Barry's Book In PDF Format

[David Saraceno]

I'd love a downloadable and searchable PDF version of the book.

Anybody else interested?

 

[THoff]

Sure, lots of people are. But it won't happen. Ever. For the obvious reasons.

 

[Jason Ramsey]

There is already a searchable version of Barry's Book. It's called DVXuser

Jason

 

[David Saraceno]

There is already a searchable version of Barry's Book. It's called DVXuser

Jason

LOL

Now if Barry were paid $.20 for every response . . . .

 

[TwistedLincoln]

Sure, lots of people are. But it won't happen. Ever. For the obvious reasons.

Well, Barry could generate a new PDF for each user that ordered, and put a customer account number at the bottom of each page. That way if a copy leaked out there somewhere, he would know who to go after.

Shouldn't be too difficult to impliment.

 

[THoff]

I deal with fraud every day as part of my job. Identities are made up, account details are stolen, and true locations obscured. Even if you have all that, prosecution is nearly impossible and not a high priority. Proving that the suspected offender is guilty and getting a conviction and collecting damages is even more difficult.

I love electronic documents because of their convenience, but I fully understand the reluctance of anyone to embrace it at this stage. The only solution is some form of DRM, and we all know how much you hate that.

 

[David Saraceno]

Anybody can photocopy the book presently.

My thought is that you cater to the best in of all of us rather than the worst, and provide an additional capability.

But I presented the poll to stimulate discussion

 

[TwistedLincoln]

The only solution is some form of DRM, and we all know how much you hate that.

I'm glad at least someone listens to me... And you're right, conviction would likely be impractical. Still, there are other forms of punishment that might deter piracy...

Actually, David S. is correct. The way the book is bound it would be trivial for anyone who owns it to scan it. I was actually planning on doing so for my own use, but would much rather buy a professional-looking PDF rather than making my own (which would look much worse). Plus, an official PDF could be searchable, would would be an excellent feature.

What about this: Barry could place the text of the book inside of a simple program, that would have it's own search capacity. Then he could use a standard product-key style way of authentication to prevent casual copying. Prob. not worth all of the work unless he was selling it for $45 a copy or so, though.

To me, the biggest advantage of some kind of electronic version of the book would be the ability to do a full-text search. And the ability to bring up any of the many charts on a whim without looking for the relevant section would be nice.

 

[Jason Ramsey]

I kinda see what you guys are saying, but I think that the potential risks outweigh any potential benefits (for Barry, and Co.)

For me, when I am sitting somewhere, and I want a searchable version of the book, I just search this site, or post a question. I know I said that in jest earlier, but seriously. This is my online version of the book. And more.

The value that the book has over any pdf, or website, is that it is portable and good for quick reference. I can take it with me places. I can browse it as needed, or when I am bored. That's the good thing to me. The "pdf" is, and already has been here. It's the book that is the extra. Not the other way around. My opinion.

Later,
Jason

 

[David Saraceno]

To me, the biggest advantage of some kind of electronic version of the book would be the ability to do a full-text search. And the ability to bring up any of the many charts on a whim without looking for the relevant section would be nice.

that's my point and why I am asking.

a search is so much better than thumbing through

and pdf files can be passworded protected.

it isn't a perfect solution, but neither is a hard bound book that can be copied or scanned.

i'm just trying to generate revenue for barry

 

[John Froton]

I guess I am more old fashioned and am totally happy thumbing through the book. If I don't retain what I am wanting to know, I will spend more time with the book.

I know if it were the other way around and there was a pdf version of the work available, but no book, I would surely vote for a book to be made.

And I agree with Jason that dvxuser is the preferred searchable resource.