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Why I will not do an eBook for World's Greatest Toys!

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  • imp
    Mego Book Author
    • Apr 20, 2003
    • 1579

    Why I will not do an eBook for World's Greatest Toys!

    I get asked this a lot. In fact, I have been asked thrice in the past week, and I just fielded another inquiry this morning.

    I don’t know if anyone still reads this Forum, but I hope the Mods will consider making this a STICKY THREAD so folks may understand where I stand — and why — on the issue of re-publishing my Mego book as an eBook and/or app.

    We already have an eBook version of the book. I created the entire book digitally, using Creative Suite (so generating the ePub file was simple), but my publisher and I shelved it and we are not going to re-publish it in digital form. So long as Users are viewing content on mobile devices, I have ZERO interest.

    One of my driving motivators in creating this book was to create as close to a TACTILE EXPERIENCE as possible. This included the need for high detail, LARGER-THAN-LIFE photos of Mego figures, and this is why my publisher agreed to manufacture this book in FULL-COLOR and in OVERSIZED FORMAT — two expensive considerations that he had never granted any previous title. I’m afraid the tiny displays on smart phones and tablet devices fall short of my requirements.

    I do appreciate the renewed interest from Collectors who may have missed the book the first time around, or who have joined the hobby lately.

    - Benjamin
  • ThePlayerOnTheOtherSide
    Guest
    • Feb 27, 2014
    • 1035

    #2
    So effectively if people won't read and enjoy the book in the manner in which you think they should, then you won't let them have it?

    Ok then. And for the record, I have the book in print, it's a great book. But many people could enjoy it as an ebook just as well, possibly even more. And your publisher should be thrilled to offer the ebook, in fact that would be their obvious preference.

    Comment

    • TomStrong
      Persistent Member
      • Jul 22, 2011
      • 1635

      #3
      Originally posted by imp
      I get asked this a lot. In fact, I have been asked thrice in the past week, and I just fielded another inquiry this morning.

      I don’t know if anyone still reads this Forum, but I hope the Mods will consider making this a STICKY THREAD so folks may understand where I stand — and why — on the issue of re-publishing my Mego book as an eBook and/or app.

      We already have an eBook version of the book. I created the entire book digitally, using Creative Suite (so generating the ePub file was simple), but my publisher and I shelved it and we are not going to re-publish it in digital form. So long as Users are viewing content on mobile devices, I have ZERO interest.

      One of my driving motivators in creating this book was to create as close to a TACTILE EXPERIENCE as possible. This included the need for high detail, LARGER-THAN-LIFE photos of Mego figures, and this is why my publisher agreed to manufacture this book in FULL-COLOR and in OVERSIZED FORMAT — two expensive considerations that he had never granted any previous title. I’m afraid the tiny displays on smart phones and tablet devices fall short of my requirements.

      I do appreciate the renewed interest from Collectors who may have missed the book the first time around, or who have joined the hobby lately.

      - Benjamin
      Then do a second printing. I would really like to have a copy of this that wouldn't break the bank to purchase.

      Comment

      • huedell
        Museum Ball Eater
        • Dec 31, 2003
        • 11069

        #4
        Originally posted by ThePlayerOnTheOtherSide
        ... your publisher should be thrilled to offer the ebook, in fact that would be their obvious preference.
        And here I thought I made bold "business assumption" statements.
        "No. No no no no no no. You done got me talkin' politics. I didn't wanna'. Like I said y'all, I'm just happy to be alive. I think I'll scoot over here right by this winda', let this beautiful carriage rock me to sleep, and dream about how lucky I am." - Chris Mannix

        Comment

        • ThePlayerOnTheOtherSide
          Guest
          • Feb 27, 2014
          • 1035

          #5
          Originally posted by huedell
          And here I thought I made bold "business assumption" statements.
          ebooks are far cheaper to deliver than their printed counterparts. Pennies versus dollars.

          Comment

          • LonnieFisher
            Eloquent Member
            • Jan 19, 2008
            • 10814

            #6
            How about a dvd to only be watched on large screen, high def tv's? But make it so the screen needs to be tipped on it's side to view correct. I meant blue ray, not dvd.

            I actually think a second printing would sell well. I'd think a run of soft-back ones would be cool and sell in mass quantities. I'd get another copy...

            Comment

            • ubermanx
              Career Member
              • Jul 3, 2013
              • 946

              #7
              I love the book and I do relish the large format.

              But since your publisher is not interested in a second print run it baffles me why you won't release an eBook version.

              My tablet has a 10" high definition display. Pretty sure your book will look great on it.

              In my opinion your "artistic integrity" is misplaced. You should be focused on getting this book in as many hands as possible.

              - Marty

              Comment

              • ignignokt
                Museum Super Collector
                • Mar 3, 2014
                • 151

                #8
                I understand your reasons and respect them, but there have been times I've been at a flea market when I wish I could consult your book. I can access the Museum of course but it doesn't go into the detail that your book does. Maybe you could create an ebook designed just for such needs separate from World's Greatest Toy's.
                We're going to sodomize our vast imaginations with this pornography. -Ignignokt

                Comment

                • Toystasher
                  Member
                  • Jul 18, 2014
                  • 72

                  #9
                  Please Ben. Please, please, please consider printing a 2nd edition of this book. I am astonished at the unreasonable prices I am seeing bookstores charge for this book. I understand that it is considered a collectible book, but when the value of the book reaches prices that far exceed many of the items that are the focus of attention, something is seriously wrong! I don't blame you for not wanting to publish an eBook version, but a limited run second edition would at least allow some of us lifelong fans of Mego (including myself) who had no idea this book existed to have an opportunity to read your book without breaking the bank.

                  Comment

                  • Vinny0026
                    Year Five!!
                    • Jan 26, 2012
                    • 3724

                    #10
                    Originally posted by TomStrong
                    Then do a second printing. I would really like to have a copy of this that wouldn't break the bank to purchase.
                    What he said
                    "Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys?"

                    Comment

                    • megoapesnut
                      The name says it all!
                      • Dec 3, 2007
                      • 3722

                      #11
                      I'm sure Ben would love to do a second printing of the book. Unfortunately, you would need a lot more interest than the group here that want it. Printing costs, especially for a book that size, are enormous.

                      Comment

                      • Wise4671
                        Banned
                        • Aug 11, 2007
                        • 1389

                        #12
                        For those that have the book but want it on there iPad or tablet why not just get a SIM card and take pics of each page save it to the SIM card so you don't use up your internal memory and there you go.

                        Comment

                        • Random Axe
                          The Voice of Reason
                          • Apr 16, 2008
                          • 4518

                          #13
                          I agree it's a huge risk with today's printing costs. I bet they've gone up 20 percent since the initial printing of this book, so yeah I can see the hesitation especially when it's difficult to gauge the market when all you have to go by is a few e-mails requesting a second printing. That could be a financial disaster.

                          Now, I propose an alternate idea. The ultimate way to determine just how large your potential market is and get a read on the consumer and what they would want to spend, why not get a kickstarter going for this? You'll probably know within the first two weeks if it's going to fly or not. If it's always the same ten people making the requests, this program will show you. I've had lots of friends in bands get their CD's out and internationally through kiskstarter, so this could work. Plus there is really no risk here. If you get the target number to go to print plus a little extra then that's gonna make a bunch of people happy and make you guys a little cash. Now, if it isn't received well you'll finally have your indicator for any future inquiries about reprints as you'll have found out your actual market/demographic size.

                          Just a thought or two, feel free to ignore.


                          Or, plan B just hit a bunch of area libraries, do some searches for the book, check it out and keep it. You could probably pull this off in several states if you're careful.
                          Last edited by Random Axe; Jul 24, '14, 9:47 PM.
                          I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she dumped me before we met.

                          If anyone here believes in psychokinesis, please raise my hand.

                          Comment

                          • noelani72
                            27inaleon
                            • Jun 25, 2002
                            • 4608

                            #14
                            while I can fully respect Ben's decision, I feel the tablet market is ready for an eBook.
                            You can be quite interactive with it and with retina displays, those gorgeous Mego photos would look spectacular in their digital world.

                            Comment

                            • darkbros
                              Persistent Member
                              • Jul 3, 2012
                              • 1357

                              #15
                              I for one had the misfortune of missing it the first time out. I managed to put in
                              an Interstate reserve at my local library and after 3 months, finally got a copy to
                              keep for a week or so.

                              I can tell you, this book is very nice and I agree, a Kickstarter to produce a limited run
                              Softcover version or Digital/Softcover Version combo, like many of the comic publishers
                              are doing on Kick Starter, is the way to go. I got Frank Cho's book this way,
                              and was extremely thrilled.

                              I'd definitely pledge to buy it, say at $25.
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