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Why Smashwords is even more important for readers than for writers
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I have to disagree with one thing stated--and sorta pounded on--and that's the idea that if you buy a Kindle, you're married to that Kindle (or other versions) for life and can't ever move to another device. That's really not true. Now that Amazon has created the Kindle app for pretty much any alternate device, which include the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, all you need is the proper app and you can still access your books. Not to mention the freeware and other software out there to convert one format into another.
Apparently, though, .azw files are just .mobi files with DRM encryption. So I suppose if you wanted to be a little sneaky you could just remove the DRM and convert it to another format like JV mentioned. Although, I'm sure that's not really legal. Still, just a thought.
J. V. wrote: " Now that Amazon has created the Kindle app for pretty much any alternate device, which include the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, all you need is the proper app and you can still access your books. Not to mention the freeware and other software out there to convert one format into another."Conversion is illegal though we can discuss the morality. The Kindle apps exists only while Amazon doesn't withdraw them, and while they are supported by makers of other hardware and software. Apple has already threatened, this year, to remove support for the Kindle app from the iPad and iPod and possibly the Mac too. That hardly makes me feel secure.
In any event, these apps are a makeshift, not as convenient as a Kindle. (I'm assuming that even those of us who can see the faults of the Kindle are all in agreement that it is the most convenient *narrative text reader* available.)
maybe I should invest in a kindle for $114.00
If all you need is an e-reader, you can't do better. It's a super book-reader, and surprisingly cheap.
I am nearly 70. As a child I read books constantly but as an adult I seemed never to have time. I would get a book and lose my place or misplace the book and never finish reading it. I was reading a couple of books per year. Then about 3 years ago I bought a Sony PRS 505 and found it kept my place and I kept better track of where I put it down. I read 40-50 books the first year with it. Eventually it died and the replacement Sony was terrible with faint print and terrible glare. I bought a Kindle Wi-Fi and I love it even more than my original Sony. The print is darker, more readable and glare is minimal. Unfortunately I had some 20 books in reserve on the Sony and even though I have tried to convert them with Calibre the font is far too small for me to read on the Kindle and periodically I recharge my Sony and suffer through one of those books or perhaps read it on my computer although that ties me to one place. Only the pricing of ebooks is a problem for me now and I am reading one free book for each paid book until prices become reasonable...or I may have to read two free books for each paid if necessary. But I am reading again and love it.
I love my kobo for that read. I am thinking of getting a kindle for 114.00 because my unit does not read to you if I want to relax before bed. I used to set my radio for an hr before bed and go to bed by radio.
Andre Jute wrote: "J. V. wrote: "Conversion is illegal though we can discuss the morality."If it's a stupid law, I don't see the need to follow it.
Andre Jute wrote: "J. V. wrote: " Now that Amazon has created the Kindle app for pretty much any alternate device, which include the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, all you need is the proper app and you can still access you..."What is apples reason for threatening to remove the app? This is the first I've heard of that.
Phillip wrote: "I am nearly 70. As a child I read books constantly but as an adult I seemed never to have time. I would get a book and lose my place or misplace the book and never finish reading it. I was readi..."What an inspiring story! Good on you, Phillip.
Stacey Jo wrote: "What is apples reason for threatening to remove the [Kindle] app? This is the first I've heard of that."As I understood it, Apple wanted a cut every time Amazon sold a an ebook to be read with the app on an iPad or iPod. Their reasoning was presumably that they were providing the infrastructure (iPad and iPod are closed systems, just like the Kindle) and should be paid for it. Perhaps you haven't heard about it because the matter has been settled; I haven't bothered to follow it. My interest is in the principle that any other etablet maker and operating system owner can easily exclude the Kindle apps for any arbitrary reason.
Why Smashwords is even more important for readers than for writers
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