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So, what's a book - Updated



Couple of months back I wrote about, what is a book? I wrote about it based on Amazon's decision to support HTML5 based books in future.


So today, another company made that big move.


It's not a surprise that Apple is that company and they nailed it perfectly with their execution. 
Check out the video. 


http://www.apple.com/education/#video-textbooks


If you check my blog, my thinking of what a book is, absolutely matches what Apple displayed today. 


Apple nails it when it comes to their products. They really do. Not only they got all three major college books publisher to join their service, but they also provided a killer tool to create books to support the platform.  Everything is perfect....provided you live in that eco-system. 
Check the EULA for iBook Author tool provided by Apple.


Section 2. B from the T&Cs:

[[ B. Distribution of your Work. As a condition of this License and provided you are in compliance with its terms, your Work may be distributed as follows:

(i) if your Work is provided for free (at no charge), you may distribute the Work by any available means;

(ii) if your Work is provided for a fee (including as part of any subscription-based product or service), you may only distribute the Work through Apple and such distribution is subject to the following limitations and conditions: (a) you will be required to enter into a separate written agreement with Apple (or an Apple affiliate or subsidiary) before any commercial distribution of your Work may take place; and (b) Apple may determine for any reason and in its sole discretion not to select your Work for distribution. ]]

Edd Dumbill nailed it with his quote, "Write a book, any book, as long as it conforms and you permit us to own your distribution. Oh, except if you are giving it away. In that case, have at it, we love free advertising!"

That is my fear. The books will be tied to Apple eco-system and Apple hardware wich would be fine for 10% of the elite population that can afford an iPad. Another product from Apple to create another Benz/Honda debate!

My worst fear, having the same textbook in two different formats and everyone comparing them to see how they look and feel on different hardware/software platform. That is again another Benz/Honda debate





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