Ebooks: Neither E, Nor Books Paper for the O'Reilly Emerging Technologies Conference, 2004

In this lively, forward‑looking essay the author unpacks what ebooks really mean for writers and readers alike. Drawing on personal experience releasing novels under a Creative Commons license, the piece argues that digital books are far more than a marketing gimmick—they’re becoming a distinct medium with their own economics and culture. The writer observes how free electronic editions can actually boost sales of print copies, while also highlighting the unique ways readers remix and share text on screens.

The discussion moves to the symbiotic relationship between digital and paper editions, suggesting that the best experience often comes from using both. By treating a book as a “practice” rather than a static object, the author explores how modern tools let creators transform a manuscript into PDFs, HTML, or printable formats at will. This perspective invites listeners to rethink ownership, accessibility, and the evolving shape of reading in the digital age.