Re: [epub] Ebooks formatting

[hawaiibiz@xxxxxxx]

Hi Ray
 
> 1.  Which is the better (more universally accessible) format: PDF?  HTML?
> Some other proprietary  or locked "e-book" format?

PDF is a universal platform as both PC's and Mac's can view the ebook.
But, it's a good idea to offer both formats, some people will have trouble
setting up Weblinks with the PDF version and you may find yourself having
to provide tech support.
 
> 2. Should ebooks be locked so that only the purchaser can open them... 
> should the lock be tied to  one machine? Is it worth the effort to go to such 
> extreme security?

Security for HTML compilers is easy and you don't need to do anything extreme 
to protect your content. If they want to copy it bad enough they will anyway, 
no matter what you do.

I know that there's a new compiler for $197 that is supposed to produce a 
really secure ebook, but THAT is extreme. And the feature to disable the 
ebook regarding refunds is probably irrelevant.

For under $30 Active Ebook Compiler offers extremely good security. I've 
heard that HTML Compiler Pro ($40?) also can lock the ebook to a computer.

PDF on the other hand I've heard will run around $5000 for Adobe's secured 
version.

There's a new service you may want to look into although I'm not sure
if it's functional yet: http://epublishingetc.com/guide.html

> 3.  When you sell your ebooks, are they emailed to the purchaser upon 
> payment?
> a password/secure link set up so they can download at their leisure?

Many merchants will set up a download link on the "Thank You" page when using
a 3rd party MAP to accept credit card payments. Or, as you suggest a password
protected url where they can retrieve it at their leisure is also common.

> 4.  Do you allow your ebooks to be printable?  Or must purchasers read them 
> on the screen?

It's probably a good idea to allow readers to print it out and read the
ebook off screen. However, if the ebook is highly interactive with the Web
and not to much readable text it may be irrelevant.

There's a good review of ebook software at: ebookcompilers.com
Several free alternatives for both PDF and HTML are available.

You may also want to take a look at a new feature that's available with
HTML compilers that allows you to "Brand" the ebooks, if you plan on
using an affiliate system to market your ebook for instance.

Hope this helps,

Alan Fukuda


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