Seen this story around? I caught it via Gizmodo and decided to dig a little deeper.
Alas, no sodding mobile signal, so I’ll just need to imagine it at the moment.
It’s just the cost of a standard text message to get it on to your handset. I reckon it’s probably some sort of java applet with the first chapter’s text in it.
Or perhaps they’ve done a deal with Mobizines to use their technology to deploy it? Could be a smart move that. Anyway, I don’t know. I will check.
If you have time, give it a go and see how they deployed it for me?
I do like the concept though. It’s a cool way of getting a taster of a new book. I tell you what, though, I would definitely use this if I was getting on the train and saw one of the book adverts on the train/tube platform. If I’m heading home and needing something to read, I’m probably going to be rather well disposed to such a facility. And if they book’s worth a look, I’ll probably get it via Amazon.
Or if the publishing house is thinking correctly, they coulda-done-a deal with Reporo to offer the entire end-to-end service — the applet, the first chapter and the facility to order the book — all via your handset. NICE!