Sep 28 2012
Friday Midday Links: Hachette releases unreadable ebook for JK Rowling; Pearson adopts Baen business model for tech books; Online defamation in UK
J.K. Rowling’s new ebook: Literally unreadable – Thursday, JK Rowling’s new book “The Casual Vacancy” was released and digital readers were treated to a poorly formatted, impossible to read file. After a multitude of complaints, Hachette finally delivered an updated file sometime late yesterday afternoon. I can hardly believe that this was so messed up by Hachette and my conspiracy theorist mind is wondering whether this was done intentionally to drive readers to print?
“Yesterday the eBook file for The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling was released to all U.S. eBook retailers. There were issues with that file, including the adjustability of font color and size and adjustability of margins. As soon as Hachette was made aware of these issues a replacement file was uploaded to all eBook retailers. Hachette has requested that each retailer contact their customers directly about reloading their eBook. Any consumer who purchased the eBook on Thursday, September 27, before approximately 3:00pm ET, who has not heard from their retailer, should contact them and request that their eBook be reloaded. No consumer should have to repurchase the eBook.” paidContent
In other J.K. Rowling news, her book isn’t getting very good reviews but I saw the funniest tweet:
Michiko Kakutani is the NYTimes critic and the gif is this:
Pearson Launches New Early Edition eBook Service – Pearson is following the Baen model by releasing early edited versions of tech books. The books can only be purchased early “exclusively through Pearson” and they appear to be DRM free as they are selling in PDF, ePub and MOBI. Once the final version is done, the early adopters get a free upgrade to the finished version. I don’t know the cost, but I think this is innovative and I’m glad to see big time publishers trying something different.
Readers everywhere now have the opportunity to get early access to important, time-sensitive topics and technologies before the official publication. Available exclusively through Pearson, Early Edition multi-format eBooks (PDF, ePUB, and MOBI) have been through preliminary stages of editing and technical review, but content and presentation are not yet final. By purchasing an Early Edition, customers automatically will receive an updated, official edition of the multi-format eBook when it is available. Business Wire
Defamation Bill: websites may have increased liability for defamatory statements – There is a proposed law in the UK which would change the way website operators would be required to act about defamatory statements. If a judge would deem the statements defamatory, the website would need to remove those comments. The bill also provides a way for the allegedly defamed to learn the identity of the commenter leaving the defamatory statements if there is “sufficient information to bring proceeding”. Out-law.com
Send to Kindle
Sep 28, 2012 @ 07:18:46
JKR could probably have republished the phone book and people would have bought it. But it is odd how badly some of her e-efforts have gone. Pottermore was supposed to be *it*, but even hardcore fans at this point are overwhelmingly meh (at best) about it. The Hachette error is so amateur it’s bizarre. (And yes, I understand it’s not Rowling herself doing the code for the site or ebooks.)
Sep 28, 2012 @ 07:28:04
I love the early ebook program at Baen — I read the new Vorkosigan book (well, technically Vorpatril book) in May or June, and am still looking forward to adding a paper copy to my collection. The cost was more than I usually pay for ebooks, but I seldom buy books in eformat while they are still out in hardback, so it’s kind of hard to judge. Also, Bujold is one of very few authors I would pay full cover price for in any format.
Off to Pearson to see what’s on their virtual shelves…
Sep 28, 2012 @ 11:56:24
The Hachette thing is something I don’t get. They put a book up for sale without every opening the e-cover and skimming? Not to mention a final read-through.
I bet you can find Hachette arguing that E-book prices should not be low because that would “devalue” the product.
Sep 28, 2012 @ 11:58:15
LOL @SAO. I wish I could Like that a la Facebook.
Sep 28, 2012 @ 14:04:18
Just because I’m not sure…but defamation is usually related to false statements? So this would apply to false defamatory statements online that have already been deemed to be so by a judge?
Sep 28, 2012 @ 22:29:23
Was listening to NPR this morning and they had an interview with JKR. She basically said she was grateful that Potter made her so much money so she could just write whatever she wanted. I got the impression she really doesn’t care what people think about the book. And as a reader, I’m conflicted on whether I think that’s a bad thing or a good thing.