Downloadable Rule Books

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I Recently got on the band wagon and downloaded all the available stuff from Malhavoc press. I think Mr. Cook's got a great thing going with the downloads and hopefully more companies will catch on and do the same thing.

So the question is, how do all of you feel about the subject?

 

[Tsyr]

While nice in a way, I infinitly prefer a REAL book to hold in my hands than stare at on a screen. Not to mention it's much more portable.

 

[I'm A Banana]

A bit unsafe...

A bit paranoid. Downloadable stuff is all well and good, but your average computer winds up breaking all to peices after about two years...and then, no more rulebook. The advantage is that they're cheap, but they lack the portabilty and style of a printed rulebook. I'd rather have a print version, but if people like the downloads, more power to 'em. I'm just afraid that I suddenly won't have the when my computer breaks down (again).

 

[KingOfChaos]

Yeah, but not all D20 publishers can afford to have their books printed and distributed hard copy. Mine for instance. LOL

 

[Moe Ronalds]

where would we get one of these downloadable things?

 

[Agnostic Paladin]

Yep. I've no problem with staring at a screen, but for reading anything more than a (very) few pages long, I need paper and preferably a couch or bed to lie on. So until some book-sized hand helds start becoming a reality, I won't be reading a lot of pdfs (DL $ + Ink + Paper + Time to Print & Put together + Inconvenience of putting it together = at least as much value as just buying the book at the store)

 

[KingOfChaos]

Okay...that scared me. LOL

You guys almost caused a file lock on me. ;P

 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I have to agree about reading off the screen, it kills my eyes, but printing these babies has been working out for me. So far the cost hasn't been bad I've printed out several books and have ink to spare, and $30 for ink isn't a whole lot of money in this day and age, even for someone like that's unemployed. I'd prefer printing $50 or $60 worth of books for $30, and with no travel time. Do I think it's perfect? No. Do I think it's a cool option? defiantly.

As for where to find stuff, check out Monte Cook's web page, There is a link right here on EN world.

Does any one else have sources?

 

[Tsyr]

You mean aside from the VAST amount of ESDs on WotC site?

Try RPGNow.com

 

[Trevalon Moonleirion]

I can't stand reading off the screen, but I do like downloads--you can always back them up--though if you don't have a cd burner or zip/jazz drive you're sort of screwed. As for printing them out, it takes a while, and while the ink usage isn't that bad, unless you have a printer that can do back to back printing (fortunately I do) you're wasting a lot of paper--which can get expensive!