Kindle Conspiracy (Dun Dun Dun!!)

Resource Review #7
Pilgrim, Mark. (November 19, 2007)."The Future of Reading (A Play in Six Acts)." diveintomark. Retrieved from: http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/11/19/the-future-of-reading

The Future of Reading

This article points out some of the same issues discussed earlier in the Kindle and Libraries entry, such as Amazon's lending policy. However, Pilgrim goes to the extreme claiming that Kindle's capabilities could easily lead to some sort of totalitarian conspiracy. The main issue he points out are the control Amazon continues to have over downloaded content in Kindles. Amazon touts the ability to edit downloaded content as a positive thing. For example, if there is a typo in one edition, Amazon can fix the problem without any fuss. On the other hand, as Pilgrim argues, Amazon has the capacity to change historical documents or controversial material on a whim. Amazon can even remove material, as Kindle users found out earlier this year.

This blog, though a bit out there, does make some valid points about the power that Amazon holds over digital information. Earlier this semester I read The Search by John Battelle which is an overview of Google--the company's history, what they are up to now, and what they are planning for the future. It was a facinating read, but also a bit disturbing. The thought of all of the information Google has stored about each user, and all the control they have over information was eye-opening to say the least. Maybe I've seen too many bad sci-fi/conspiracy theory movies, but the thought of any entity owning that much of the market and possessing that much control makes me nervious. Amazon also wields much control, particularly over Kindle users.

There are also links in the blog to Kindle's terms of service and a very interesting interview with a number of important players in the ebook movement including Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos. In his interview, Bezos comments on the cultural importance of books and the potential that ereaders have to change the future of reading. This is a very in depth article, and it was helpful to read an insider's thoughts on Amazon's new venture.

Resource review #8

Manjoo, Farhad. (July 20, 2009). "Why 2024 Will Be Like Nineteen Eighty-Four." Slate Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.slate.com/id/2223214/?obref=obinsite

Why 2024 Will Be Like Nineteen Eighty-Four

Here is an example, there were some books that had been illegally uploaded to Amazon's store. So, Amazon removed the books and gave customers a refund. Ironically the books removed included controversial titles by Ayn Rand, and George Orwell. An online article by Farhad Manjoo in Slate Magazine delves deeper into the shady area of ownership and access to digital materials that Amazon and libraries are both trying to navigate. the rest of the title is: "How Amazon's remote deletion of ebooks from the Kindle paves the way for book-banning's digital future." Amazon and other companies continue to have ownership of digital products purchased, which makes them vastly different from print versions. If someone had inserted illegal copies of 1984 in a bookstore and they were purchased, the bookstore would not have the right to confiscate the books from the owners. Likewise, if there is a book that contains historically inaccurate or controversial material those words are saved for posterity, not erased and rewritten.

In their defense, Amazon did realize their mistake and issued a statement to their customers saying: "'When we were notified of this by the rights holder, we removed the illegal copies from our systems and from customers' devices, and refunded customers,' the company said in an e-mailed statement. 'We are changing our systems so that in the future we will not remove books from customers' devices in these circumstances"( Informationweek). The "in these circumstances'" does leave room to do similar deletions in the future, though Amazon will be treading carefully due to all of the negative publicity concerning this issue.

This report was interesting because it explained the circumstances surrounding the deletion of books from Kindles and the repurcussions thereof. There is obviously more going on than a simple bootlegging issue. Amazon hopefully has a similar stance with Google's moto "Don't Be Evil" (though Google hasn't necessarily stuck to thier guns as much as people would hope-eg. censorship in China). I am all for embracing and utilizing new technology, but there has to be some caution, and checks put into place to keep absolute power from currupting absolutely. Hopefully all of these conspiracy theories are just that: theories.

Kindle and Libraries

Resource Review #5

Fialkoff, Francine. "To Kindle or Not." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 4, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=30106209&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live

To Kindle or Not

So, with all of Kindle's great features, like the ability to carry thousands of books in one device, why aren't libraries jumping at the opportunity to use them? The main problem is the Terms and Conditions Amazon has imposed. The actual device can be loaned to patrons, but all of the content is protected and may not be loaned to a third party. However, some libraries, like Sparta Public Library in New Jersey, (and UW-Madison's SLIS Library...) are ignoring this restriction and loaning Kindles to patrons with pre-downloaded material. the are allowed to purchase one new book, but they also have access to all other books previously downloaded by other patrons.
This article also compares Amazon's business model with Audible, an online audiobook business now owned by Amazon. Audible originally marketed to libraries, but eventually went solely for the private market. Audible only allows one book per borrower, though it can be played on any device (even iTunes--which other audiobook formats cannot be played on).
Fialkoff ends by encouraging Amazon to look the other way when libraries lend Kindles to their patrons, because this gives them free publicity.
This article is a good reminder of the limitations of the Kindle. Libraries need to be aware of the terms of use for new technology, or they could get into trouble. However, like Fialkoff suggests, perhaps Amazon will find a way to give libraries a free pass because of the service and publicity they provide.

Resource Review #5 1/2

Fialkoff, Francine."Beyond the Kindle." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 12, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=33193568&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live

Beyond the Kindle

This is another article by Fialkoff remarking on the use of ebooks on other ereaders including cell phones and other mobile devices. She says that these new formats are beginning to be accepted especially by the younger generations. Though some still argue that reading things on a screen is done more to gain information, than to really ponder. She also quotes Janelle Brown who recently wrote a book about these changing formats, All We Ever Wanted Was Everything (sold in both print and ebook),

[Libraries are] always "adding": services, formats, and ways to acquire, provide access to, and deliver "stories." Librarians have jumped on the ebook and downloadable bandwagon as vigorously as they have DVDs and CDs. They've adapted social networking tools to their library catalogs, e.g., enabling patron reviews and LibraryThing tags (à la King County Library System, WA). Some may view these changes with trepidation. I don't. Librarians always have been early adopters. Ebooks and downloadable delivery are just more library services.

So, even with the restrictions, libraries are moving forward and adopting new technology to further serve their patrons.

Resource Review #6

Miller, Matthew. "Your Kindle Can't Do This." (2009) ZDNet: Tech News, Blogs and White Papers for IT Professionals. Retrieved from: http://blogs.zdnet.com/mobile-gadgeteer/?p=1930&tag=nl.e505

Your Kindle Can't Do This

This article focuses on the Sony Reader 505 and its capability to download library books for a limited period of time. The user must install software and download the books to their computer, then upload them onto their reader. They then have 21 days to use the download until it is removed from their reader. This format gives libraries a more traditional option of lending resources to patrons without the complications of legal issues. Since Kindle has yet to adopt this type of software, libraries cannot offer this service to Kindle users.
However, one of the big claims Amazon makes with Kindle is there is no need for a computer. Books can be downloaded anywhere through the wireless system. However, many of Kindle's competitors do require a computer to download resources. Miller also wrote about this in another article, "Is wireless really even necessary in an ebook reader?" This article claims that there are actually some disadvantages to wireless capability including the tendency of spur-of-the-moment overspending, reduced battery life, and frustrations with the navigation format and low connectivity.
Returning to libraries and Kindles, there seems to be a lot of issues that librarians need to consider before investing in Kindles for their library or in technology to serve patrons with Kindles. There is a lot of potential, but the technology and costs are not quite where they need to be in order to be a viable option for most libraries.
This article was also helpful in pointing toward other ereaders that have capabilities Kindle does not. Especially in the case of libraries, Kindles do not seem like the best option at this time.

Amazon's Kindle

Resource Review #4:
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation) (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=amb_link_86172951_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0RTS0VAMJ26CCSMG79X1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=505701891&pf_rd_i=507846

I just realized I haven't reviewed the Kindle itself.

The Kindle is a portable e-reader developed and sold by Amazon.com. It has a wide range of useful features for avid readers, people who like convenience, and those who are on-the-go. I'm starting to sound like the ad, so I'll just show you:

Kindle Ad

This video goes into detail about the special features of the Kindle. The most obvious is it's a way of storing and carrying over a thousand books, magazines, pdfs, and blogs in one device.

Here are some other important features:

• Internal memory of 2 GB
• 60 second downloads
• "whispernet" 3G network and Edge/GPRS
• Battery lasts 4 days running whispernet, 2 weeks without
• Paper-like display=less eye-strain
• 16 shade gray-scale images
• "Read-To-Me" audio reader also plays MP3s
• Note-taking and highlighting (saved to your online account)
• Built-in dictionary and Wikipedia
  

Personally, it would be really nice to have a Kindle. Though there are many bugs to be worked out (which I will address in subsequent blogs), the convenience of being able to carry multiple books and papers with me would be a huge plus. As would the ability to put pdfs of class readings and other online reading. I get headaches when I try to read on a screen for extended periods, and Kindle seems to eliminate those. There are also thousands of public domain books, many that I would like to read, that I could download for free from the sites I listed in my previous blog or the countless others out there.

I do feel like I'm one of those people who would never give up tangible books. I'm very attached to my books. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to be a bad librarian, because I want to own all of my favorite books, so I am never satisfied with checking out and returning books. I want them to be on my shelf, so I can read them again, or loan them out--which I do constantly (maybe that means I will be a good librarian:)) But, I digress.
Lending is one thing Kindles are not known for. I will go more in depth when I talk specifically about how libraries and Kindles relate, but the borrowing policy is a deterrent to many.

Amazon's site is very helpful because it provides the basic details of the product as well as detailed specifications. It is obviously a for-profit site and there are many videos demonstrating Kindle's capabilities and usefulness. There are also videos interviewing famous writers who endorse the Kindle, which I thought was a clever move, because some may see buying an ebook as a slight to the author somehow. However, Amazon does have an area for feedback and reviews which is very helpful in gathering honest opinions about how real people like (or don't like it). It's nice to get a variety of views when shopping online.

Free Books

Resource Review #3:

Though Kindle is sold by Amazon, there are many ebooks that are free to download online, and many (though not all) are compatible with Kindles. Here is a short list of some sites that offer free ebooks:

Google Books

Project Gutenberg

Bookyards

Munsey's Mobile

More specific sites like a scifi database: WebScription, and audio books: LibriVox ,Wired for Books

This is a blog listing free and cheap resources including a lot of these sites and more Free Kindle Books

Cost is a huge factor in the Kindle debate. As shown above, there are a number of inexpensive resources to download new materials. And the cost of a novel is much less to download on a Kindle than to buy new in a bookstore. However, the upfront cost is still a large chunk. There are also very few libraries that have found a way to cater to Kindle's standards of lending due to many copyright and licensing issues. I will come back to the library lending topic in subsequent blogs.

The cost of a personal Kindle is another contributor to the digital divide. If schools, publishers, and libraries start catering more toward the ebook market, it leaves out those who cannot afford the hardware necessary to read them. Also, with limitted budgets in almost every library, the innitial cost of purchasing a Kindle and the potential for theft and damage, is a real deterent.

It is encouraging to know there are many free resources availible for ereaders. The Googlebooks project and many others have opted for the Epub format that is compatable with most computers and ereaders. Public domain and open access sites help to keep the cost of using Kindles and other ereaders low. However, there are still legal issues and potential software incompatabilty that continually cause problems for ereader producers and users.

First Impressions

Here is a smattering of several blogs reporting their initial thoughts about Amazon's Kindle:

Resource Review #1:
Boone, Tom (2007, November 19) First thoughts on the Amazon Kindle. Retrieved from: http://www.librarylaws.org/2007/11/first-thoughts-amazon-kindle.html

In Tom Boone's blog, Library Laws (are meant to be broken), he posted this in 2007 after the first version of Kindle was introduced:
First thoughts on the Amazon Kindle

In his brief review he addresses how the Kindle holds up to some of his qualms about ereaders. For example, he was worried that it would not have the option to annotate the text (underline, make notes, etc.) He found that this is an option. However, as I have read in other articles, this feature is still not up-to-speed with the ease of a physical book( Princeton).
Boone also asks if there is a way to search for notes you've made in books. From what I've found, Amazon stores all notes made in a searchable database called "My Clippings" that comes built in.
Another issue Boone was concerned about is the amount of storage. This has increased with the next versions of Kindles, and there is also a SD slot so that users can supplement the built in memory.
Another big issue Boone addresses is the cost of ebooks. He was worried that they would be the same price as physical copies. They are cheaper, but they still are expensive and Boone questions how Amazon will be able to compete if they do not allow other formats of ebooks to be read on the Kindle much like iTunes allows the playback of mp3s.
Boone addresses the potential Kindles have in libraries. As a reference librarian, he is concerned about this.

"Will there be any means by which a lending library can purchase titles for Kindle and then loan them out to patrons who have a device of their own? Doubtful. Libraries' only option will likely be to amass a collection of digital files and then loan out Kindle devices to patrons with selected content preloaded, similar to what's being done at some libraries with iPods. This hardly seems the most efficient use for Kindle, and I wonder if the terms of service even allow this."

Not much has changed about the options libraries have in using Kindles. Though some are trying (This I will address in later reviews).

This review was helpful because it gave a good sense of the capabilities and the restrictions of Amazon's Kindle. I am interested to research further and see how others feel about ereaders and their potential uses.

Resource Review #2:
Peterson, Pete. (2009, April 21) The New Kindle. Retrieved from: http://www.rabbitroom.com/?p=1730

The Rabbit Room is a forum for writers and artists. I thought this blog by Pete Peterson offered a nice view from an author:

The New Kindle

Peterson begins by addressing the weakening publishing industry and the stubborn stance many have taken against ereaders on sheer principle. He also had dug his heels in saying, "I’m not going to start reading on any kind of electronic device and you can have my traditionally bound books when you pry them from my cold dead hands." However, after trying out a Kindle, his tune changed.
He enjoyed the ability to take all the books he's currently reading with him. Many people read multiple books at the same time for pleasure, school, or work. Kindle allows all of these to fit into one very light package. And the Kindle also gives the option of adding to your library anytime anywhere (almost) with the Whispernet technology. So if a friend makes a book suggestion, there is no need to wait 'til the next time you go to the bookstore, or for Amazon to send the order in the mail, because it only takes 30 seconds to download the new title.
Peterson also addresses the cost issue by comparing the cost of buying a new hardback to the download of the same novel. Many times it's $20 cheaper. Though he does say that he still likes to own hard copies of his favorites.
Also, the fears Peterson had about reading on a screen were proved wrong by Kindle, "[it] uses a technology called digital ink that, in my opinion, is actually easier on the eyes than reading a physical book. The best way I can describe it is that it’s sort of like looking at an etch-a-sketch." He does say that the screen needs to be lighted by an outside source, as a physical book. He also likes the ability to enlarge the font. And now, with the next generation Kindle there is even a read out loud option if your eyes do get tired.
He highlights the helpful features like the dictionary, highlight and note options, downloads of subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and even blogs. Though there are some issues, "Some of the buttons and functions are a bit clunky and there is a lot more that could be done with the software when it comes to hyper-linking and searching." Peterson says the Kindle has become something that is hard for him to do without. He also imagines some exciting possibilities that may be in the near future (and I'm sure many are already in development, and some have already been realized like the read-aloud feature):

"Imagine books that hyperlink to video and audio clips. Imagine books with soundtracks or even sound effects (that’s right, the Kindle has speakers, it’s an MP3 player, and will even read the book to you.) Is this all this possible with the Kindle in its current incarnation? No, but anyone that’s lived through the last couple of decades knows that technology moves at a frightening pace."

The innovation that is rapidly occuring is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. There are those who question if new technology such as Kindles will negatively effect us, but many others who are anticipating the potential for better, faster, cheaper, more integrated formats to retrieve and consume information. I am not sure where I stand on this spectrum, but I am continually intrigued by the thoughts of reviewers.

Peterson's closing thoughts are similar to my own thoughts on ereaders:

"A book is about the story. It’s about communication. I love cover design, and paperstock, and the feel of a unique book in my hands just as much as anyone else, but when it comes right down to it, when it comes to the reading, all that other stuff disappears into the background. What matters is the story."

Further Reading:
This is a collection of a bunch of blogs on Amazon's Kindle. It gives a nice variety of both the negatives and positives:
Kindle Reviews: a smorgasborg
This is a site discussing the impact of reading online or on a screen particulary in terms of attention span and brain development:
Does the Brain Like Ebooks?
This is a very in-depth Newsweek interview with Jeff Bezos the founder of Amazon.com that highlights books and the changing environment of reading:
The Future of Reading

Information Overload

I've been tagging resource reviews on Kindles and related material off and on for the past month, and I keep finding more and more information. The debates are so interesting. Some people are very upset by the thought of ebooks taking over the treebook world; others are resigned to, or even welcome the new technology without hesitation; some are very paranoid about the new abilities to censor ebooks that don't exist in the print versions; still others are worried about the impact this type of reading will have on future generations as their brains develop in such a fast-paced, distracting world...The more I read the less sure I am of my own opinions on Kindles.

I am also unsure how to organize this abundance information (this is only my first semester in SLIS after all). I think I may break my entries down into themes. I'll review a few articles I found that focus on the marketing, the pros and cons, library uses, censorship...stay tuned.

I found this quote in a blog sponsored by the Opinion section of the New York Times ( Room for Debate):

"The tools (as usual) are neutral. It’s up to us to insist that onscreen reading enhance, not replace, traditional book reading. It’s up to us to remember that the medium is not the message; that the meaning and music of the words is what matters, not the glitzy vehicle they arrive in."

-David Gelernter

This is something we'd all do well to remember.

Life #2

After reading the Cites & Insights article (Library 2.0 Revisited) for class I was very curious about this "Second Life" thing. Apparently I'm very behind on my web 2.0 knowledge. So, I looked it up. I have some friends who play WoW (World of Warcraft) and it seemed like basically the same thing, but rather than being mythical creatures teaming up to fight battles and accomplish quests, you create an avitar of yourself, or who you'd like to be, and do everyday stuff like chat with friends, design buildings and clothes, make money...though that part seemed a bit sketchy to me. Oh, you do get to fly!:)
So, I created a little person, kind of similar to me. It took a good hour to figure the very basics out, and I felt like I had massively wasted my time. But, I guess I can see how it would help to connect people who otherwise wouldn't. Like I saw "free translators" being advertised because apparently there are lots of people who speak a variety of languages in this "world."
The marketing concerned me. It's supposed to be a game, yet it's presented as a place to live out fantasies like being a fashion designer, scuba diving, having a big house, or even falling in love... also the fact that in order to get money "the easiest way is to convert real money" with your paypal account. Yikes.
Like I said, I know some people who play WoW, and yeah, it's scary how obsessed they can get. On the otherhand, some of them play on occasion just like any other form of entertainment and it's just good fun.

In my opinion, life is not to be lived in front of a screen. I do that enough with classwork, email, skype, facebook, news, and the occasional hulu or youtube break. If I had a "second life" that I had to keep up with and felt compelled to play constantly, it would be unhealthy. Humans need fresh air, sunlight, walks, face-to-face interaction, hugs, smiles (not just the :) kind), tactile experience like a paintbrush stroking a canvass or a book open in your lap...

I was wondering, has anyone else used this? What do you think? Is it really a tool libraries could use (other than provide a place it could be played...)? Feelings about the whole escapist/fantasy mindset? Please let me know if you disagree or if you have a very vibrant "second life" and I've offended you. I'd love to get your input!