iideasStore

 We receive a number of requests for printed copies of the ebooks we sell.I really do understand the resistance many people have to ebooks as I experienced it myself when I was confronted with my first ebooks. In fact I printed off my first two ebooks and remember thinking that reading on the screen was “impossible” and feeling a level of resentment and frustration. So yes I can really relate to how some feel about the ebook format.

When I started working with ebooks two years ago I soon realised it would not be practicable to continue to print off everything I needed to read, thus I was forced adapt to the new format. I can now report in all honestly that once I got used it I actually prefer the ebook format to conventional printed matter.

We do not provide paper based version of our ebooks and there are no plans to publish them at this time. You still have the option of printing off your own copy if you prefer.

Your Screen Could be the Problem

Another thing to consider is your current screen. It may be the major factor is making reading your ebook unpleasant. It may be slightly fuzzy resulting in eye strain and head aches. The Refresh Rate my be too slow which also causes head aches. The refresh rate is the speed at which the screen redraws its self. This can often be changed via a configuration selection in the “control panel” If you have an older style hode Ray Tube (CRT) based monitor you might consider updating to an LCD which are much easier on the eyes.

Advantages of the ebook format

The e-format is preferred for a number of reasons.

• Speed to publish. Getting a book from manuscript to published hardcopy is a lengthy process during which time lots of the info can be out of date
• Easy to Update. Following on from above we can rapidly update our books and have them available immediately (we offer free updates with our books which you do not generally get with hardcopy publications)
• Cost to publish (short runs for niche topics are expensive, its only when you have large runs that you can get the cost down) -More editorial freedom. ebooks can include some things you will not find in mainstream publications. In this time of political correctness they are not constrained by having to meet the publishing guidelines of others.  ebooks can be honest and tell it as it is warts and all.
• Visually impaired people have the option of increasing the size of the font to a level comfortable thus making it easier to read than conventional formats. There is also software available that will actually read computer based text to you through your speakers.
  Ability to dynamically search the books for keywords or sentences. If you have ever tried to find a paragraph or sentence in a book you would appreciate this.
• Flexible format – the ability to include hyperlinks and other multi-media if we wish to.
• Distribution – The internet Immediate world market access. -Its better for the environment (cut down less trees)

 
The Future

Ebooks are not going away. Continued mass production of paper based publications is not sustainable for a number of reasons. The great news is that technology is working on solutions for those that prefer a more conventional reading experience. Imagine a super thin tablet that you can hold like a book or newspaper and the text will appear and be updated as required…that is what the future may offer