Re: 2 questions about reference books

Thank you all for the great input! Bill and I agree with everyone 
that a paperback during any emergency is a better option. I wanted to 
post some comments and another question on same thread if possible 
please.

--- In [email protected], "Beth Y" wrote:
>
> Is this strictly an either/or proposition, or do you bundle 
> both e and print versions together?

Actually they are 2 separate products but that's a great idea! For 9 
years we've mainly sold paperbacks but maybe we can develop a bundle 
someday or offer updates. (We already discount book and ebook down to 
$3.50 and $2.50 respectively - mainly since we want this data in 
every home & office in our country. And yes, we are insane, but we're 
trying to help agencies strapped for cash that need educational 
tools, plus we have programs associated with our books, CDs & ebooks 
that help fund volunteers & First Responders. But that's another 
story.)

--- "Beth Y" also wrote:
>
> A large reference book can be useful in e-format if it has a good
> index, an easy search function, and will be used under normal
> desktop conditions. 

--- And "Marion G" wrote:
>
> Solid organization, including good outlining and links within the
> document, should make it possible to drill down to the section
> you need quickly. Then again, you have to put yourself in the 
> position of an exhausted, shocked and probably panicked person. 
> Make things VERY clear, and VERY organized.

We totally agree ~ it's written with that in mind using 2-color 
bulleted instructions so formatting in ebook is CRITICAL..! Our 
paperback is small so fits in backpack, drawer or kits, but we hoped 
ebook would be easy to use too ... esp if we can find a good format 
for handhelds. And might get younger people involved in preparedness.

Last fall I researched some ebook development tools but most are for 
continuous flow books. I tried Mobipocket creator but it butchered 
our formatting. Fictionwise said PDF-only was fine so I did PDF with 
bookmarks, web links, and page links on Contents, throughout text, 
and in 20-pg speed Index.

I haven't had time to look into HTML but hope to someday (thanks for 
tips on that too).

My final question ... does anyone know a title of an extensively 
formatted reference ebook that's easy to use on a handheld device? 
Maybe I can figure out how they did it.
 
But I also completely agree with "Ed" ~ an "easy-to-navigate paper 
book will be more practical during a 3-day storm event and its 
aftermath than a water-sensitive handheld electronic device...".

Apologize for babbling so long but again appreciate your time and 
help!

Take care, j

Janet Liebsch
Fedhealth
www.fedhealth.net or www.itsadisaster.net
handhelds: www.itsadisaster.mobi



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