E-copy?

[Mark]

It's come up in another discussion, and I have to admit, it's a great idea. The film industry is already doing it, even going to far as to "give away" a DVD and digital copy of the film. So why not hardback books?

Additionally, this might be a great way for Amazon's Kindle, Apple's iBooks or even Audible.com to increase their exposure. Your thoughts?

[aldenoneil]

I dunno. Looking at it from the other angle, do people buying an ebook want a heavy hardback tagging along? With movies, I think the idea is you can watch it at home or take it on the go. Books are inherently portable.

On the other hand, I can see it being an attractive value-add if you don't own an e-reader, so you have the hardback at home and the ebook on a phone or something. So sure, why not? Get on it, publishers.

[Aaron]

I think this would be a great thing for them to do as there are a few hardback books that I have yet to read but I keep buying more and more books on my kindle so I don't know when I will ever get round to reading them. If I had an electronic version then I think I would be more inclined to read it sooner rather than leaving the hardback version on the shelve looking pretty.

This one thing they would have to sort out is the file format. There needs to be standardization for this to work and the same goes for the DRM. The film studios have made this work, I don't see why publishers can't. Saying that I think it will be along time before it does happen, if ever.

[Micah]

Yes they should. If you buy a new book (maybe not a softback because those are generally cheap) then you own that book. No matter the form factor. They will probably never do this because they will make more money if you have to buy it again for your e-reader.

A book isn't like a movie where you can buy a DVD and then rip it to your computer, there is no other way to get an e-book except thorough their format. If I had an e-reader (and I don't yet, looking at the Nook or Kindle for my wife though) I would not want to re-buy a book for it if I had just purchased a physical copy. I would probably "pirate" a copy if available before I spent the money twice. After all you already bought it, why pay for the same content again.

[Mark]

Aaron wrote: "This one thing they would have to sort out is the file format."

I agree there should be a consistent file format across all e-readers. It's unfortunate there isn't one currently. Another area where copyright outweighs common sense. If I were Amazon, B&N, etc. i would want my books to be purchasable regardless of the reader used. That just makes sense.

Back on topic though, how long until Amazon offers a free download of the e-book for Kindle with the purchase/pre-order of a new book? I don't own a Kindle, but I do have Kindle on my iPhone, and that would be a lot more convenient to carry around. I still like having the physical books for many of my series though, so I'll still be buying those regardless.

[Luis]

Mercutiom wrote: "Aaron wrote: "This one thing they would have to sort out is the file format."

I agree there should be a consistent file format across all e-readers. It's unfortunate there isn't one currently. A..."

I've seen them do this with DVD pre-orders on amazon where you'll get the download from amazon on demand. Would love to see the same for books. I use an iPad so any of the big 3 that want to do this is fine with me .

[Eric]

If Amazon was to offer a free digital version of the books I buy from them, they would have another Kindle purchase on their hands. The only hesitation I have is the unique way the Kindle does their pages. Reading the different versions of the title is not quite as easy without page numbers.

[Tamahome]

Kindle Page Numbers Tool

http://www.bookmonk.com/labs/numbers.php

The kindle page numbers are about as useful as a windows blue screen.

[Aeryn98]

My very first blu-ray disc had included with it the dvd and a digital copy. I couldn't believe the MPAA would allow it.
However, I don't think the book publishers would go for that. I remember hearing on a podcast (BOL I think) that the publishers were trying to push back the release of the e-book version of their books until sometime between the hardcover and the paperback releases. Therefore, no package deals.

Thank you for the kindle page number tool.

[Joshua]

I think bundling or at least discounting the ebook with the purchase of the hard copy is an excellent idea. (I'm trying to do that with my book, Warped & Wired) Some people like having the hard copy of a book, but ebooks are much easier to read and take with you. I really wish publishers would start doing this, especially when most ebooks now are in the $15 range.

[Jim]

Tamahome wrote: "Kindle Page Numbers Tool

http://www.bookmonk.com/labs/numbers.php

The kindle page numbers are about as useful as a windows blue screen."

That is a pretty cool tool. What were they (Amazon) thinking?

[Jim]

I firmly believe that if you buy a hard copy you should get an e-copy by default. However, if you have no desire for the hard copy (me)there should be some savings applied to the purchase.

Best Regards, Jim

[Nathan Blevins]

I love this idea. IRL, I am a computer programmer. One of my favorite book vendors is O'Reily b/c they often will give away the ebook along w/ the purchase of the hard-copy (or, at least, include it in the price). This is spectacular as their prices are competitive and I have something to use are a "reader" as well as a reference on my PC. Wish more ppl did this!