The Sword and Laser discussion
This topic is about
Tigana
The next book has no eBook option?
message 51:
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Nimrod
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rated it 5 stars
May 18, 2012 09:07AM
@Veronica, Heh, I was actually going to suggest that, but given that the download portion is kind of a grey area, I wasn't sure if it was allowed to mention!
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@Jeff, I have to apologize... Part of the reason I thought you were just arguing for the sake of it, was because I thought a thread I ran into was actually posted here...If you look at Veronica's profile, a comment was made on her status of "currently reading Tigana" with a link to this post.
That's where I got the idea to do the UK Kindle store...
Your reaction to what I said made me realize it was not linked here and I went searching for it again...
Sorry about the confusion.
Jeff I think who should get your ire is the publisher both for the lack of ebook and the price tag on the books through amazon, write a letter what have youth them. I hope you at least clicked the I want this on kindle link. Don't know if this works. It I like to pretend it does. However, I would have liked somewhere in the poll that it was noted that it was not easily available I the US in ebook form, I also think this should be done when it's the case of the EU. Or any other country were we have a large amount of club members. After that, it's up to the club on which book is chosen. I would have also liked if it as noted with books in a series like Hyperion with bad cliffhangers for this to be noted. Personally I think this is about making as informed a choice as possible when choosing the book for next month. After that it's up to the club.
I don't want to ban non-ebooks considering some old timers are still not in ebook format. Some of Ursula K. Le Guin's works for example. I do however, as another member as noted on the podcast discussion, reserve the right to be annoyed. Paticularly if I don't like it. But with the glowing praises, I've bought this book and don't expect to be disappointed.
Folks. Those of us that prefer ebooks will have to be proactive and do a little research before voting for future books. CHECK before voting to see if there is an easily available ebook from your preferred supplier. Show your aversion to the unavailability of an ebook format by not voting for books without the format of your choice! I feel this book club is getting large enough that the club can accumulate some buying power.
If paper-only books or audio-only books, ebooks, etc. win in the book club voting process then that's fine. I have no problem if the group as a whole votes for a book not available in the format I like.
However, I will never vote for a book not available on Kindle. So, those that feel strongly should voice their concerns through voting. Complaining about it is fine I suppose, just like complaining who won the elections, etc... as long as you vote smart. Those of you that don't check ahead of time the book's availability AND vote for a book have no reason to complain. It's your own fault.
Consider it a lesson learned if you were one of those that voted for a book not available in ebook format and can't get it. Vote smart.
I'm heading for the torrent I see with this book to participate. Tough luck for the publisher this time around.
Nimrod wrote: "@Veronica, Heh, I was actually going to suggest that, but given that the download portion is kind of a grey area, I wasn't sure if it was allowed to mention!"I had similar thoughts.
Just switch your kindle to UK, buy the book and switch your kindle back to US.It works great. Once the book is in your account, you can read it on any Kindle device (phone/e-reader/ipad/whatever).
I've done this for a lot of books now. I promise, it really does work.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Switching over to the UK version totally works -- I did it and have been reading Tigana on my Kindle for the past few days. And it turned out to be cheaper than buying the print version (which is what I was planning to do if I hadn't been abel to get the UK version to work).
Jason wrote: "Just switch your kindle to UK, buy the book and switch your kindle back to US."hmm, I'll try it. There are many UK books I want :)
Matt wrote: "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..."I also find it very hard to read paper books any more because of poor vision. I just think it's rude to assume any one can just go "buy the book." I read on a iPad because I can enlarge the font (and I read formats from a variety of sources--Kindle, B&N or iBooks - but I also get CD's and overdrive books from my library). At $25 in the iBookstore, this audiobook is too expensive for me. And I'm not going to download a book from site that isn't a trusted site. So I'll be passing on this month's choice also.
Just curious, will there be an alternate selection?
Michael wrote: "First world problems."What does that mean?
You are all entitled to your decisions to skip the book, but before you do, you should really consider the Amazon.co.uk option... It uses the same account as amazon.com uses...Those of you who choose to skip Tigana are going to miss out on a great book! I haven't wanted to put it down!
Tina wrote: "Michael wrote: "First world problems."What does that mean?"
America is considered "first world".
While smaller countries say in South America are third world.
So a first world problem would be not being able to get a book as a eBook while a third world problem would be not being able to afford or find food to eat.
Aloha wrote: "I created one for this problem:http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3pd189/"
Now that's funny, and true.
Alex wrote: "First world problems: http://www.quickmeme.com/First-World-..."That entire site is win. The cows are cracking me up.
Matt wrote: "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..."I also miss computer cards, carbon paper, ditto machines, floppy disks, vinyl records (cassettes, 8 tracks, cd's coming soon...) my 93 Del Sol, my (Dad's) 68 Camaro, ... (oh, and I've entered my name to never receive phone books automatically on the porch again.) Paper books I still like for something that I'm going to keep and reference and hi-light extensively. For a one-off fiction story, give me my Kindle!
Jeff wrote: "Look in the Buy it area, it says:This title is not available for customers from:
United States
Shop titles available for United States"
Welcome to the rest of the world. I should point out to those of you living in America (as opposed to those of us in 'foreign') that we REGULARLY have this issue. Most of us get around it using the local libraries, but it's a pain in the butt. Now that you know what it feels like, feel free to complain to your congressperson on our behalf! ;-)
You don't need to have a paper book to highlight. In fact, I prefer highlighting in the reader. The Kindle also lets you see which passages are most highlighted by Kindle users. It helps you to figure out the significant passages.Ken wrote: "Paper books I still like for something that I'm going to keep and reference and hi-light extensively.."
Oh, stop whining, you foreigner. You get to be an expert in the author in which the English language book is mostly available. A friend of mine became an expert in Dean Koontz because he found a huge collection of his in a used bookstore. Us Americans can't be an expert in anything because we have too many selections. Feel our ADD pain at not being able to come to a decision as to what to read next. Waaaaaahhhhh!!!!Debf wrote: "Welcome to the rest of the world. I should point out to those of you living in America (as opposed to those of us in 'foreign') that we REGULARLY have this issue. Most of us get around it using the local libraries, but it's a pain in the butt. Now that you know what it feels like, feel free to complain to your congressperson on our behalf! ;-) "
Because this is a daily pain for me, I made another poster to illustrate my pain:http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3pd5mu/
I noticed the same thing. I'm going to skip this book too. I have enough books to read to keep me busy though. I do think as a rule books should be available in as many formats as possible. I think for the future there should be one dead tree version and some ebook version.
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_......"
Leon wrote: "Aww poo. :(
It doesn't say that on my amazon.com screen, but then I am not in the US. Damn."
I was so close :(
"Is my device compatible with your eBooks?
Our eBooks can be used with most devices, apart from the Amazon Kindle. To check compatibility, please see our eBook User Guide."
I'm still searching for any ebook version I can get in the USA. I haven't bought a dead tree book in awhile but I might just buy this one. And I better like it lol.
I found an ebook copy. I guess if you search hard enough you can find anything!
I was disappointed too that it wasn't available in ebook format, so I did something crazy and got it at my library! However, it was the only copy in the entire county library system. :) I haven't given up completely on paper books, but ebooks have become my preferred method.I will say that I'm glad I found it at the library. I belong to a couple book clubs, and it makes great economical sense for me, since if I don't like the book, I don't feel so bad when I lem it. :)
Aloha wrote: "I created one for this problem:http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3pd189/"
That's hilarious. But now I can't decide which is worse, this one, or staying with relatives who don't know their wi-fi password.
Tina, you'll have to listen to their conversations about the weather and Angelina Jolie.
Jeff wrote: For the record nimrod, it was posts like this that got my gander up:This thread is kinda whiney.
That's because it is whiney.
But again, as I said, you're free to express your own opinion. And people are free to express theirs. And as I said, it's a complaint coming from a very privileged position.
It doesn't help that you suddenly dismiss any criticism as "No one should ever question this stuff. No one should ever really disagree, at least if they want to participate in this book group."
As if our views aren't valid either, or that we shouldn't disagree with you. (And calling you whiney doesn't mean "shut up".)
I think this would have been the perfect opinion to have been brought up during the nominations (or the voting page). And some people did voice this concern (this book wasn't available here, there, etc.). Some voted for Redemption of Althalus (not a great book IMO) because it had an eBook available in their region. But once the vote has been decided... well, it's the voter's choice. It's not like we get to have our favorite book picked.
I like your anti-piracy stuff, but yeah, this is what I'd mostly classify as a first-world complaint, which a previous commenter pointed out.
Aww guys please don't ruin this with snark! I love sword and laser; even while I don't love every book selection I enjoy hearing others' opinions. I will find a way to read ANY selection (or try; it can get lemmed!) despite the format because I like hearing what you all have to say. Positive or negative feedback is fine, but be nice to each other; there are plenty of meanies in the real world. :0)
Aw, Rebecca! :D I agree; I love people being nice to each other on the internet even more that I enjoy the guilty pleasure of reading ridiculous arguments on YouTube.
So a question then: Does anyone know if I (as a US resident) can order the Kindle ebook version from Amazon.co.uk? Will it work on my Kindle? I don't want to purchase it and find that my Kindle tells me I'm not allowed to view it because I'm in the wrong region or something like that. If anyone has any advice on that I'd appreciate it! I'd rather read the ebook version if possible.
Mohrravvian wrote: "So a question then: Does anyone know if I (as a US resident) can order the Kindle ebook version from Amazon.co.uk? Will it work on my Kindle? I don't want to purchase it and find that my Kindle tel..."I'm in Australia and times when I couldn't read the book amazon wouldn't let me buy it, so I think you should be right.
Mohrravvian wrote: "So a question then: Does anyone know if I (as a US resident) can order the Kindle ebook version from Amazon.co.uk? Will it work on my Kindle? I don't want to purchase it and find that my Kindle tel..."Mohrravvian, if you scroll up to message 63 you'll find a link explaining how you can order the UK ebook. Once you've changed your region back to US you will still be able to read it.
Mohrravvian wrote: "So a question then: Does anyone know if I (as a US resident) can order the Kindle ebook version from Amazon.co.uk? Will it work on my Kindle? I don't want to purchase it and find that my Kindle tel..."It won't let you buy it if you live in the US. You will get an error saying its not available in the US for your device. I suggest you just search Google. I'm SURE you will find a copy.
I know this is not the thread for this but this is crazy. The person wants to pay for a book but its unavailable in their region. So they go get an illegal copy. Are people wrong for doing this?
lol Thurman, that's a thing I have argued many times when anime available in the US fails to make it to the UK. One day I hope the world will have caught up with global demands so that people all over the world can easily pay for the things they want to buy without such restrictions.However, with the kindle, as has been mentioned on this thread a few times, it isn't so hard to change the region on your kindle account to solve the problem. There is a link to instructions on this thread. :D
@Ruth It's almost like we nee a new thread with the Kindle info posted on the very top... does no one read around here? lol
lol, there is an irony there that I'm loving. :D
Nimrod wrote: "@Ruth It's almost like we nee a new thread with the Kindle info posted on the very top... does no one read around here? lol"Actually, that is a great idea. There should be a technical folder for how-tos. There was also a concern regarding downloading S&L videos. That could be put there, too.
I see that the mods have to start a technical folder. Members can only start a discussion thread.Thurman and anybody else, here are the directions from the Chung Kuo fan site on how to purchase an eBook not available from your country:
For the Kindle version, you can get it in the USA. To do this, you must transfer your Kindle account to the UK.
Here is the process:
Go to Amazon.com
Click “Your Account” in the top right corner
Log in using your email and password
Click “Manage My Kindle”, near the bottom of the page under “Let Us Help You”
Click “Country Settings” from the menu on the left
Click “Change” under actions.
Fill out the form.
I just put in “1″ under all the required fields, put in the UK under the country, and put in “N5 1BU” for the postal code (this is the code for Emirates Stadium, which I figured was fitting, considering that Wingrove follows Arsenal).
It all worked just fine.
Hey thanks Patricia and Aloha for the tip on changing the region! It seems to have worked (I bought it and it is now on my phone, just have to check my Kindle when I get home tonight). I'm going to give this one a try even though I wasn't too impressed with the description at first, but I'm definitely happy I can read it on my Kindle. :)
@Mohrravvian, Hey Now! I'm the one that first linked to that thread here! :-PGlad you were able to grab it! Tigana has gotten me hooked from very early on, and I blame only time for not having finished it yet!
Hope you enjoy it!
Aloha wrote: "Here is the process:"Thank you so much!! I do most of my reading at work on my computer (shhhh) and was not looking forward to sneaking in a paperback. Now that it's on my Kindle app I can switch the country back to USA, right?
Yes, according to those who have tried it.
If I change the region on my kindle, will I be able to access the book on other kindle devices (like my fire)? I wasn't going to read this one b/c it's not available for kindle, but if I can get it onto my kindles easily I'll give it a read.
@Shaina, yes, once you have it purchased, its in your account...You are actually changing the region on your account, not just one device, so when you switch back after the purchase, all your devices will have Tigana.
@Aloha, thanks for the little walkthrough. I have it purchased and its viewable on all my devices. Thanks! Now I just hope Amazon police don't come and get me :P
I'm glad the issue was resolved, although I would like to point out the the availability problem did come up in the discussion attached to the poll itself. While I would love to convert my library to digital format, at $10+/no discounts or coupons allowed, I will not be replacing my DTEs any time soon. Especially since I can usually get a discounted or used paperback mailed to me cheaper.
Typically I will buy the kindle version unless it is not available or is priced much higher than the paperback version. If so, then I buy the used paperback. Unfortunately this means the author doesn't get paid.
Jeff, I will also skip the book because there is no eBook option in the US where I feel confident that the author will get paid. Reason why I prefer to read eBooks:
Hyperion was the first book I tried to read in paperback since switching to eBooks. I did this since I already had a copy from years ago. I ended up buying the eBook after I was an hour into the book.
I've found that I can read eBooks just about anytime and anywhere I have 15 minutes and my phone. This is much more convenient than remembering to bring the book along wherever I go or only reading at night time when everyone is in bed. With 3 kids and busy schedules, I find that I don't have nearly enough time to read books for pleasure if I'm regulated only to reading at night time. Reading eBooks on my phone is a convenience that I'll choose not to give up when reading for pleasure.
I also feel very strongly about making sure the author gets paid. To me, this means only purchasing through well known online distributors such as Amazon, B&N, and iTunes. The other option would be to use OverDrive through my local public library (alas, it does not have the book as well). Anything else would feel like stealing. I make my living designing satellite simulations...it's not a matter of technical ability, it has to do with what I feel is right.
Does this mean I'll never buy a hard copy book ever again? Nope. I've got a pile of them on my nightstand and a whole box in my office in the basement (all purchased in the last 6 months). I hope to eventually get around to reading them, it's just going to take me a while.
Another factor in my decision is that I recently read Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. While I enjoyed the book, I didn't find that it was one of those page turners that I just had to finish. I wasn't quite into his writing style.
With a one month turn around for the book club, my past experience with the author's writing, and kids summer activities starting up, there is no chance I'll be able to finish the book by only reading at night. It was a no brainer for me to decide to skip this book when I found I couldn't find it through the major retailers or the public library.
