Pdf is a static document which never thrilled me as a means of conveying information considering the living power of the internet to make a web page come to life. Here's a way of making a multi-media or to use the phrase I coined m-book for free.....
If HTML is so Great, Why Not Use HTML?
For you total newbies, html is web page code. It stands fot hypertext markup language, Its grown so much over the years that it's now a cross platform multi-media system to convey anything from written text to the most popular television shows good on any language that any common computer can read from Mac to PC.
But Rick, Pdf is Cross Platform Too. I Can Use It On a Mac or Personal Computer
Absolutely! It does a great job with graphics too. Anything static that won't move or speak pdf does a great job. Now, if you want movies or even an animated gif, you have to click on a hyperlink which brings you where? To a web page!
Okay, But There's Already EXEs OUt There That Can Emulate a Web Page. Why Not Use EXEs
Once again for new folks. An executable ebook is an ebook in which all the graphics etc are compiled. Nothings wrong with them accept they are not Macintosh friendly. You may only use them for personal computers. EXEs, due to having to be compiled are usually bigger than pdfs, though a pdf with graphics can get pretty large as well. Once again though with an EXE we're closer to the power of the internet to present information in mutiple media formats including video.
I think the most interesting objection to EXEs I've heard yet was in a publishing group to which I belong. The poster stated
"I never download exe ebooks, too many contain viruses."
I then replied;
"Ummm, if you never download then how do you know so many contain viruses?"
I never received a response to this to my knowledge. All computers should contain virus software and antispyware. Even when you click a hyperlink in a pdf that web site could contain a virus or spyware. I believe the risks of finding an exe with a virus are just as small as a pdf with a bad link in it. It's a good rumor that can be started by any company which sells pdf software though.
Alright Rick, So What Is Your Idea?
My idea IS a form of html or web page code. It's called an HTA, which stands for hypertext application. It takes a web page, whether online in a frame or local into an executable, small, clickable application. Recently I've noticed, much like pdfs, htas are now a clickable link to open in some browsers and since some search engines can now read pdfs, I suggest placing your mbook in a compressed file such as zip.
Rick, What Are the Advantages of Using an HTA? Why Not Just Use Html?
The advantages of using an hta instead of html are some of the security issues are overridden. For example, if I choose to encrypt my book with javascript to give it some security, a local html would give you a security bar before showing. Your reader must be savy enough to at least click on the security bar to allow the information to show in text format. An hta overrides this so your reader doesn't have to do this. I know this seems like a basic skill, but never, ever, assume your reader has even the most basic computer skills. I've had to videos to teach my mom to copy and paste.
What Are Some of The Disadvantages fo Using An Hta Rick?
Since an hta is not compiled, you either have to store your graphics and videos in the zip file or you have to host them online. I personally opt for hosting them online on my own website. Why? A simple way of conveying updated information and reminders. If your readers are logged onto the internet already so they can see your graphics, a simple announcement page can be added as an iframe in your mbook. It's also very easy if you host your graphics on your website to update your graphics. New graphics and fresh content will keep readers opening your mbook.
An hta mbook must be a single page, unless you have it continue on web based pages or local web pages. I usually place a print button on top and a close button on the bottom to make it easier for readers.
Htas are specific to PCs only, but later in this article when I explain how to make. Simply do not complete the last step and send it to Mac users as an html. Once again the power of the internet regardless of the type of computer owned by your reader.
How DO I Make an Hta Rick?
Making an hta, in it's most basic format, couldn't be easier.
Make a local web page using any web editor you wish http://kirkhamsebooks.com/Marketing/MakeWebPage/
After you're done PC users right mouse click on your web page
Left mouse click on Open with
Left mouse click on notepad
Left mouse click on file
Left mouse click on Save as
Left mouse click to the right Save as type: at the pull down menu
Left mouse click on all files
Left mouse click inside the file name box. This should highlight your file
Now name your file My file name.hta
If you look at your file and a white box appears to the left you have successfully made your first hta file mbook! Now double click on it and notice the blue frame with the title to your mbook. Nice job I knew you could do it.
Htas are actually capable of doing a lot more than this, but this will give you the basic idea and possibly peak your interest.
Conclusion
In this 21st century of muti-media I look forward to watching ebooks evolve into multi-media presentations. There is a lot of power for presentations available using the internet. Why not take advantage of it?
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