The Definitive Guide to Gaydon-era ASTON MARTIN
Discussion
Grant3 said:
Rick - Karl - on the subject of Kindle............. Personally I still like the feel of a real book (surely you don't take your tech to the throne with you? 
) but I have looked at this, in honesty I'm not sure that the book would work in that format as it is very image rich. It could work in PDF format, but I believe Kindle needs to revamp the layout completely in order to make it work
Is it right that Kindle can also only reproduce mono images? If so, do you think it would work with only smaller mono images or just text? Interested in your views.
I say Kindle, but I really read all my books on my iPad, with pictures and in full color—yes, sometimes on the throne. I would also look into Apple iBooks if I were you. ) but I have looked at this, in honesty I'm not sure that the book would work in that format as it is very image rich. It could work in PDF format, but I believe Kindle needs to revamp the layout completely in order to make it work Is it right that Kindle can also only reproduce mono images? If so, do you think it would work with only smaller mono images or just text? Interested in your views.
Yes, the Kindle is mono (grayscale really) but a lot of people read Kindle books on other devices that can show color.
I wouldn't do a PDF if I were you. It's too easy to duplicate and next thing your book will be on every torrent site on the Internet.
I use kindle on my phone (htc desire hd) which is android based and also have it on my laptop and a ipad as the books are shared amongst my devices and find it a good and easy system, My other hobby is photography and have quite a few kindle books which are mainly based around images they display in full colour on all my devices with no speed issues etc, as I always have my phone with me, It has surprised me how often I use kindle so I believe it would work well, I agree a pdf version would NOT be a good idea
Thanks for the feedback/advice Rick & Karl, I am going to stick with the physical book for now, but will look into this for mid-next year-ish.
Talking about digital format's, just to say that I'm intending to produce a free PDF update for people that have kindly purchased the book. This should come out at least once a year (August time when the main MY changes are released), and should contain the latest MODEL YEAR changes (+ other bits). Sceptre have kindly agreed to email this through to anyone who has purchased the book via them, if you purchased the book from elsewhere just email your address via the website and I'll ensure you are included as well.
Talking about digital format's, just to say that I'm intending to produce a free PDF update for people that have kindly purchased the book. This should come out at least once a year (August time when the main MY changes are released), and should contain the latest MODEL YEAR changes (+ other bits). Sceptre have kindly agreed to email this through to anyone who has purchased the book via them, if you purchased the book from elsewhere just email your address via the website and I'll ensure you are included as well.
Regarding the PDF vs. Physical book debate.
I'm in the music industry and have seen the same argument in my World for many years. I think you'll always get people who share/steal/torrent music, they have no intention of buying music and see it as a free product. However as iTunes has proved, you get good honest people who are willing to pay for music in their millions. Offer people the product in their chosen format, and they will buy it. Click and buy instantly!
iBooks, iTunes and such stores now sell more electronic books and magazines than physical products. As with CD's, the infrastructure to sell physical books is slowly crumbling, so I'd say offer the book in the format todays consumer wants. You are losing many sales, including mine because I don't want to lug books and magazines around.
Yes it'll end up on torrent sites, but those people wouldn't buy it anyway. I came to terms with it with my own music, but today my sales are rising due to the likes of iTunes
I'm in the music industry and have seen the same argument in my World for many years. I think you'll always get people who share/steal/torrent music, they have no intention of buying music and see it as a free product. However as iTunes has proved, you get good honest people who are willing to pay for music in their millions. Offer people the product in their chosen format, and they will buy it. Click and buy instantly!
iBooks, iTunes and such stores now sell more electronic books and magazines than physical products. As with CD's, the infrastructure to sell physical books is slowly crumbling, so I'd say offer the book in the format todays consumer wants. You are losing many sales, including mine because I don't want to lug books and magazines around.
Yes it'll end up on torrent sites, but those people wouldn't buy it anyway. I came to terms with it with my own music, but today my sales are rising due to the likes of iTunes
Grant3 said:
Thanks for the feedback/advice Rick & Karl, I am going to stick with the physical book for now, but will look into this for mid-next year-ish.
Talking about digital format's, just to say that I'm intending to produce a free PDF update for people that have kindly purchased the book. This should come out at least once a year (August time when the main MY changes are released), and should contain the latest MODEL YEAR changes (+ other bits). Sceptre have kindly agreed to email this through to anyone who has purchased the book via them, if you purchased the book from elsewhere just email your address via the website and I'll ensure you are included as well.
Grant, I think an update would be an awesome idea. Actually, I was going to suggest that you might want to keep the book current by releasing newer editions at yearly intervals. Until you do, a PDF update would be a fantastic thing.Talking about digital format's, just to say that I'm intending to produce a free PDF update for people that have kindly purchased the book. This should come out at least once a year (August time when the main MY changes are released), and should contain the latest MODEL YEAR changes (+ other bits). Sceptre have kindly agreed to email this through to anyone who has purchased the book via them, if you purchased the book from elsewhere just email your address via the website and I'll ensure you are included as well.
BTW: I have read through most sections of the book and I really do love it. My only gripe has to do with the book's binding and not its content. In order to keep the book open, the front cover has to curl a bit. In my copy, the plastic laminate on the cover has started to pucker and peel near the upper and lower edges.
Keep up the great work.
Grant, you should definitely set up some sort of system whereby forum members could provide some input regarding any additional info we have that could be integrated in an update. For example, I don't believe it is mentioned that you can also find the paint code sticker inside of the covered recess on the left side of the boot on a V8V. Much easier to get at than the one in the engine bay.
SE24 said:
Just ordered
Thanks SE, hope you enjoy it.johnnnnnnyy said:
Regarding the PDF vs. Physical book debate.
Thanks for that insight Johnny - I will put together an electronic version, but it won't be until next year now.KarlFranz said:
Grant, I think an update would be an awesome idea. Actually, I was going to suggest that you might want to keep the book current by releasing newer editions at yearly intervals. Until you do, a PDF update would be a fantastic thing.Keep up the great work.
Hi Karl, glad you like it. I have agreed with Sceptre that they will do (more expensive!) shorter print runs in order to ensure an annual re-print and keep the book bang up to date (rare these days as big runs make for much cheaper printing prices - so I'm told!). I'll mention the binding to them.I also wanted to support people like yourself who have already purchased the book, the idea is that I will supply the core annual update details (nothing ultra fancy) in PDF format. I can only guarantee to do this for the first MY change after purchase of the book, but I'll try and see if I can get them to keep doing it annually. I'm already collating information, including things like the full new range of Cygnet paint and leather options now being available range wide (
) and further info about Garmin roll out, beam blades etc etc. brumma said:
Grant, you should definitely set up some sort of system whereby forum members could provide some input regarding any additional info we have that could be integrated in an update. For example, I don't believe it is mentioned that you can also find the paint code sticker inside of the covered recess on the left side of the boot on a V8V. Much easier to get at than the one in the engine bay.
Great point Brumma, I'm more than happy to do that and also welcome further input to the owners section which I am happy to expand - the current owners are all far too good looking and knowledgeable anyway Joking aside, if you want to do an owners page just email via the www.astonmartinreview.co.uk page and I'll send you a rough template, or just email your tip/addition and I'll include it with a credit, or you can just post the info on the wall of our small Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aston-Martin-Review-... ). Any extra/new input appreciated, thanks for the paint code tip, I now need to track the 2nd one for DB9/DBS as well!
petecowie said:
Ordered, looking forward to it.
Cheers Petemichael gould said:
Perhaps Grant we should do a limited run of books autographed by myself ,Bogie and Di......they could become collectors items
love it - maybe a P.H. A.M. Forum book signing tour, we will soon also have the contacts to include Greece on the tour Plus expanding that idea I'm seeing it now.........
It's the W.I. calender all over again but with you lot and various Aston Martin parts covering the offending bits
- maybe not!
Edited by Grant3 on Friday 1st July 10:05
My copy turned up from Amazon just before I went on holiday on Saturday and i've been regaling my long suffering girlfriend with details on this options or that colour while we sit by the pool.
To be honest, the book is bloody marvellous! Not only have I been able to see clearly what were options and what came as standard on each model year, it has allowed me to see colours, interiors and work out what I want on a vehicle.
I think my girlfriend is now thoroughly sick of me saying "what about this colour with that interior?" And "is this option a deal breaker or a nice-to-have?" And so on.
Thanks to the book, I know exactly what model year to go for, with the colours I want (or would tolerate) and the definite options I need inside. It's so handy having this information in one place, so thank you to everyone that made this book possible, from Grant who 'juggled all the cats' to compile and write the book, to Rick at DMS (who I will definitely be using for servicing even though i'm on the south coast, such is the depth of regard on here for him, his people and their skills) to the owners on here and elsewhere who provided their valuable thoughts on their cars.
So to reiterate, this book has allowed me to make a decision on what I want from an Aston Martin and I can wholeheartedly say that in my quest for what is after all an expensive vehicle, this book has proved invaluable. For that you have my sincerest thanks. And you can quote me on that too!
[Oscar speech over]
To be honest, the book is bloody marvellous! Not only have I been able to see clearly what were options and what came as standard on each model year, it has allowed me to see colours, interiors and work out what I want on a vehicle.
I think my girlfriend is now thoroughly sick of me saying "what about this colour with that interior?" And "is this option a deal breaker or a nice-to-have?" And so on.
Thanks to the book, I know exactly what model year to go for, with the colours I want (or would tolerate) and the definite options I need inside. It's so handy having this information in one place, so thank you to everyone that made this book possible, from Grant who 'juggled all the cats' to compile and write the book, to Rick at DMS (who I will definitely be using for servicing even though i'm on the south coast, such is the depth of regard on here for him, his people and their skills) to the owners on here and elsewhere who provided their valuable thoughts on their cars.
So to reiterate, this book has allowed me to make a decision on what I want from an Aston Martin and I can wholeheartedly say that in my quest for what is after all an expensive vehicle, this book has proved invaluable. For that you have my sincerest thanks. And you can quote me on that too!
[Oscar speech over]
Highrisedrifter said:
My copy turned up from Amazon just before I went on holiday on Saturday and i've been regaling my long suffering girlfriend with details on this options or that colour while we sit by the pool.
How´s the pool ???I´m sitting by the pool in our villa in La Manga as we speak.
The book is indeed excellent, especially with a San Miguel in the other hand
Grant,
I received a copy of your book this week and love it. Great job! I'm so glad that someone stepped up and wrote about the modern-era cars (I'm also a fan of the older ones). I look forward to completing the book over the (U.S.) holiday weekend.
Cheers,
Dave
I received a copy of your book this week and love it. Great job! I'm so glad that someone stepped up and wrote about the modern-era cars (I'm also a fan of the older ones). I look forward to completing the book over the (U.S.) holiday weekend.
Cheers,
Dave
Edited by Rex Racer on Friday 1st July 15:07
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