The music industry has been disrupted by digital. The movie industry has been disrupted by digital. Shopping has been disrupted. Mass media has been disrupted. the list goes on.
Publishing is changing too, but the industry seems to be doing a better job of keeping up. Most importantly, they've realised that although the printed book is the form that we're used to, the content of those books is the thing we value. So e-books are now sold at volume, and although I wouldn't want to be a bookseller right now, publishers are doing OK. And here's another evolution of the publishing form, this time taking advantage of AR.
Every planner has a book in them, and I'm no different. However, I've been mulling over how I combine my day job - digital marketing - with writing. I have a new job now so this project is on the back burner for a while, but this book of poetry is getting close to some of the things I want to try:
AR effects seen on a laptop screen via your webcam seem a bit old-fashioned now. I'd have published the book with a companion iPad app so that:
- the triggering of the AR effect is more intuitive and the publisher can use a wider variety of images as triggers, and
- the publisher has the option of selling the app and creating a secondary revenue stream
Being somewhat conservative when it comes to books - I love the feel of paper - I'm pleased publishers have new ways of enhancing the experience of the printed word. I like the fact that books can be sold at cost and that profit can come from a digitally-driven companion experience. And I love the fact that kids' books particularly have a new lease of life.
One last thought though: in an age when businesses and people are encouraged to collaborate and build ecosystems to survive, how does the author starving in his garret need to change? Some already illustrate as well as write, but do authors now need to learn 3D-rendering skills? I wonder how many will?
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