You’ve made the important decision to publish an article, newsletter or book on the Internet–referred to as eBook publishing.  There are two formats you can use to get your treasured material out to the world:  Portable Document Format (PDF) by Adobe, or Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).  Each format has its good points, and each has some bad points to consider when selecting which one to use. 

You’ll need to do some research on each format, if you aren’t familar with them, to determine which is best suited to your needs and desire.  Both will provide you with a finished product that can be presented to your target group.  Some individuals have a preference of one over the other.  We make no recommended preference one over the other; use the one best suited for you.

As you look at each of these formats you need to ascertain the factors or functions you feel are best suited to you.  The ease of use is always a top issue.  If the process is too complicated, and you don’t feel you want to spend the time to learn it well enough, then look at other options.  Both the PDF and HTML are not that complicated for basic use.  If you want a more sophisticated product, you may have to become more knowledgeable, or pay for a program that does a good deal of the sophisticated processes.

Below is some basic information on each of the two most popular formats:

PDF

has become the most popular format used by eBook producers.  Here are some of the reasons or benefits of using Adobe’s Portable Document Format (PDF) :

• PDF files (.pdf) are generally considered easier and safer.  They are less likely to be infected with viruses.
• They are relatively easy to create if you have a basic word processor program and a program that will convert the document to a pdf file.  Most new word processing programs have this capability, but there are many “free” programs available to download.
• PDF files are very portable. They can be read anywhere anytime if you have the necessary reader software like Adobe Acrobat Reader–other readers are available.
• This  format helps shrink the file space required for the document which allows for smaller files (compressed)and ease of use with which a user has in creating their work; a real benefit for being able to email your documents quickly.
• There is no special training or computer language needed by the user.  PDF files are much easier for viewers to open–as long as they have the necessary software (i.e. Adobe Acrobat Reader).
• Visual properties such as graphic and images are easily converted.
• Interactive functions like hyperlinks, markup, file attachments, movies, music, etc. are supported.
• Security and data encryption are supported which gives your files greater usability for only those you wish to have access to them–using passwords and permissions. 
• PDF files print easily and correctly using most any printer.

HTML

is a popular format used by eBook producers.  HTML is known as the “language of the Internet.”  Here are some of the reasons or benefits of using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML):

• HTML formated documents are completely compatible and interactive with the Internet.
• Can be designed like a website with use of a HTML compiler (which may have to be purchased–see note on compilers below).
• HTML documents can contain interactive functions like hyperlinks,  graphics, video, music, JavaScript, forms, etc.  What you can put into a website you can just about put in your eBook.  Let your imagination be your guide. The creator has control of the look and feel of the product.
• May contain an unlimited number of pages.
• Can create customizable fields.
• HTML files can be shared via CD-ROM or Internet downloads.

Note:

Compilers (sometimes referred to as “editors”):

Compilers or editors are programs which enable users to create and edit text files.  Word processors are not, in and of themselves, compliers, but many have broad capabilities which would give many users the feeling they are using a compiler.  Compilers deal in writing and editing source code (programming language or code used by a computer’s processor).

 

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 10:24 am and is filed under Affiliate Marketing, E-Commerce & Internet Marketing, eBook Publishing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.