This is a shot of Albert Park (named after Prince Albert) in Central Auckland. It’s not far from the university and on a fine day, it’s the perfect place for students to eat their lunch.
Mystery writer JA Konrath has a very interesting post about e-books and what he predicts will happen during 2010 in the e-book/e-reader world.
I’m actually feeling very positive about e-books at the moment. I love the freedom of writing for e-publishers, although the pirate issue does worry me. It’s truly disheartening when pirates put up books for free download on release day. It’s not only the e-authors who have a pirate problem though. The pirates have no compunction in making e-copies of paperback books and giving those away free too.
I think the increased competition in the e-reader market can only mean good things, driving the price down. Like Mr. Konrath, I’d like to see a standard industry format. What do you think will happen in the e-book world during the next year?
I’m guest blogging at the Samhellion blog today and talking about diaries and my upcoming release, The Bottom Line. While you’re there don’t forget to check out the special Christmas scavenger hunts to win either a Kindle reader or a Sony reader.
I feel so positive about e books right now. After Christmas I’m going out and buying the Sony e reader (like the very next day!) I’m off to read JA Konrath’s post.
Beautiful picture.
I wish they’d have more of a standard version for ebooks. I’m very positive about ebooks and love my Sony reader.
I’m also positive about the future of ebooks. Though you brought up a concern for us all–pirates giving a book as a free download on a release day? That’s so bad. I hope something can be done soon.
I agree about epub. It’s my preferred format (I read on my iPod Touch).
However, some of JA’s article disturbed me. He seems unaware of a good deal of what’s already out there and what’s already happening, in terms of e-books and e-book distribution.
Hey Shelley,
Love the picture!
I adore e-books and think it is the future of reading…but the piracy thing sucks. I won’t go on usual tirade, because it’s pretty obvious how I feel about it.
Headed over to read the other blog!
Jaime
Susan – I think that JA Konrath is more familiar with Amazon and the KIndle side of things. As you say many of the things on his list are happening already. There is a way to go yet though. My hubby reads on an iTouch.
Kaye – Unfortunately, I don’t think the pirate thing is going to go away any time soon. It’s very frustrating.
Beautiful picture. I hope to be able to buy an e-reader this coming year. I still prefer print books though.
I now read on an iPod touch, too. It’s so very versatile; I’m not sure why I didn’t get one sooner (well, no I know why).