EBooks “On Demand”. Why Not?
I am currently reading Seth Godin’s “Linchpin”, and have just finished reading “Content Rules” by Ann Handley and C.C Chapman. These books have given me an idea…EBooks on demand! Why not?
“On Demand” movie and television shows are available to cable subscribers. “Netflix”, for a nominal monthly fee, rents you movies. Why not do the same thing for EBooks?
Let’s look at public libraries for a moment. I believe they provide an essential service to the community. However, they are reliant on public funding, fundraising events, and the collection of fines as a source of revenue. This is how they survive. For example, a library branch in the Los Angeles area created an EBook to assist in their fundraising effort. It’s called, “Saved by a Hardcover”. I think it’s a great idea, but let’s expand that vision a little more.
I am a client of our local library system and have been for years. On occasion I’ve tried to borrow books that were not available, out on loan, not returned, or, been put on a waiting list. Well, I want the book now, not days or weeks from now! Libraries could purchase EBooks and lend them out to their clients for two or three weeks. Of course, the clients would need a device to view the EBooks on. Most have that capacity or access to those devices. Once the EBook is due it is automatically deleted from the device by the library. A warning would be given to the client, in advance, suggesting renewal.
Libraries would no longer have to purchase just hardcover or softcover books! Imagine the money they could save! Fewer expensive book purchases, no more transferring books between branches, no more fine collections, reduce the numbers of ‘brick and mortar’ branches and the operating costs associated with each. Hmmmm, some food for thought, isn’t it?
How about this, “On Demand” EBooks?!
For a nominal monthly fee you have access to numerous EBooks on your computer, iPad, iPhone, notebook, and so on. Maybe “there’s an App for that” already. If not, there should be! “On Demand” and “Netflix” could end up in the EBook distribution, or even publishing, business.
Perhaps the Domino Project by Amazon and Seth Godin has created a business model that will snowball! The purchase and renting of EBooks! Why not?
Saved by a Hardcover: http://www.scribd.com/doc/33603271/Saved-by-a-Hard-Cover
Domino Project: http://thedominoproject.com
“On Demand” movie and television shows are available to cable subscribers. “Netflix”, for a nominal monthly fee, rents you movies. Why not do the same thing for EBooks?
Let’s look at public libraries for a moment. I believe they provide an essential service to the community. However, they are reliant on public funding, fundraising events, and the collection of fines as a source of revenue. This is how they survive. For example, a library branch in the Los Angeles area created an EBook to assist in their fundraising effort. It’s called, “Saved by a Hardcover”. I think it’s a great idea, but let’s expand that vision a little more.
I am a client of our local library system and have been for years. On occasion I’ve tried to borrow books that were not available, out on loan, not returned, or, been put on a waiting list. Well, I want the book now, not days or weeks from now! Libraries could purchase EBooks and lend them out to their clients for two or three weeks. Of course, the clients would need a device to view the EBooks on. Most have that capacity or access to those devices. Once the EBook is due it is automatically deleted from the device by the library. A warning would be given to the client, in advance, suggesting renewal.
Libraries would no longer have to purchase just hardcover or softcover books! Imagine the money they could save! Fewer expensive book purchases, no more transferring books between branches, no more fine collections, reduce the numbers of ‘brick and mortar’ branches and the operating costs associated with each. Hmmmm, some food for thought, isn’t it?
How about this, “On Demand” EBooks?!
For a nominal monthly fee you have access to numerous EBooks on your computer, iPad, iPhone, notebook, and so on. Maybe “there’s an App for that” already. If not, there should be! “On Demand” and “Netflix” could end up in the EBook distribution, or even publishing, business.
Perhaps the Domino Project by Amazon and Seth Godin has created a business model that will snowball! The purchase and renting of EBooks! Why not?
Saved by a Hardcover: http://www.scribd.com/doc/33603271/Saved-by-a-Hard-Cover
Domino Project: http://thedominoproject.com
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