Stephen King's the Plant

[Butch]

Spaceboy . . . as I understand it, the book isn't being printed at all. It is the first book being published solely on the web. That's why publishers don't like the idea of this . . . they're worried that this will be the future model for distribution . . . which will put a considerable dent in their business.

[i6s1]

I really can't see myself reading an entire book on my computer screen. I'd sooner buy a real book, even if its cheaper on the internet.

[pennypinch]

Butch: Wow, 20 big posts!

Yeah, if I was a publisher, I'd be pooping my pants right now. If this thing works out, what's to stop someone from producing a low-cost storage-and-display unit and voila! near-zero distribution costs. Books are something people still pay to get; cheaper books online, a la that clunker of a product Rocketbook, are the way things are going to be. Hello star trek, here we come.

[renots]

A Buck an episode at:
http://www.stephenking.com/download.html

:0)

[Space_boy]

Or free...

He's got an interesting thing set up.

"You're on your honor.."

If enough people pay, he keeps posting installments, if too many people download without paying, he'll stop posting installments.

I'm betting that he'll stop posting right before the last installment, making it so anyone who wants to finish the novel will be forced to buy the book!

[jeepers]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Space_boy:
Or free...

He's got an interesting thing set up.

"You're on your honor.."

If enough people pay, he keeps posting installments, if too many people download without paying, he'll stop posting installments.

I'm betting that he'll stop posting right before the last installment, making it so anyone who wants to finish the novel will be forced to buy the book! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

oohhh.. that would suck. especially since I paid for my copy of the episode



------------------
JeEpErS!
www.moviefirst.com
www.pricedsolow.com

[Space_boy]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Butch:
Spaceboy . . . as I understand it, the book isn't being printed at all. It is the first book being published solely on the web. That's why publishers don't like the idea of this . . . they're worried that this will be the future model for distribution . . . which will put a considerable dent in their business.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You're right! I was just commenting how SK does has total freedom to decide if he should stop distributing the novel on the web if too many people don't pay.

IMHO--

Either SK is going to eat a huge loss (because I doubt many people will follow Jeepers example) or he's going to have a PR nightmare when he pulls the plug (Where Jeepers would have every right to be pissed if he doesn't get to finish a book he's purchasing *on layaway*).

Now getting WAAAAAAAYYYY off-topic, but I got to ask Jeepers, how is reading a novel on a computer screen?

I read most of my books in bed, so I think I'll stick to the P&G

[pop-eye-]

I have been and always will be a purchaser of books it doesn't matter what medium they come in but currently i think i'd not please my wife to much if i took the 17 in monitor to bed.....
that being said i'll still buy steven kings books as long as he's writing them regardless of medium he's a fun read however have we thought how many installments hes going to do ? i almost never pay retail hard back price "SFBC"member so at a buck an installment it could get expensive..

[Fiannah]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Space_boy:
Or free...

He's got an interesting thing set up.

"You're on your honor.."


I'm betting that he'll stop posting right before the last installment, making it so anyone who wants to finish the novel will be forced to buy the book! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I doubt it, Stephen King has always honest to his readers and he has always come across as an honorable guy.

[jeepers]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Space_boy:


Now getting WAAAAAAAYYYY off-topic, but I got to ask Jeepers, how is reading a novel on a computer screen?

I read most of my books in bed, so I think I'll stick to the P&G

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's a 'mini' novel (three or four chapters).
Not too bad, but I couldn't read a full length novel on a PC.


------------------
JeEpErS!
www.moviefirst.com
www.pricedsolow.com

[lum7777]

I heard about this on the news yesterday. Apparently, stats show 75% of the people downloading on this site are honest and pay.

[737Pilot]

I saw an interview with King discussing this venture, and he felt that it would no means sound the "death knell" to the publishing business. He said something to the effect that 'there's nothing like the feel and smell of a book in your hands'. And I agree with him. Although the web will certainly a new outlet for writers and publishers-- there is something about the tactile pleasure of flipping pages and the heft of a book that a cold computer screen can't replace.

[dannyp]

i read his last e-book (68 page short story) which was a free download. Read it on my laptop on a plane ride. It was easy to read on my 14 in" screen. Dont think i could read it on a crt though.

[Sandman]

They are easy enought to read on a laptop, I agree reading on a crt is kinda harsh on the eyes, I read his last 1 on my palm pilot during meetings & commute.