The Sword and Laser discussion
This topic is about
Tigana
The next book has no eBook option?
They do not show up in any search I do. Amazon US shows an audible version, but no Kindle. B&N shows paperback only.Amazon UK does show a Kindle edition but I am not sure if it would show up in my Kindle app if I bought it.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11... It looks like it isn't available in amazon.com (USA), bur you can get it in co.uk, like Leon said... I'll do that...
Look in the Buy it area, it says:This title is not available for customers from:
United States
Shop titles available for United States
Actually, the edition on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Tigana-ebook/dp...) has a note that says it's not available to customers in the US.
I found an ePub version at ShopOxi, I've never heard of this website before it came up in my search - so I have no clue how reliable it is. http://www.shopoxi.com/9780007352234_...
Not sure how I would get those versions into my iPad. Last thing I want is a technical challenge. I'll just pass on this purchase until the publisher gets their head out of their bum.
True. It's also not available in CD, cassette or in any of our local book stores/libraries. So I mumbled about that for a few minutes.Then I began to check on the actual content. Its a highly rated book on both Goodreads and Amazon. They came out with a 10th anniversary edition a while back and folks seem to like the author. So I order the paperback. 1 cent for the paperback book 3.99 for shipping. I think I still remember how to turn paper pages.
PS-No earwigs or moldywarpes so its got that going for it.
Try your public library. We have an ePub copy available to borrow at the library I work at (in Canada).
You can get from the iTunes store several iPad apps that will read ADE DRM'd books. Here are some that you can do a search for. They're free downloads:MyeBooks R
Tradebit
Libroteca
Plus some others that you can see on the bottom of the page.
After you downloaded your app., connect your iPad to your computer.
Click on the Apps button on top to take you to the Apps screen. Go under "File Sharing" to see apps that allow you to import documents into them.
Click on the reader App. Under "Documents", you'll see an "Add" button. Click on that to add your download.
There's a possibility you might be able to add it directly from the app. when it's open. But I don't have any of those since I don't buy books requiring ADE. You'll have to play around with the app.
@Jeff If you manage to get an epub file somehow, you can use a free dropbox account to transfer said file to your ipad.The Link Vicky provided seems to be a really solid solution
"... Click on that to add your download. There's a possibility you might be able to add it ……"And the publisher can't understand why people don't like DRM'd books
(PS- I really do think it's great folks are helping. I just don't think a customer should need help to open a purchase)
Warren wrote: "I just don't think a customer should need help to open a purchase"Absolutely right! BUT! I was trying to help fellow S&L members given that the alternative is for them to skip a book I am already thoroughly enjoying! :-)
Nimrod wrote: "Warren wrote: "I just don't think a customer should need help to open a purchase"Absolutely right! BUT! I was trying to help fellow S&L members given that the alternative is for them to skip a bo..."
Totally agree. Good on ya.
It wasn't meant as a criticism for helping folks.
I'm a fairly technical guy, I know the ropes. If I really wanted to I'm pretty sure I could just torrent it. BUT I like to support good authors and I am not poor. So I like to purchase my eBooks legally. It's easier then searching for it, and I'm doing the right thing.
I am sure I could figure out the Adobe thing, but I don't want to. Just want to buy the book and read it. I solve technical problems all day, when I'm relaxing I don't want to do that. Especially when there are plenty of other books in my queue I could be reading.
There are some fairly cheap used versions available on amazon, or at least there were when I purchased my copy. Buying new directly will however cost you $13+ kind of expensive for an older book. I don't want to limit what books are picked, but if a book only has dead tree version in a big area such as the US or EU could that be noted somehow during voting? Just as a heads up, for those in the group who are voting and don't want to have to buy a paper book. Especially if it's as expansive as this one.
For the record I live in a rural area and doubt my local library has a copy.
I'm glad I found three copies last summer at my local library's monthly booksale, trade paperback (June), bce hardcover (July, and a mass paperback (August).
Mod
I know it doesn't help you but it is also available for the Kindle in Australia.
Tassie Dave wrote: "I know it doesn't help you but it is also available for the Kindle in Australia."You can switch Kindles between different regions. I change mine between Australia and the US all the time to get different regional-only books. You change the country via the Amazon website.
I don't let anything stop me from reading a book I want. I have a variety of reading apps for my iPad, different form of books, paper, ebook, audios. The only thing that would stop me from reading a book is if it has not been translated from a foreign language.
Mod
I'm with him about paper books. It's all about getting the media in the format you prefer. We all have different needs. I find some paper books impossible to read due to font size and/or style.
I'm English, and currently, but not permanently, living in Japan. I can get this book on my kindle (registered to the uk), but future ones may be be hard for me to get hold of, since I don't want to buy a physical book due to cost and weight limits when I return home. But I don't think a book should be chosen based on ebook availability or whatever. So long as the book is available in most places in at least one format, I don't think anyone should complain. If I can't read a future book due to my current circumstances, that's too bad, but at the end of the day, it is a personal choice.
Darren wrote: "Tassie Dave wrote: "Darren wrote: "This thread is kinda whiney. Not reading paper books anymore is a little bit precious, Jeff. Get over yourself."I believe these forums exist to "discuss" these very topics. What I like, what you like, and even what we dislike.
I happen to not like paper books anymore. Some people prefer not to read eBooks, that does not make anyone precocious. It means we have a media preference. Heck I know people who will only buy Blurays now, that's their media preference. So there is no "myself" to get over. I like carrying a library on my tablet, not a stack of awkward books.
When eBooks are selling better then paper books I think it's a valid concern when making these selections.
If you disagree, you are welcome to your opinion, as long as it does not include "Hey jeff your a pompus jerk for suggesting your above paperbooks".
I want to have a a shiny red convertible to go to the beach in... Instead I drive a 4 door sedan to work... Would be nice to get to drive around in whatever transportation I want, but it's not available to me...Sarcasm out of the way, fact is that to say we should only allow books that are conveniently available as ebooks can work both ways... what if some of us rather only read books available as dead tree edition? Do we then only accept nominations of books that are only available in both versions?
If you want to read the book enough to buy whatever version is available to you, then good on you. If you don't want to be 'burdened' with having to make a few extra clicks to download the ebook that actually is available to you, then what do you want us to do about it?
We tried to help and you still feel that it is too much hassle, then what is the point of this thread if not to be whinny?
Vicky wrote: "I found an ePub version at ShopOxi, I've never heard of this website before it came up in my search - so I have no clue how reliable it is. http://www.shopoxi.com/9780007352234_......"
I tried this. I live in the wrong country for this book. How weird is that? Sigh... I will have to check the small town library. It has been a long time since I have read a dead tree edition. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions for a nook edition.
I didn't see Jeff ever say books that are not available as ebooks should not be picks. Only that he would not be reading it because its not available in his format of choice.Some people don't read books that are not available at their local bookstore of choice or don't read books that are not available at their local library. Are we going going to call them out as well?
@Brandon, that would be like someone complaining their local bookstore was out of stock on a certain book and the only option they had was to buy it as an ebook... Then said person would come here to argue that we should only pick books that are in stock at store A, B or Z...Why miss out on a potentially good book, simply because it's not the right format? furthermore, why make it a big deal when everyone voted on it and Tigana won?
Skipping the book because of the wrong format is like skipping a book because it is sword or laser that month... Do as you wish...
Meanwhile I am loving Tigana and my only complaint is the lack of time to read it in... Work getting in the way and all...
I'm from the Philippines, which is in Southeast Asia. Our bookstore doesn't stock all the popular books. Book ordering takes a month at least, even from Amazon (unless you're willing to pay a premium price). Amazon is also charging us $2.00 more for eBooks due to Whispersync, and retailers like iTunes and Barnes & Noble don't sell eBooks to the Philippines, period. So to me, the thread sounds like a privileged rant.First off, there's several valid reasons not to join the book club discussion. If you can't get it, that's fine.
However, I think this book pick has been quite reasonable:
1) This is the Sword and Laser book pick. Books come in all forms, whether it's print, eBooks, or audio books. This isn't the Sword and Laser eBook pick.
2) Tigana is relatively widely available. It's in circulation and has numerous reprints. It's not an old, obscure title. It's available in a variety of formats, include an eBook in the UK, and as an audiobook on Audible. Or it can be ordered from your local bookstore/retailer, where it will take around a week for it to be delivered (since complainant seems to be coming from the US). Or maybe even worth a library trip (no public libraries here with SF/F selections).
3) It's been tackled in the book vote thread. Want a book that's available as an eBook to be discussed? Vote for it. Nominate it. It' perfectly legitimate to not vote for a book because it's not convenient for you to read/obtain/purchase it.
Freedom of speech? Sure. Privileged rant? Yes. But I also think the voting group was pretty reasonable with the book as it's relatively accessible.
Well said, Charles. I think one of the options for this month was one that wasn't available for the kindle in the uk, which would have made it trickier for me to read, but it never occurred to me that I would have cause to complain if it had been chosen. You can't suit everyone all the time.
You guys are right, no one should ever question this stuff. No one should ever really disagree, at least if they want to participate in this book group.And if they do, I suggest we do not engage in a civil discussion about the merits of their comments, instead we berate them so that they never disagree again.
@JeffI agree with you seems people are making a big deal out of a small matter. There are valid reasons for having a format preference but apparently they don't matter and somehow you personally deciding to skip a book because of it is unacceptable.
Instead of just going okay you loss of missing out on a well loved book and moving. Seems like an overreaction to me.
Jeff, I understand your not wanting to read paper books. I have the same preference. But I will buy a paper book if there are no other options and I would like to read the book. I stopped giving you suggestions because someone had offered a link to an eBook which you can purchase, and I had offered you a method in which you can use it on your iPad. It's a simple matter of hooking up your iPad to your computer and iTunes, and importing it into the app. It takes me a few seconds to do that. You're technically savvy, so you should have no problem. However, you said you do not even want to bother with doing that. You're able to spend time asking whether there's an eBook available. We took our time with our input suggesting ways, which are really not that hard, for you to be able to read Tigana.Obviously, you do not really want to read Tigana. If you do, you would have made the minimal efforts to do so.
The only reason I could think of to just not get the physical copy is if you are blind and want an Audible edition... I have a Kindle, I use it regularly but.. come on. Unless you have some kind of bizarre paper or ink allergy, or are prone to psychotic breakdowns that would lead to you using a physical book as a deadly weapon when your secret ninja training trigger is said, I don't know why you don't just buy the frickin physical copy. Read it-- when you're done, sell it, or donate it to the local library.
It's kind of absurd to be completely without reading ebooks because you'd be missing out on a lot. There are so many great classics that aren't available for ebook yet... or if they ever will be.
It's kind of absurd to be completely without reading ebooks because you'd be missing out on a lot. There are so many great classics that aren't available for ebook yet... or if they ever will be.
Jeff wrote: "You guys are right, no one should ever question this stuff. No one should ever really disagree, at least if they want to participate in this book group."Okay, rather sarcastic there, but I see your point. I guess my reaction may have been a little harsh because I live outside of the US, and often find various things not available to buy, in any format, where I live, and since I could easily have ended up in exactly the same situation as you with this months pick had a different book been chosen, your reaction of annoyance that you couldn't have the book just the way you liked it without extra effort struck me as rather selfish. Sorry for being negative toward you though; I just didn't want choice of good books to be ruled out due to lack of ebook availability, nor for negativity to be placed on a choice just for the reasons you state. If a book is worth reading, I don't think format matters regardless of preference.
@Jeff, We aren't saying you can't discuss the matter here...The name you gave the thread is "The next book has no eBook option?" and we told you that it does. We tried to help you and you said it was too inconvenient for you to pursue the ebook options that you have. So what is the point of this thread?
Tassie Dave wrote: "Can you use iBooks? It is available as an eBook on iBooks (I am looking at the Australian iTunes store)I know it doesn't help you but it is also available for the Kindle in Australia."
No,I looked there as well. It's basically banned as an eBook for Americans.
A number of people have offered me a "free" eBook version of the book. I appreciate the offer from all of you.
The point a number of you seem to have missed, and what I was trying to discuss is: Most people do not have access to these torrents, nor are they hot to buy an eBook from some site they have never heard of in another country. They have nooks, kindles, and iPads and I would argue a good majority live in the US. Add to that the fact that eBooks way out sell paper books in today's market.
If this was 2001 and the pick of the month was eBook only AND only available to customers outside the US, someone like me would have posted the same question.
The eBook advocates would argue "Just use your computer to read it" and the response would be "I don't like reading books on my computer, I enjoy the smell of bound paper". Some paper book advocates would even offer their old copy for free or a reduced price.
You've missed the discussion. I was curious if there were people who
Jeff, what about the eBook link that you can purchase from? All you have to do is download a free reader app. for your iPad and import the file. It's really easy to do and you're technically savvy. I import books into the apps. often, and sometimes do a whole series since I often pair audios with eBooks.If you're trying to make a stance that eBook should be readily available in the U.S., then that's another matter. But if it's only a matter of being able to read, your complaint will gain little sympathy. Especially considering that U.S. citizens are privileged to have the amount and variety of books available to them for little cost, in comparison to people in other countries. I've heard from friends overseas who really have valid reasons for not getting an English language book that they want due to cost and availability. Yet, they manage to get around it because they really want to read those books.
Aloha:D See that just said it perfectly, and is likely at the heart of why people are reacting to this post the way they are.
If you're trying to make a stance that eBook should be readily available in the U.S., then that's another matter.Bingo!
I have quite a number of friends who are not technical, and have an aversion to unknown sources online. They look in the Kindle,Nook,iTunes bookstore and if it's not there, it's not an option. I was curious if there are quite a few people in THIS group that feel similarly.
I have never heard of Shopoxi and as part of my job I have to know about the seedier parts of the internet. So I regulate my purchases to well known places I trust. So do most non-internet savoy people.
Truth is if I wanted to, I could just pirate it from one of a 100 different places. This was not a "OMG THIS IS SO HARD!" post. I can probably run circles around most of you in a discussion about computers. And no this is not a "I'm so awesome at computers" response either, I just want to prevent anymore well meaning folks from wasting their time with suggestions on how I personally can circumvent the problem.
I just wanted to know if there were others like me who were annoyed it's not available where they buy books and if they might skip it because of that. I think it's a valid question, whether you agree with the answer or not. Those of you who dismiss me as lazy, failed to read the original post, and the fact you get annoyed by people who don't follow your choices in life, tells just tells me you have some unspent anger to vent and I am a suitable target in your eyes.
ps- Yes I am American, and telling me to shut up because I am a spoiled American is again nothing more then mis-directed anger and/or possibly jealousy. I live in a different place with a different culture and different values. I respect that you have other challenges that may seem difficult to you, and I'm sure I could spend time trivializing your life experiences as well if I was a jerk. I am not.
Ruth wrote: "Okay, rather sarcastic there,..."A knee jerk reaction to a series of attacks on myself. People want to call me lazy and I know I am not.
I was curious if others find this lack of choice not to their liking, instead I got a few wrong responses telling me I am wrong, then a few trying to fix "my problem", then a bunch telling me I'm a lazy whining American who who's post is stupid, then a bunch of private messages indicating how I could get it for "free".
Your final response Ruth was what I was actually looking for. To some it's no big deal, to others it's a problem. Was just curious if it was a problem for others.
Jeff wrote: "Just saw the next book selection and there is no eBook options on B&N or Amazon. I'm gonna pass on this one as I do not read physical books anymore.Anyone else annoyed by this choice? The book sounds interesting, but I just am not into reading paper books anymore. "
Jeff, I reread your first post. If you had worded your post that trusted sites such as B&N or Amazon should have a widely circulated book like Tigana in eBook available to U.S. citizens, then you would have gotten a different response. I agree with you that it's odd that it's available in audio at Audible and as an eBook in other countries, but not as an eBook for U.S. citizens.
I don't blame people for responding as they did because of the way you worded your first post. Your question was whether people were annoyed by this month's book selection because an eBook is not available. To people overseas who spent a lifetime treasuring every single English language books they can get their hands on, it really is irksome when it seems like a simple matter to get the book in whichever form it comes in.
@Jeff, Aloha couldn't have said it any better... I was just about to say the exact same thing...Your first post was stating that there was no ebook option and that was why you were going to pass on the book.
We responded with good intentions and attempted to come to your aid.
You then proceeded to say:
Jeff wrote: "I am sure I could figure out the Adobe thing, but I don't want to. Just want to buy the book and read it. I solve technical problems all day, when I'm relaxing I don't want to do that. Especially when there are plenty of other books in my queue I could be reading."
Which indeed sounded whinny and Darren and I pointed that out...
If your original point was what you said in post 45, why didn't you start the thread with that?
That being said, fact is that it is the author who likely did not want to have the US ebook easily available. That is not something that anyone here or at Amazon/iTunes/etc.. can help you with. Which brings me to my question, what is the point of this thread?
Are you simply stating the obvious or are you trying to get something accomplished? If so, what?
If you had worded your post that trusted sites such as B&N or Amazon should have a widely circulated book like Tigana in eBook available to U.S. citizens, then you would have gotten a different response.Fair enough, it's easy to get the wrong impression in a forum post.
I just wonder if that should be considered when making reading list choices, or if it is not a concern for most. My guess is the hosts are interested in having as large an audience and possible and so might be interested in including as many people as possible IF this an issue for folks.
I am one of those people who believe constructive discussion on such topics is beneficial to all.
"No Jeff, this is something that doesn't bother me"
"Yes Jeff, I too was bothered by this, I may skip it"
I think are both valid responses to the question I posed. I find it off putting, and unlike many folks I wanted to actually BUY the book and legally to support the author. And I want them to know that Goodreads 9and specifically Sword and Laser) was the reason I bought the book. This gives both entities some well earned clout.
Nimrod wrote: "@Jeff, Are you simply stating the obvious or are you trying to get something accomplished? If so, what? "I was stating the NON obvious as the first few responses were "yes it is available" when in fact it is not. The only thing I was trying to accomplish was to raise awareness that some people might not participate in the monthly book reading if it's paper only for them.
You personally may not care, Darren may not personally care, but I bet the people who make money on these book selections and audience participation do care and WANT feedback on things like this.
@Jeff, great, so now that we know what you expected from the thread, here is my answer...As an American, living in Florida I was not bothered, nor would I ever be bothered by a book only available in one specific format or another, either dead-tree or ebook.
I happen to have Tigana as an ebook, simply because if I were to have every book S&L reads, I'll need a bigger apartment...
On the other hand, I per-ordered The Casual Vacancy as a hardcover because I'm a J.K. Rowling fan.
Simply put, it does not bother me either way, and it won't affect my decision on any vote.
@Jeff, Actually, I personally know a local Author that decided not to go with ebooks simply because he did not like the policies and requirements set by Amazon.Judging by the fact that the Author "okay-ed" the ebook version, I am willing to bet it was a concious decision to not make it *easily* available here in the US. Just like Jo Rowling has now made Harry Potter ebooks after all this time by making it available on Pottermore.com (again, likely because of the policies and requirements she would have had to agree to).
Nimrod wrote: "@Jeff, great, so now that we know what you expected from the thread, here is my answer...As an American, living in Florida I was not bothered, nor would I ever be bothered by a book only availabl..."
I respect your opinion.
I chose an eBook only direction in my life for similar reasons. I just didn't have room for them anymore, and I tend to read books like people watch tv. I read chapters like tv episodes and I don't always know what I want to read until I'm ready for reading time. My tablet solves this problem for me very nicely, but sometimes limits my choices.
Civil conversation, between two opposing points of view. Congress could take a lesson from this :)
Jeff wrote: "Civil conversation, between two opposing points of view. Congress could take a lesson from this :)"I personally was never attacking you, nor do I think any of us were trying to make it personal... we just thought the point you were trying to make was based on the inconvenience of not having it through the store you wanted and under your conditions.
Your point is perfectly valid that a site you don't trust is not the best place to be typing in your credit card info.
In my case though, let's just say, I've purchased from amazon.co.uk a few times because I didn't like the US version of something (specifically the HP and Back To The Future Blu-Ray Box Sets) :-)
So if you buy something from amazon.uk it will show up on your US kindle or kindle app? That's good info to know if true. I know there are many books published in the UK that never make it here. On a trip to the UK many years ago I was astounded by all the authors I never heard of. I purchased quite a few books to bring home. This was before the added expense of baggage on airplanes and the availability of ebooks :)
I personally was never attacking you, nor do I think any of us were trying to make it personal
For the record nimrod, it was posts like this that got my gander up:
This thread is kinda whiney. Not reading paper books anymore is a little bit precious, Jeff. Get over yourself.
Mod
Something I've done in the past: if a book isn't available on Kindle, but you still want to support the author AND read it via your preferred method, buy the paperback and donate it to a library. Then download the book.
Two birds, one stone.
Anyone else annoyed by this choice? The book sounds interesting, but I just am not into reading paper books anymore.