A new monthly round-up of news items that may be relevant to Mushroom eBooks readers and authors. I hope you find it useful.
Adobe DRM
Adobe have said that they are updating their ereader software to improve the DRM (digital rights management) for PDFs and ePubs using their systems, and that old ebooks may not be viewable when this happens in July. It is up to all the device manufacturers and software houses that use Adobe DRM to update all their products. I am sure most will do this. Sony are the biggest user of Adobe DRM (but see next item). However, Adobe have subsequently stated that they will continue to support the older systems. These tech companies do like to cause universal panic occasionally. Please be assured that I will replace any Mushroom eBooks titles that do not work for any reason on presentation of your proof of purchase.
Sony Reader Store
Sony is giving up the ebook retail business. It was on the cards — sales of Mushroom eBooks titles from the Sony Reader Store have faded to almost nothing from a very significant high a few years ago, and I imagine the situation is similar for other publishers. Customers will have their bookshelves transferred to Kobo, so should not lose any of their purchases. As usual, if you lose out, please let me know and I will try to help.
E-Reads is acquired by Open Road
E-Reads claims to be the oldest independent ebook publisher, founded in 1999. It has a much better claim to be a pioneer than Sony. Mushroom eBooks was founded in December 1999, so does that mean that after April 1 when E-Reads ceases to trade, Mushroom eBooks will be the oldest independent ebook publisher? If so, it probably means that we are also the oldest commercial ebook publisher.
Recommended reads
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman is a very worthwhile read. Possibly Gaiman’s most personal and heartfelt book, it is a darkish fantasy about childhood for adults.
Homeland by Cory Doctorow. If you enjoyed his book Little Brother (and if you haven’t read it, it is also a recommended read) then you will probably enjoy Homeland. It continues the story of Marcus and Ange, picking up 2 years after the events of Little Brother. Perhaps a little self-indulgent, but a great book.
