So over the last 6 months or so,
I’ve become more accustomed to reading e-books (mostly on my phone). Call it
keeping up with the times if you will. Now I’ve always been partial to the
printed word, and even now still prefer it to its electronic equivalent. However
e-books have many advantages which I’m not going to point out today, since
we’ve all read the many posts on books vs. E-readers etc. But despite all the advantages
that e-books present us with, I must admit...life was so much easier before
them (or at least my technologically incompetent self thinks so). Physical
books came in one format, paperback...well 2 really if you include hardbacks as
well, but let’s not get into semantics. It was simple back in the day, you walk
into a store pick up the book you wanted and WaBam! done.
But nowadays, the skill of
reading isn’t enough for you to be able to read a book, you have to posses the
coveted skill of technology. My recent experience has given me an eye-opener on
how difficult it can be at times with e-books and the frustration that comes
along with mucking around and moving files to the many devices you have etc.
Recently I downloaded a book, which was in .ascm file (which is apparently to
do with copyright and sharing files), so anyway I had to authorise my version
of Adobe Digital Editions, which then converted the file into a PDF. It seemed
simple at first, but the hard part came... when I wanted to transfer the same
file over to my phone.
The transferring part was easy, I
mean to say I’m not so incompetent I don’t know how to copy and paste...but
then the file wouldn’t import into my Aldiko app...my problem solving went as follows
Step 1: I was advised to try
another file locating devise for my phone called ‘Astro’. Downloaded it, still
couldn’t open up the file.
Step 2: Ok, so the file is a PDF,
how about I just open it with Adobe Reader on my phone. Nope, not going to
happen.
Step 3: Back to the computer, how
about I convert this Mother Fucker into an epub, that will solve all my
problems. Programme can’t do that, because the file is DRM (Digital Rights Management)
protected.
Step 6*: See if there’s an Aldiko app update for my
phone. Why, hello, I’ve been using the wrong Aldiko app this entire time....
Step 7: YAY! Finally got the file
on my phone and into the correct Aldiko App, which I also had to DRM authorise in
order to open the book. Start reading happily...then, hmm I wonder how I can
increase the font size. WRONG, PDF files don’t change text size, but I can zoom
in. (Less enthusiastic Yay)
Step 8: Write long ranting blog
post about how e-books are utterly confusing. Done!
*(Steps 4 and
5 have been skipped due to their embarrassing nature ie. tearing my hair out and cursing to the heavens)
OVERALL LESSONS LEARNT
- Check I'm using the correct app on my phone and don't assume the reading app that came with the phone is of any use.
- Authorizing Adobe Digital Editions with an ID, allows you to transfer files between devices legally. otherwise you can only read them on the device you originally downloaded to.
- E-books are an increasing trend, with more and more independent authors publishing their works in e-reader format, but I still prefer the old ways. Call me old school if you must :)
I’m pretty new to E-books, so I’m probably in the minority with this
problem, plus I don’t have a ‘proper’ e-reader which makes life more difficult.
But has anything frustrating like this happened to you?
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