Sony Launching New “Affordable” e-Reader That No One Will Want

Jordan Golson on August 4, 2009

smallreaderUpdated with comment from Sony: Everyone talks about how great “choice” is, as if having an alternative to the existing status quo is automatically good. But what if the alternative is lame? Then there really isn’t much of a choice, is there? Sony (s sne) today introduced two new e-book readers, including one “affordably” priced at $199 and the other with a touchscreen for $299. But neither option offers the e-reader killer app — wireless access (GigaOM Pro subscription required). That’s right, to compete with Amazon’s (s amzn) Kindle, and the upcoming Barnes & Noble (s bks) e-reader, Sony has lowered its price and added touch.
Amazon’s (s amzn) Kindle, the current hot e-reader, was the first device that let users buy books and download them, quickly and from nearly anywhere. It was a revolution in e-book purchasing. So, unfortunately for Sony, it doesn’t matter how great its devices are. Its new e-readers are stuck in 2006. Read More about Sony Launching New “Affordable” e-Reader That No One Will Want

The Freelancer’s Library of Free E-books, Manifestos and Other Resources

Celine Roque on July 28, 2009

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There’s no shortage of free learning materials available online for both new and experienced freelancers. While you can turn to hundreds of articles and blog posts, there’s nothing like reading a longer, more comprehensive book to really get some insight on a particular topic.
Here’s a collection of some great downloadable PDFs, e-books and manifestos:
Freelancing and Teleworking
Go Freelance
Leif Kendall’s “Go Freelance” is an introductory guide to the world of freelancing. You’ll go through the process of preparing yourself for the leap to the freelance world, finding work, networking and setting rates. If you’ve been freelancing for while, some of Kendall’s advice might seem elementary. But if you’re a new freelancer or about to become one, you can easily learn the basics from this e-book. Read More about The Freelancer’s Library of Free E-books, Manifestos and Other Resources

Will E-Book Readers Like Amazon Kindle Open Doors for Writers?

Leo Babauta on November 19, 2007

While the news of Amazon’s Kindle e-book reader could signal a changing trend in the way that readers consume their information, unremarked upon is how the rise of the e-book reader will eventually change the world for writers.
If readers can download books into their Kindle (or Sony Reader), what’s to stop them from cutting out the middleman and downloading directly from an author?
What’s happening to the news media (blogs vs. newspapers) and music (free downloads vs. buying a CD) and video (YouTube or downloads vs. buying a DVD) will happen with novels: the middleman will become unnecessary.
Read More about Will E-Book Readers Like Amazon Kindle Open Doors for Writers?