simoncoles.org   Simon Coles Personal Blog

So here’s a thought.

When I got an iPod, I could Rip all my CDs to MP3 and later AAC. So I could easily fill my iPod up with the music I already had, I didn’t need to shell out for a device and a load more content.

When I got an Apple TV, it took everything I already had on iTunes. Apparently using tools like MacTheRipper you can also backup the DVDs you legally own, so you can play them on your Apple TV. Again, I bought the device but I didn’t need to get a load more content.

But with an eBook reader, I can’t really Rip a book can I? If I want to read a book on my iPad or Sony eReader I have to buy it – even if I already have a physical copy. Which kind of sucks.

I wonder if that has slowed the adoption of eBook readers. Of course, the iPad isn’t just an eReader so it shouldn’t matter too much to Apple.

Now, if someone would come up with a scheme where I can trade in my physical books for an eBook copy….

I wonder how many people have now stopped buying physical books because the iPad and eBook store are just around the corner.

I know I have and I am sure I am not alone. Now I just walk through book stores taking photos of interesting books so I can get them on my iPad later.

I’m a bit worried about long term availability but upon reflection how many books do I read more than once? As well as the convenience of being to take stuff on trips, imagine how much shelf space I’ll save at home and work!

I’m not sure about the idea itself (at one level seems good but I suspect it’ll have some nasty unpredictable side effects – more detail here), but the way the Robin Hood Tax people have promoted their idea is very interesting. With YouTube, do we really need Party Political Broadcasts so much? And it’s great that alternative ideas can get their message across in a visual way as well as the standard blogging etc.

Anyway, here’s the video

This is absolutely brilliant and so very true…. (full picture here, it’s worth it)