March 18th, 2010
Designing for the Web. On the Web.
Last week, after a lot of thought and a heap of work, we released my book, Designing for the Web, online. For free. It was only published a year ago, so why release it so soon? Well, I tried to answer it several times in 140 characters, but it’s never enough is it?
There seems to be a history — with a few notable exceptions — of publishing book content online only after it has lost its relevancy, recency, or often, both. As an author, this bothers me; particularly for a book about web design. However, as a small publisher I can of course understand why this is the case. When the book no longer pulls in large sale numbers, or more importantly, when it is deemed ‘out of date’, or ‘no longer as relevant as it once was’, then the motivation for publishing online, for free, is to get a firm grip of the Long Tail in search of new sales. Makes sense.
But I want my book to be relevant. I wanted to increase the reach, and lower the barriers to one sector of the industry that is underserved by this business model: students.
I get a lot of email from students asking for education discounts, advice, tips on how to get into the industry and a plethora of other subjects. But the largest complaint we’ve had on Designing for the Web is the cost for students. I remember being a student (and 15 years ago in the UK, students had it easier than they do now). I remember being handed a book list as long as my arm on my first week in University. My first thought: how the hell am I going to afford this? Then you’re forced to prioritise on a list you know nothing about. Which books do you buy, when you could buy food? Or beer? It’s a tough choice.
We pride ourselves on creating a beautiful, substantial products for Five Simple Steps. It’s why other authors have asked to write with us. We’re not prepared to compromise on that quality to lower costs for a broader reach; there are plenty of other publishers who do that. We’re focussed on creating a great physical product and a PDF version that is equally considered. When you’re buying our books, you buy the whole experience, not just the words.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the online version. So, the idea was that we’d launch the book online to serve that audience who prefers to read their content online, or those who arguably were most in need of this book, but had hard decisions to make on how they spend their money. I wanted to retain the relevance and recency of the content. I just wanted to give a bit back. Maybe all this working in Open Source is getting to me.
It’s worth noting that we might not be doing this for every title, as it’s very much an Author’s decision. In that respect, this is a little unique as I’m both Publisher and Author. I’ll be posting another post this week about the upcoming titles we have planned for the next 12 months. Some very exciting titles planned (including the rather late Grid Systems title of my own).
I think this was a very brave, but brilliant decision!
I also don’t think that it will cost you any sales (you may lose a few, but I think you will gain just as many, if not more).
The people who will not buy the book now it is online for free, would probably never have bought the book anyway. They either wouldn’t be able to afford it or are the kind of people who want something for nothing.
However, I think a number of people will start to read the online version and then decide to buy it. It’s the best form of try before you buy you can get! Plus there is a lot to be said about ‘owning’ the book.
I wish you all the best with the experiment and look forward to what is coming our way in the future!
Good move, Mark.
I have the print version and to me, the online version is great for reference if there’s something you want to check up on but don’t have it to hand but you can’t replace the physical item. The care you guys put into the actual product can’t be replicated online so making t available will most likely work in your favour!
Having the online version of this book available should, I’d think, also help to increase sales of your future books, as people will have had a chance to sample the quality of what you produce.
Mark,
when I read your tweet announcing this — I immediately retweeted it for my web students whom I had shown your book to already and who are starting to build up their library of reference at the moment. I love the fact that your brilliant content is now so easily and freely accessible to all! And trust me, it is very much appreciated by many!
I also agree that there is a place for both. I have the book and it is true that the digital can never quite equal your printed version; there is not only so much great content in there — it is clear how much love and care you put into the printed book. I absolutely love it!
And I do hope you will see your sales go up :)
A noble move!
“Designing for the Web” is the best web design book I’ve read and I recommend it to others all the time.
I think putting a version online will increase your sales. As Dave said above, think most people will get a feel for the content online and quickly realise they should have a print copy. It’s timeless information that you’ll always want on hand to reference.
Looking forward to your next one on Grids!
This is just brilliant! It’s such a nice resource to have. Being able to go back to it whenever you need it is just priceless.
Thank you so much.
I bought a PDF copy of your book back then. I would still do it today, even with the full thing available online, no doubt about that. I am sure it will be an incentive for the people who haven’t got it yet. Bring on the grids!
Mark, even as a seasoned professional, your writing has brought me great insights. Thanks! –NP
Mark, whatever your motive or reason, this is a very generous gesture and I applaud you for it.
I agree with the others here Mark. Definitely the right decision. Nice to see some nobility every now and then. Now get your finger out and finish Grid Systems I can’t blummin’ wait!
I bought the PDF and I ended up reading the online version too yesterday. You made the right call making it available to everyone. If anything, it will help sales of your new Five Simple Steps books.
All of which I am looking forward to, by the way.
It’s kinda anomalic economy. If you have read “Content” by Cory Doctorow, his free e-book eventually increased the print edition’s sales.
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I applaud you.
I think it is a great idea. Once the bills have been paid, why not release it to the masses for free while the content is still relevant. I know normal book publishers would not agree, because they see it as lost revenue. If the book is good enough people will by it anyways to keep in an electronic reader or on a shelf in their office.
Great stuff Mark, this is an excellent idea. I’ve updated my review to point to the free version.
[…] Designing for the Web. On the Web. | Mark Boulton […]
Hey Mark … had plans to buy the book when it first came out … didn’t end up doing that for a variety of reasons (mostly financial) however this post just reminded me about it again … so I just bought the PDF after flicking through the (now) free content.
Thankyou.
I just wanted to say “Thank You!”
I’m not a student, but I also can’t afford to spend money on things like book on web design, when for me its just a hobby and a passion, and there are more important things like food and rent to consider.
When you sent out the first tweet about it, I headed straight to the site, and read the book from start to finish, as well as bookmarking the site for re-reading.
I’ll echo many others opinions that this will increase sales of either PDF’s or physical copies, as I know that when I can afford it, I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy of Designing For The Web, and hopefully future books as well.
[…] Designing for the Web. On the Web. | Mark Boulton […]
THANK YOU! I own a pdf copy but strongly dislike reading it as a pdf. I much prefer reading it in this format (just like Getting Real by 37signals). It makes it much easier to digest the book in small chunks.
Thanks again Mark!
PS: For those authors not willing to open source it, I’d be willing to pay a nominal fee for open online access in non-pdf format.
In part1 chapter4 the first paragraph is repeated.
What a brilliant idea and am sure most people would reward your hardwork by buying a copy of the book once they have read it.
Its a socially responsible decision and you should be proud.
[…] Designing for the Web. On the Web. | Mark Boulton […]
Wow amazing!, thank you & thank you
Thanks for this Mark.
ps. Most of my students have iPhones, cars, laptops… they don’t seem to read many books sadly.
to the above…books? what are they? that’s what the next gen of kids will be saying!
thanks for the share, mark.
My 16 year old has a few shelves of them, also listens to them and reads them on his ipod touch. My 18 year old saves them up for the beach, but has spent about 6 months thumbing through paper books for his a level history.. not dead yet ;)
Шаг 3. Для того, чтобы поместить своё лицо на фоне бэкграунда, необходимо обрезать чёрный фон фотографии. Но, чтобы после обрезания удалённая область изображения была прозрачной, кликаем правой клавишей на слое «Face» и выбираем позицию «Добавить альфа-канал».
Very good article, I will stress this blog regularly because there are a quality content. I wish the same time take the opportunity to publish our video Our graphic design studio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yNdCFLLWks&feature=player_embedded
Bought the online book yesterday. Finished it this afternoon. Excellent stuff. Will read again … and again I am sure. Many thanks.
Your thougts on this issue is useful, to little have ben said about pdf books/online books — about the web. Interesting post btw.
Virtual Sketchbooks — presume the whole world has told you about Evernote?
My limited college budget thanks you!
Pretty good post. I just came by your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
I read it online. Thanks.
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Congratulations Mark, “Designing for the Web” is one of the interesting web-design books I’ve read. And I’ve read a lot of books.
This is quite true. I enjoyed reading it.
Intresting read. Thanks
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Hey,
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