February 4, 2009

Are You Ready for Video Books?

HarperCollins Publishers announced yesterday their publication of a "video book" edition of Jeff Jarvis' What Would Google Do?

From the HarperCollins
press release:

"Advances in digital technology and distribution are creating exciting and new opportunities for book publishers and authors every day," said Brian Murray, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers. "Part of our mission is to help authors find new and complimentary ways to present their ideas to consumers through multiple platforms, formats and channels. A video edition of Jeff's book is a terrific example of a new product that is both a viral marketing tool and hopefully a new revenue stream."

You can see a 2 minute sample of this title through Amazon.com
here.
Is this just a gimmick? A good companion to print material? Just another name for "lecture" or "documentary"? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!


1 comment:

Maria said...

I don't know about this. It seems like a lecture delivered via satellite (like when I was in church & we had to watch videos from the bishop or Pope)! And I find the reader distracting with his constant hand movements. But everyone's tastes are different and I can see some people liking this format.