Barnes & Noble Nook discussion

It was a bit interesting to log onto google news this morning and see not one, but two articles about eBooks. The first was about the third major publisher refusing to sell new releases for $9.99, essentially meaning that publishers - not vendors- will set the price of eBooks in the future. The second article described the Department of Justice's antitrust action against google's efforts to, "...digitize the world’s books into a combination research library and bookstore."

What does this mean for Nook users? Are we going to end up as book Pirates?

Our local library now has lendable ebooks. Have any of you checked this out? I have occasionally borrowed library books, so I questioned the librarian yesterday (I love reading on the nook and want to try to do this 100%) . I have 3 ebooks on digital hold at this time, but the next step is supposedly confirmation by email. That has not happened, but I will continue to try to get this to work. There is no charge for the books and they are on loan for 2-3 weeks. Once I actually am successful with this process, I'll post more about the workings of library ebooks.

David- I don't understand how they think 9.99 is a bad price. I know that they want more money, but the ebooks should be cheaper, we are not getting the hard copy, they are not spending the money on the paper, the ink, etc. It should be cheaper and I will be very disappointed if they change that.

David wrote: "It was a bit interesting to log onto google news this morning and see not one, but two articles about eBooks. The first was about the third major publisher refusing to sell new releases for $9.99,..."

Well keep reading the ebooks and the legal system won't be able to turn back the tide. If publishers want to keep distribution paper books (and i still love paper books) and not set up a web site to distribute and sell their own ebooks then they will fall by the wayside to those that do.

I just sent my library an email asking if they would consider subscribing to Overdrive. It's a subscription that let's them provide ebooks for library patrons, and these can be read on the nook. I'm envious of those with libraries that are already doing this!

Thought you might like to know about this site which alerts you to know, and sometimes temporary, free B&N ebooks: http://inkmesh.com/free-ebooks/?site=...

You can sign up for twitter or facebook notifications as well!

Angela2932 wrote: "Thought you might like to know about this site which alerts you to know, and sometimes temporary, free B&N ebooks: http://inkmesh.com/free-ebooks/?site=...

You can sign up for twitter or facebook..."
Very cool! Thanks

Has anyone notice that B$N has raised the prices considerably on some of their new, contemporary fiction and bestsellers? I did some comparison today with Kindle prices. It seems like several new books that aee still $9.99 on Kindle are creeping up to the $13-16 range on Nook. What's the deal? Again, I like the convenience of the Nook over the Kindle (I've won both) but am not will tp pay $4-6 more per title, even if it is "lendable," (Whicn 80-90% of the book I have purchased ar not!)

I'm really disappointed in the price increase at B&N! Oh, how I wish my library had Overdrive! Anyway, here's a great site for searching and comparing ebook prices, (although it will be depressing to see the Kindle prices). At least it gives options other than B&N for the nook. . .

addall.com/

Thanks Angela for the link!

My library does have Overdrive but it seems that it is only for Audio books -- any help with this?

Prices have dropped at Barnes & Noble! Check your wish list again; some of mine have gone back to $9.99, and some below that!

Annie, my library also has Overdrive for audiobooks, but told me that they purchased Ebooks. These won't be available for 3 more weeks here, but you may want to call to see if your library plans to add Ebooks to their Overdrive. From what I gather, it is expensive for them. Also, while a book is checked out to someone, it cannot be checked out to others, just like a hard copy.

I've been putting books for my nook into my e-wish list and watching for the prices to drop! I got the new J.D. Robb for $6.99, and then it went back up to 13.95. It can be a little game. I also noticed some of the other books I want came down from prices in the double digits to 9.99. I think they all will drop eventually to at least 9.99.

Angela, Janet- thanks for update on B&N pricing. I've been using the B&N Mastercard for a couple of months and the three or four $25 'rewards' gift cards they have sent me more than make up for the prices that are higher than Amazon. On another note, I once again entered the hallowed halls of the local B&N and found the Nook completely useless for doing anything on the local store network that I couldn't do just as easily and faster on my home wifi..... has anyone else taken their took into a B&N lately?

I took mine in this past Sunday to a local B&N. Wasn't impressed with this "in store" feature. Didn't do anything except give a coupon for 10% off a CD and gave a couple of free books...that you can read while in the store.

Thanks for all the tips on the websites. This is a great way to share info!

This is suppose to be ebooks week, with free downloads. So far, I'm not particularly impressed with what's offered as free at these sites. . . . but maybe it'll improve over the course of the week. Here's the link for participating sites: http://www.ebookweek.com/ebook_store....

Pam wrote: "I took mine in this past Sunday to a local B&N. Wasn't impressed with this "in store" feature. Didn't do anything except give a coupon for 10% off a CD and gave a couple of free books...that you ..."

I've tried to download two different books while in-store and not had either one download for me - either in-store, on the internet or anywhere else. That's frustrating.

I am totally excited- I just borrowed an ebook from my library (not my actual library, but the county system). Downloaded the link to the computer and then opened it in adobe digital systems and transferred to my nook. (had to restart the nook to see it)
All because I got a tip on here!!
If you dont know if your library offers, you can go to overdrive.com and put in your zip and they will show you a list- again, my library wasn't on there but we are hooked up with the county system and they were listed!!!

Thanks for the tip Angela2932!

Thank Elisa... I just entered ny zip and found that I am part of a county connection. If I can just remember my library card #?

Elisa, I have been trying for weeks to download a book from Overdrive. My library has it and I have downloaded the Adobe Digital Editions software. I have downloaded a book from my basket, but then it says that it must be converted to a different format. I have a Mac, but that shouldn't make a difference as it does say that it is compatible. Any tips? How did you make it work?

Susie wrote: "Elisa, I have been trying for weeks to download a book from Overdrive. My library has it and I have downloaded the Adobe Digital Editions software. I have downloaded a book from my basket, but th..."

I have a pc. So not sure. My download was a link that I then clicked on and it was automatically opened in adobe digital. I then dragged the book to the nook. I know it has to be epub for the nook.

Susie wrote: "Elisa, I have been trying for weeks to download a book from Overdrive. My library has it and I have downloaded the Adobe Digital Editions software. I have downloaded a book from my basket, but th..."

Thanks, Elisa. Maybe it is the difference between the Mac and PC. I'll call the tech at the library for help.

Susie wrote: "Elisa, I have been trying for weeks to download a book from Overdrive. My library has it and I have downloaded the Adobe Digital Editions software. I have downloaded a book from my basket, but th..."

Not sure if there is an ADE Software for mac and one for pc.
1.Make sure you have the right one.
2.you mays have to associate your ascm file with ade software.
3.Download the url.ascm file
4.open ade and drag the url.ascm file to it and see if it will open it.
5.Did you create yourself a ADE id when you downloaded the software?

Thank you, Vicci. I did create a user name for ADE, but will check to make sure I followed all steps you suggested. I am anxious to try an ebook from the library.

Megan wrote: "David- I don't understand how they think 9.99 is a bad price. I know that they want more money, but the ebooks should be cheaper, we are not getting the hard copy, they are not spending the money o..."
I had read an article on the pricing of ebooks and the publishers state that the paper and printing are the smallest part of the process. They state that the main bulk of money goes to everything but that such as promotion and I assume paying the authors...so they'll stick with that line to justify the high ebook pricing.

I would also assume they will sell more ebooks at $9.99 than hardcover or paperback at $24.99/$8.99 since if is so difficult to lend or share an ebook.

Least we forget, the publishing industries uses and incredible amount of resources (trees, ink, trucks to deliver, buildings to heat, etc) to get a book to a customer. Despite their PR about recycling, 40% of published materials globally come from nonrenewable trees. The idea that the "book" is the least of the expense is nonsense.

One way around the "lending" issue- once your Nook gets 30-40 books on it, trade it with a fellow Nook user or sell it as a value added Nook. I've sold two Kindles, one on Craigslist and the other to a friend who figured out I had already put about $400 worth of books on a $250 dollar device and saw the value in it.

B&N will offer an ereader version for the ipad. And you will have access to your digital library. Looks like Sony will also.
I also saw a video from Publisher Penguin (UK)- they want to have their own ipad app (not just publish EPUB versions) and showed a childs picture book and an interactive live chat book- it was really cool.

Susie wrote: "Thanks, Elisa. Maybe it is the difference between the Mac and PC. I'll call the tech at the library for help."

Did you ever get it to work? At my library there is about 250 e books and most of them have a 1-15 person wait. I guess it's popular!! I'm thinking in the future they will have a lot more!

Elisa wrote: "Susie wrote: "Thanks, Elisa. Maybe it is the difference between the Mac and PC. I'll call the tech at the library for help."

Did you ever get it to work? At my library there is about 250 e bo..."

What book are you looking for I might own it?

Vicci wrote: "Elisa wrote: "Susie wrote: "Thanks, Elisa. Maybe it is the difference between the Mac and PC. I'll call the tech at the library for help."

Did you ever get it to work? At my library there is ab..."

The Alchemist

Wow! I just got my non-resident library card number from the Philadelphia free library, and just downloaded my first library book from them. This makes me want to kiss Philadelphia!

Do they have a good selection? How long did it take to come in the mail? Thanks!

Annie, their selection is great! It's basically an overdrive subscription. I set the application in the mail, and within a week or so, got the id number by email. Truthfully, I don't know why they're making this available to non-residents, but I'm delighted!

I never heard of Overdrive. I just went and checked it out and I'm impressed. My local library is on there, and so are all the towns around me. I never thought to ask the library if they do ebooks. This is great!

I am one of the fortunate with Overdrive available at my local library which also happens to be my employer. For those nookers having difficulty downloading, nook is only compatible with the Adobe formats. Keep in mind Kindle is not compatible with any Overdrive product. The Sony Reader is compatible and...actually easier to use with Overdrive, but let's not talk about that! We love nook!!

I use a PC to sideload Overdrive books right into my nook. The confusing part for first timers is making sure you download the correct software from Overdrive to support the transfer. It's all available just take the time to read the instructions carefully. Once the software is on your PC, checkout your ebooks and download. As soon as the nook is plugged in it is recognized immediately and it's as easy as drag and drop.

Verify that you are selecting the Adobe format. I experimented with mobipocket just because I have to see it to believe it. And believe it, mobipocket is not compatible.

Selecting titles for a service such as Overdrive can be tedious. Without an industry standardization in format libraries must choose to provide titles or provide format.

Here's hoping the future of ebooks has some commonality that provides all titles to multiple format devices! And now I'm off to get my own non-resident card to Philadelphia Free Library. It sounds like their collection is much larger than ours!

Thanks Sarah for the info. I'm definitely not a computer master but consider myself an above-average user. I didn't find Overdrive the easiest to use but was able to figure it out. One thing I just realized is that you have to be careful whether you are requesting an audio or print book - I know they have icons there but it's just a bit confusing for me!

I also noticed that there are a couple of different ways to access Overdrive. It looks to me like there are certain libraries that subscribe to a bigger service - Sarah, do you know if that's true?

I think the San Diego library also has a non-resident card available, and an Overdrive subscription!

Hi, Shannon! Yes, Overdrive has customizable services as determined by their customer, the owning library. Our interface is set up with a left-side toolbar where you choose between the following: audio fiction, audion nonfication, ebook fiction, ebook nonfiction, music and video. That way audio vs. ebook is already sorted. However, the end user still must watch for format type.

It is an exciting time to be a part of the technology change towards increased ebook use and the option to have free service through libraries. Obviously, it is very expensive for libraries to make the initial purchase and to continue adding to the collection. Some may have to opt to start small and expand as funds allow. Those libraries that have taken the jump are on the cutting edge of one of the newest trends in library service.

As more readers opt for ebook, the industry is going to have to conform to some standard format or option for increased device compatability. Hopefully it will all come sooner rather than later.

I hope there are more ebooks available from libraries. Right now in NYC, choices are limited. I'm on long waiting lists for several books.

I believe, however, ebooks will change publishing, no matter how hard traditional publishers fight the digital revolution.

Even bestselling authors are thinking of self-publishing.

San Diego does have a non-resident card for $30, but I think you have to be able to apply for it in person. At least, that's what I'm getting from the web site.

I got a free card from a big city near me and their selection is *awesome*. My town has a really piddling collection with hold lines that never budge.

I get more than half my eBooks from Overdrive. I love that I can check out books for my Nook. I'm in LA County and they have more than I could ask for in a library!

@David - You'll soon memorize your library card number. I did!

I'm pretty happy with the greater Phoenix Public libraries, they have a pretty good selection, we must have some good decision makers there...I can't find ALL the books I like, but I can find a lot...
So if you live in the Phoenix metro area (Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Peoria, etc) the overdrive system is available...

I don't spend more than 5 bucks on an ebook. Otherwise, I just buy the print. But mostly I just buy indie books anyhow, because I love the original concepts from the unknowns. Rarely I buy big house anymore. I do like Shiver and Strange Angels though. I haven't gone completely cold-turkey.

The underlying issue here is, the publishers have to publish both the conventional and the digital versions of every book, but readers don't buy both.

There's talk that JK Rowling's new site Pottermore.com might cause some changes in ebook pricing and other things.

Here's a link to the blog I spotted: http://johnaustinblog.blogspot.com/20...

I live in Alaska and our library has overdrive. They have just recently (in the last year or so) started putting ebooks on it. Does each state have different books on their overdrive? I have also found that there is quite a wait on both ebooks and audible books. I actually use both.

Each library has their own collection of ebooks on overdrive, although some libraries share consortiums. I have cards for three library districts in my state and they all have different collections. The one with the best collection also has the shortest wait times. I love it! Am working on getting still more cards from nearby citites. :-)

I suggest googling and finding out if you can get cards in other library districts in Alaska.

When you look at the list of libraries I think most of Alaska is on this one. I was considering paying for the free library of Philadelphia. Alaska is adding more, just slowly. :) I end up buying a lot because they will have the 1st and 3rd in a series and I just can't jump around. LOl. I will check and see who exactly is on it. Thanks a lot.