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News & ArtsMonday, August 30, 2010
Books / Nerd Buying Comics and E-Comics at the Same Time
Posted by Paul Constant on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 at 4:22 PM
I've talked with a number of book-buyers who have said that they would go to whatever retailer provided a physical book and an e-book with the same purchase; they want to own the physical option and be able to travel with and search the text of the book with an e-reader. This doesn't seem like very much for consumers to ask of publishers. It would really be impressive if a comics publisher led the way on this kind of program.
1
I kind of like the idea of picking up a copy of a graphic novel and getting the iPad version at the same time, but the best would be getting the iPad 3D version and/or the game at a 50 pct discount.
2
The problem is how do you distribute that e-reader version in a standardized format that is also tied to the physical purchase? You can't do it off the book's UPC code and the phone's scanner; anyone could just zap the book off the shelf to claim the download to their iphone/ipad or Android. It would have to involve the retailer somehow, which means new infrastructure and systems. It's a good idea, but way premature probably.
The big key thing, however, is to tie it the actual physical hard copy purchase as a motivator to make people go out and 'get' the books. That's how you bring people into the market and industry for more exposure to comic books.
The big key thing, however, is to tie it the actual physical hard copy purchase as a motivator to make people go out and 'get' the books. That's how you bring people into the market and industry for more exposure to comic books.
3
well, if the iPad version has ads in it, it can work quite well with a UPC code method.
revenue is fungible. especially if it delivers targeted consumers.
revenue is fungible. especially if it delivers targeted consumers.
4
I would be very impressed if DC actually launched a program like you describe. However, I'll bet money it's a "applies only to specific comics", "works only on our specific format", "may be released sometime after the print version" format.
These guys really are stuck in the "print" business model in the same way the recording industry is set in the "sell CDs" model, the movie industry is set in the "sell DVDs" model, and the publishing industry is set in the "sell dead trees" model.
These guys really are stuck in the "print" business model in the same way the recording industry is set in the "sell CDs" model, the movie industry is set in the "sell DVDs" model, and the publishing industry is set in the "sell dead trees" model.
6
I wonder how they will include a code that anyone flipping thru it in a shop couldn't steal? It's not like a DVD or CD where the product comes shrinkwrapped.
7
I would love for this to become standard with all book purchases. Amazon could clean up if I could order a physical copy of the book and, at the same time, check a box for "add Kindle version for $2" or somesuch. This would be great for illustrated or otherwise special edition books I want to re-read routinely but want to keep my physical copy relatively pristine, or reference books to which I would love access when I travel but still like having a physical copy (esp. cookbooks). Please figure this out, publishing industry! (and, presumably, it could work by having a little business card sealed in the book, like CDs come with download codes for extra content now.
9
Sounds very similar to what a bunch of bands do with their vinyl records, comes with a code to download it off their site. That way they can have only a few downloads per code, so you can have a physical version of the album, but still be able to listen to it on your ipod.
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