Adding books

[crisaor]

I'd like to know something about the process of adding a book. From what I know, you get the books from sites such as the Gutenberg project. I'm guessing there's a fee for each book. If this is so, what are you exactly paying for? Having the book in computer text format or the privilege of posting it on your site (be it this one or any other)? Maybe both? Or is another thing?

[Admin]

Actually there isn't a fee.

Its just alot of data entry.

[subterranean]

I cheked out the Gutenberg link..and i think it's a bit boring job to "copy" those texts so that they'd be available in this site :)..
And i think that not all books, which are requested by members, will be available. I mean i remembered requesting erehwon some times ago..but i dont think it's available in the forum sofar ...

[crisaor]

Interesting. So, potencially, it would be possible to add any book copyright-free that is roaming the web.
Sub, copying books isn't that hard, provided they're already in computer text format, that is. If not, I agree.
Admin, do you want/need people to copy texts so they can be posted on the site? It could be a further way to interact with the site, and some book requests could be hastily met if there were a couple of people also interested in that book and willing to look it up.

[Admin]

Yes Crisaor, that kind of help would be nice.

However, there is the potential for some malicious activity with that, which is why I haven't opened it up before.

[crisaor]

I could look some books up, I'd be glad to. Should I email/PM you about it?
I'm guessing the potencial malicious activity you're referring has to do with posting things alien to the book in the middle of it. Other than that, I'm not sure.

[Admin]

Yes, exactly. Kinda like the person who rents a video from the library and splices in some porn.

[subterranean]

Interesting. So, potencially, it would be possible to add any book copyright-free that is roaming the web.
Sub, copying books isn't that hard, provided they're already in computer text format, that is. If not, I agree.
Admin, do you want/need people to copy texts so they can be posted on the site? It could be a further way to interact with the site, and some book requests could be hastily met if there were a couple of people also interested in that book and willing to look it up.

Crisaor, I didn't say it was hard, I said it was a bit boring thing to do. Now, are you saying that if I want erehwon to be avalilable here, I need to copy/paste it my self..:) ? Or perhaps you'd be kind enough to help me with it.

[crisaor]

Now, are you saying that if I want erehwon to be avalilable here, I need to copy/paste it my self..:) ? Or perhaps you'd be kind enough to help me with it.
Both, actually. If Admin is willing, maybe some books could be added thanks to a collaboration of forum members interested in seeing a book added to the site. Voluntary work, of course, as everyone has a book they'd prefer to make available in their spare time.

[Admin]

I could work out a system that would allow this. The books wouldn't go live on the site until I reviewed them though.

A couple things though.

1. The book has to be out of copyright (obviously) so make sure it is before you waste your time adding it.

2. If the book is by an author not currently listed, writing an approx 1 page biography would be needed.

[subterranean]

Now i remember that Kik asked the same thing long time ago

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2444

[Scheherazade]

When are they out of copyright?

[Admin]

If it was published before 1923 then it is out of copyright for sure.

In other cases its more complicated to find out.

[crisaor]

I could work out a system that would allow this. The books wouldn't go live on the site until I reviewed them though.
That's cool, Admin.

[baddad]

...hhhmmmmmmmm......interesting......

[Jay]

While searching for something entirelly else I found this... information on copyright, the link's slooooow to load though.

http://www.gutenberg.org/howto/copyright-howto

[crisaor]

Just a question. Admin, where do we submit the texts so you can check them? Or will you add a specific function for this within the site?

[Jay]

Hey found another site about the copyright thingy, looks... detailed, lol
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/okbooks.html