#DTV Book Suggestions
5 messages in this thread
I am the development editor of a DTV book for a large computer book publisher,
and am soliciting suggestions from all types and levels of DTV users.
One issue the author and I have been discussing is audience level. We are
undecided about whether or not to include information for rank beginners, and
if we do, how the author should present this information.
As we see it, serious intermediate-to-advanced DTV users would not appreciate
paying 35 to 40 dollars for a book that includes a lot of information for
beginners. Conversely, beginners–or people that are just interested in toying
with DTV–will not be interested in a book at that price.
I would appreciate any comments anyone has about what the market needs are in
this area, and any feelings anyone might have about audience level of a DTV
book.
For example:
Is anyone aware of current DTV books? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
What would the ideal DTV book include?
As an advanced user, would a few chapters that served as a DTV primer bother
you?
As a novice DTV user, would you be willing to pay 35 to 40 dollars for a book
that quickly covered basic DTV issues, and then went on extensively to
intermediate and advanced issues?
Thanks for your time. I'd be happy to hear any thoughts you might have that
will help us produce a book that meets your needs in this exciting area.
When it's published, I will offer information about this book in accordance
with forum rules.
Regards,
Keith Davenport
Keith:
Here's what I'd like to see:
>What would the ideal DTV book include?<
It would start w/the parameters of DTV (f'instance, that not all DTV is
nonlinear editing), then go onto discussing, w/increasing complexity, things
like edit controllers, SEGs, titlers/genlocks, and then go onto nonlinear.
>As an advanced user, would a few chapters that served as a DTV primer bother
you?<
Not a bit–but then, I'm not exactly an advanced user–more an intermediate
one…
>As a novice DTV user, would you be willing to pay 35 to 40 dollars for a book
that quickly covered basic DTV issues, and then went on extensively to
intermediate and advanced issues?<
See above.
Hope this helps,
Tim Liebe
Tim:
Thank you for your response. I will forward your comments on to the author, and
as I review the appropriate sections of the manuscript, I will make note of
your suggestions.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Keith
> beginners–or people that are just interested in toying with DTV–will
> not be interested in a book at that price
I think they would. This is me and I certainly would if it were good.
There is one dated 92 on the shelves but the content is extremely dated.
And too general. I think beyond theory the book must get into various
software and hardware specifics … and this is changing every 4-6 months.
I'm looking. Put one out there and I'll find it.
-jts
John:
Thanks for taking the time to reply. The book we are doing will be getting into
specifics indeed; I hope it will meet your needs.
Thanks for the help.
Regards,
Keith