As a final update on Baen.com I have now downloaded an Audio Book.
This, like the eBook, in a straightforward non copy protected format.
You have options to download in wav or mp3 format.
The audio selection seems limited, constrained I think to self produced audio
Dramatisations of Science Fiction Novelllas.
The price is not large. The one I donloaded was $2.99 which comprised of 4 30
minute mp3 files.
I have only listened to a few minutes but the reading appeared professional
and quite fun with lots of sound affects.
In genral the website seems designed by and for Science Fiction and Fantasy
authors – and seems a community driven project to some extent at least.
Three final points.
I was in error when I told you earlier that they had provided me with 12 free
eBooks. It was in fact much more than that. I was looking at only page 1 of my
library which is divided into 12 book pages . My library actually already
covers several pages even though I have only purchased 1 book. Basically they
appear to have given me dozens of eBooks. As I say these are by famous
authors – Looking at the list in more detail I think the free books are
typically book 1 of a fantasy or science fiction series. I think the hope is
that I find a book I enjoy reading for free and then purchase further books in
that series.
Secondly there is a bundle deal which you can buy which provides you with
advance htm preview segments of books before publication dates – these books
then eventually transform into full epub books in your library on official
publication date. Using this bundle method you get significant discounts
compared to buying books separately. You get 4 or 5 books as far as I can see
for about $8.99, an alleged $25 discount on buying the books separately. The
scheme seems designed by authors to provide them with early royalties.
You can also set up an Audible like subscription.
Finally After listening to the Audio Book I discovered that although Baen is
spelt B A E N it is pronounced Bane which may present a little confusion for
screen reader users.
David Griffith
Sent from Mail for Windows 10