Comments on: Why The B&N Store Isn’t Competition for Amazon http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/ Dissecting the publishing industry with love and skepticism Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:02:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: led bulb ligh http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-171845 led bulb ligh Wed, 12 May 2010 08:45:06 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-171845 I think there are good arguments on both sides, so this is just a quick response to Rick Adin’s comments about “serious” readers not reading on cell phones. Having just finished reading a book on my cell phone, and immediately starting another one, I’m not sure where that perception is coming from. Personally, I prefer reading on my cell phone. It’s a multifunction device, that is always with me (I don’t have to remember to grab a separate reader *or* a physical book on my way out the door), and fits not only in my purse, but in the small front pocket of said purse. And, I read a lot. I think there are good arguments on both sides, so this is just a quick response to Rick Adin’s comments about “serious” readers not reading on cell phones. Having just finished reading a book on my cell phone, and immediately starting another one, I’m not sure where that perception is coming from. Personally, I prefer reading on my cell phone. It’s a multifunction device, that is always with me (I don’t have to remember to grab a separate reader *or* a physical book on my way out the door), and fits not only in my purse, but in the small front pocket of said purse. And, I read a lot.

]]> By: wave panel http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-171844 wave panel Wed, 12 May 2010 08:44:03 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-171844 I think Christian Thompson has it spot on: the 100 billion dollar question is, 1.) wins the war by getting real time, updateable information into the retail stores in a bound and professional print format? I think Christian Thompson has it spot on:
the 100 billion dollar question is,
1.) wins the war by getting real time, updateable information into the retail stores in a bound and professional print format?

]]> By: Lili http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170272 Lili Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:36:28 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170272 While I do not own a Kindle, I do own an ereader. I got one for Christmas. After doing a lot of research, I came to the conclusion that the Ebookwise eReader was the best for what I wanted it for, which is simply...reading. I didn't want a device with a keyboard that has to be connected to an internet or an account with a credit card, no keyboard, music player or anything else extra, I just wanted something I could carry with me to read on. And the price wasn't bad, either. At the time, it was around $150 (now I think it's $135) including a memory card that enables it to hold up to 150-200 books depending on size. I can load my own books onto it, after I convert them to a word doc and upload them to their server. An easy enough process once you know how. They can't take them from me, and I don't have to pay to send them to my device via email. I also don't run the risk of overcharging myself on a credit card. I buy books from Fictionwise, ebookwise and where ever else I can get them in PDF format, then convert them myself. I like it. I'm happy with my eReader. Wouldn't trade it for a Kindle or Sony even if they paid me. While I do not own a Kindle, I do own an ereader. I got one for Christmas. After doing a lot of research, I came to the conclusion that the Ebookwise eReader was the best for what I wanted it for, which is simply…reading. I didn’t want a device with a keyboard that has to be connected to an internet or an account with a credit card, no keyboard, music player or anything else extra, I just wanted something I could carry with me to read on. And the price wasn’t bad, either. At the time, it was around $150 (now I think it’s $135) including a memory card that enables it to hold up to 150-200 books depending on size. I can load my own books onto it, after I convert them to a word doc and upload them to their server. An easy enough process once you know how. They can’t take them from me, and I don’t have to pay to send them to my device via email. I also don’t run the risk of overcharging myself on a credit card.

I buy books from Fictionwise, ebookwise and where ever else I can get them in PDF format, then convert them myself. I like it. I’m happy with my eReader. Wouldn’t trade it for a Kindle or Sony even if they paid me.

]]> By: This and That: Links to Other Articles Of Interest « Florida Writers Conference Blog http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170173 This and That: Links to Other Articles Of Interest « Florida Writers Conference Blog Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:05:48 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170173 [...] Why the B&N Store Isn’t Competition for Amazon — Barnes and Nobles’ entry into the e-book market was supposed to be good news for those who worried at the monopoly-like status Amazon enjoys. But this article shows that the new competitor’s proprietary format is only slightly more flexible than Amazon’s proprietary format. (Why someone doesn’t make a PDF e-reader is beyond me.) [...] [...] Why the B&N Store Isn’t Competition for Amazon — Barnes and Nobles’ entry into the e-book market was supposed to be good news for those who worried at the monopoly-like status Amazon enjoys. But this article shows that the new competitor’s proprietary format is only slightly more flexible than Amazon’s proprietary format. (Why someone doesn’t make a PDF e-reader is beyond me.) [...]

]]> By: Friday Link Love 7/31 | Brad’s Reader http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170132 Friday Link Love 7/31 | Brad’s Reader Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:41:41 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170132 [...] Why the B&N store isn’t competition for Amazon [...] [...] Why the B&N store isn’t competition for Amazon [...]

]]> By: Peter Jurmu http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170113 Peter Jurmu Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:46:30 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170113 The Plastic Logic eReader may not fit in a purse, but neither does the Kindle DX with its 9.7" screen. (Not a problem for me--laptop bags and backpacks are my measuring standards.) I don't think sidearm eReaders like the Kindle are in PL's sights: Michael J's observation that textbook sales may play a large part in the dominance of one retailer has not escaped Amazon (hence the textbook-replacement tests schools like Princeton intend to run with the DX this fall). Nicholson Baker, in his <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/08/03/090803fa_fact_baker?currentPage=all" rel="nofollow"><i>New Yorker</i> article about the manifold Kindles</a>, argues the "real flurry over the new DX...has to do with the fate of newspapers," and a level of distribution to which the DX does not rise. But let's assume that one of Amazon's goals for the DX is effective and attractive presentation of newspapers and textbooks, and, with that retailer's resources, they'll release a device that pleases most people some of the time. One can't argue (well) that the Kindle 2 does (well) what the DX or PL eReader mean to do; however, their uses may compliment and even offset one another (at least the Kindle and DX may). Will the Kindle 3-4 attempt to mash-up the slighter Kindle 2 and step-in-the-right-direction (in terms of display quality) DX? Anyway, PL doesn't have to worry about that. Large as the reader may be, PL only needs to support this one device (for now). If that fact doesn't make the PL reader a better buy in the long run, PL will have seriously erred. The Plastic Logic eReader may not fit in a purse, but neither does the Kindle DX with its 9.7″ screen. (Not a problem for me–laptop bags and backpacks are my measuring standards.) I don’t think sidearm eReaders like the Kindle are in PL’s sights: Michael J’s observation that textbook sales may play a large part in the dominance of one retailer has not escaped Amazon (hence the textbook-replacement tests schools like Princeton intend to run with the DX this fall). Nicholson Baker, in his New Yorker article about the manifold Kindles, argues the “real flurry over the new DX…has to do with the fate of newspapers,” and a level of distribution to which the DX does not rise. But let’s assume that one of Amazon’s goals for the DX is effective and attractive presentation of newspapers and textbooks, and, with that retailer’s resources, they’ll release a device that pleases most people some of the time. One can’t argue (well) that the Kindle 2 does (well) what the DX or PL eReader mean to do; however, their uses may compliment and even offset one another (at least the Kindle and DX may). Will the Kindle 3-4 attempt to mash-up the slighter Kindle 2 and step-in-the-right-direction (in terms of display quality) DX? Anyway, PL doesn’t have to worry about that. Large as the reader may be, PL only needs to support this one device (for now). If that fact doesn’t make the PL reader a better buy in the long run, PL will have seriously erred.

]]> By: mario http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170112 mario Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:16:34 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170112 one note on why so far the b&n app beats the kindle app : you can actually download and use outside of the U.S. (something you can't do with the kindle app because there is no amazon store here and the app is only available in the itunes country stores that do, i believe). but i totally agree with you on the drm issues, etc. cheers one note on why so far the b&n app beats the kindle app : you can actually download and use outside of the U.S. (something you can’t do with the kindle app because there is no amazon store here and the app is only available in the itunes country stores that do, i believe). but i totally agree with you on the drm issues, etc.

cheers

]]> By: Chris Hoopes http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170108 Chris Hoopes Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:46:58 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170108 Amazon has a small ace up their sleeve, even if they don't know it. There are really three main ebook formats out there: eReader (Palm), ePub, and MobiPocket. Most ereading devices support one of these formats or another. The Kindle format is just a modified MobiPocket format. Even the Kindle itself has a hidden MobiPocket PID. If Amazon was feeling the pressure from B&N, or a bookseller working with one or more of the three main formats, they could either reveal the PID on the Kindle, or start to offer their library in standard MobiPocket format. With one small tweak, Amazon could support a large number of ereading devices and reach a larger consumer market. I just don't see them doing anything like this until there is some sort of dent made in their Kindle or ebook sales. I think the device that will win the consumer marketplace will be the one that supports multiple formats (eReader, ePub, and PDF at least), and the ebook portal that can supply the largest library of ebooks in these multiple formats at a competitive price. Amazon has a small ace up their sleeve, even if they don’t know it.

There are really three main ebook formats out there: eReader (Palm), ePub, and MobiPocket. Most ereading devices support one of these formats or another. The Kindle format is just a modified MobiPocket format. Even the Kindle itself has a hidden MobiPocket PID.

If Amazon was feeling the pressure from B&N, or a bookseller working with one or more of the three main formats, they could either reveal the PID on the Kindle, or start to offer their library in standard MobiPocket format. With one small tweak, Amazon could support a large number of ereading devices and reach a larger consumer market. I just don’t see them doing anything like this until there is some sort of dent made in their Kindle or ebook sales.

I think the device that will win the consumer marketplace will be the one that supports multiple formats (eReader, ePub, and PDF at least), and the ebook portal that can supply the largest library of ebooks in these multiple formats at a competitive price.

]]> By: Kerensa Brougham http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170106 Kerensa Brougham Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:18:17 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170106 I think there are good arguments on both sides, so this is just a quick response to Rick Adin's comments about "serious" readers not reading on cell phones. Having just finished reading a book on my cell phone, and immediately starting another one, I'm not sure where that perception is coming from. Personally, I prefer reading on my cell phone. It's a multifunction device, that is always with me (I don't have to remember to grab a separate reader *or* a physical book on my way out the door), and fits not only in my purse, but in the small front pocket of said purse. And, I read a lot. I don't purchase anywhere near that quantity of books each year, but it's a decent amount. Just sayin'...! I think there are good arguments on both sides, so this is just a quick response to Rick Adin’s comments about “serious” readers not reading on cell phones. Having just finished reading a book on my cell phone, and immediately starting another one, I’m not sure where that perception is coming from. Personally, I prefer reading on my cell phone. It’s a multifunction device, that is always with me (I don’t have to remember to grab a separate reader *or* a physical book on my way out the door), and fits not only in my purse, but in the small front pocket of said purse. And, I read a lot. I don’t purchase anywhere near that quantity of books each year, but it’s a decent amount. Just sayin’…!

]]> By: Kassia Krozser http://booksquare.com/why-the-bn-store-isnt-competition-for-amazon/comment-page-1/#comment-170103 Kassia Krozser Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:48:54 +0000 http://booksquare.com/?p=3351#comment-170103 Stan -- you inadvertently reminded me of the authentication thing. The first time I encountered it was via my iPhone. I'd bought a book from the eReader store, but was out of the house when I wanted to read the book. I didn't have the necessary credit card number memorized -- I use different cards for different types of purchases. This seems simple and unobtrusive, but when you don't have the necessary information with you, it's not so simple. Given the fact that I've already made the purchase and logged into my account, why do I need to further authenticate when I open the book? I am all for competition. We need lots of it, but I'm not crazy about proprietary formats or systems that make reading hard. I'm curious about what you mean by people who "choose" proprietary book readers. All readers, to the best of my knowledge, have some degree of limitation, most by limiting the formats they support. But I'm not sure most consumers get that the ereader they purchase is limited. We hear evidence all the time about people who don't understand why they can't buy books for their Sony Reader at Amazon. It's likely we'll hear the same question about B&N until they become compatible with that device. These limitations aren't as obvious to the average reader as we, the people who talk about this stuff every day, think. Stan — you inadvertently reminded me of the authentication thing. The first time I encountered it was via my iPhone. I’d bought a book from the eReader store, but was out of the house when I wanted to read the book. I didn’t have the necessary credit card number memorized — I use different cards for different types of purchases. This seems simple and unobtrusive, but when you don’t have the necessary information with you, it’s not so simple. Given the fact that I’ve already made the purchase and logged into my account, why do I need to further authenticate when I open the book?

I am all for competition. We need lots of it, but I’m not crazy about proprietary formats or systems that make reading hard.

I’m curious about what you mean by people who “choose” proprietary book readers. All readers, to the best of my knowledge, have some degree of limitation, most by limiting the formats they support. But I’m not sure most consumers get that the ereader they purchase is limited. We hear evidence all the time about people who don’t understand why they can’t buy books for their Sony Reader at Amazon. It’s likely we’ll hear the same question about B&N until they become compatible with that device. These limitations aren’t as obvious to the average reader as we, the people who talk about this stuff every day, think.

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