The Worlds of Katherine Kurtz

FanFiction => Deryni Archives Fan E-Zine => Topic started by: DesertRose on August 31, 2015, 09:11:46 PM

Poll
Question: Would you like to see Deryni Archives as a downloadable PDF format, issued regularly (on a schedule yet to be determined)?
Option 1: Yes, and I'd be willing to pay a small fee (perhaps $1) for issues.
Option 2: Yes, but only if it were free.
Option 3: No, I'll read the fanfiction and view the fan art online.
Option 4: No, I don't read the fanfiction or view the fan art.
Option 5: Other, which I will post in comments.
Title: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on August 31, 2015, 09:11:46 PM
Okay, this poll came about after a discussion Evie and I had, into which we brought KK and Bynw.  The Deryni Archives fan zine seems to have gone inactive, and KK is going to email Julianne about turning over the zine to someone else (who will probably be Evie and me).

We were thinking to make a place on the static part of RhemuthCastle.com to host the magazine issues from where people could download a copy, should they want to read on their e-reader or print up a copy of a story.  The current thought is to have each issue cost US$1, which money will go to server maintenance/hosting costs, and anything over the server costs to go to KK, but we wanted to get the community's opinions on this idea.  Stories will still be posted on RhemuthCastle.com in the Fanfic Archives section of the forum as well as being published in the downloadable zine, but several people have expressed an interest in a revived DA zine.

We are also discussing getting back issues of the already-published Deryni Archives zine and scanning them to host them as well, for those who don't have copies of the older issues.

The revived zine would contain fanfiction, fan art, fan music, and other sorts of creative endeavors in the Deryni universe made by fans, just as it has in the past.  It would just be in a downloadable PDF format rather than a physically printed and mailed publication.  KK is currently contemplating how much control she wants to have, but we will of course abide by her wishes in that regard.

So what do y'all think?  Chime in, please!  Comments are welcome in addition to your poll vote.  :D

(By the way, I have the poll results set up to only show results to people who have voted, so vote if you want to see.)

Thanks,
~DR
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Evie on August 31, 2015, 11:29:20 PM
Just a quick note to add that Julianne has been brought into the loop now (thank you, Katherine, for arranging that!), so if anyone has already submitted stories or other items to be considered for inclusion in Deryni Archives, rest assured these are not going to be lost in the aether somewhere if we end up transitioning to a downloadable PDF format. We're looking forward to coordinating our efforts to create a 'zine that will hopefully be more cost-effective and easier to produce and distribute, if this plan meets with the forum's approval. :) One thing DesertRose has already said but that I want to reiterate is that this is not meant to replace our current fanfic board, but it would supplement it. After all, PDFs (if that's what we end up going with; that discussion is still ongoing) have the advantage of being more easily downloaded and read offline, or even printed into hardcopy if desired.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Demercia on September 01, 2015, 01:07:16 AM
I think this is a good idea and would be happy to pay, but would need some help in working out how to do that from the UK
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on September 01, 2015, 01:23:38 AM
Demercia, this is still in the "how in heck do we do this?" planning stages, but I'm sure we'll make a way for non-USA fans to get the zine, should it go to a downloadable format.

It is looking like Julianne is interested in continuing her involvement with the Deryni Archives fan zine, but she seems to be keen to get some help compiling and formatting it, and she does appear to think that a digital format would be easier all around.

At this (very early) stage, from where I stand, it looks like Julianne and Evie will be the main compiling/editing people, formatting will fall to me (since I have the appropriate software and I actually enjoy formatting things like this), and hosting/site support will be Bynw's department.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Laurna on September 01, 2015, 03:24:23 AM
I think this is a good idea to put on the main web pages and not on the forum. I think each issue should have a free short teaser that can be read like a blog space with option for a full pdf issue payable by download. I would really love to see the back issues posted too.

Most import, in my mind, is KK's involvement. I know she has many plans in the works, but if the stuff in the DA has her stamp of approval, that would make the items there all the more interesting to read.  And I think many more people will jump in  to get a copy.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: revanne on September 01, 2015, 03:40:15 AM
I would be very keen to see this - coming from the UK I had sort of given up on the idea that I might be able to get hold of any of the Archives at any reasonable cost. Am happy with any format etc that may be decided and am very grateful to all those involved for the idea.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Jerusha on September 01, 2015, 05:57:01 AM
I would love to see the Archives revived, and if KK can keep a bit of involvement in it, it would be nice to know these are stories she has read and approved/enjoyed.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Elkhound on September 01, 2015, 08:40:22 AM
I prefer to read off page than off screen.  If it were available as a PDF, I could download it to a thumb drive, take it to Kinko's, and have it printed and ringbound.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Evie on September 01, 2015, 08:43:51 AM
I am pretty sure it could be set up to allow payments from overseas, given that the current Forum donations are handled via Paypal, which handles overseas transactions, and my guess is that Paypal would be the most practical way to do this sort of payment as well. If keeping up with currency conversion rates is a worry, maybe a "$1 suggested donation" or "$1 minimum donation" charge might work, so if someone overseas didn't want to fuss with working out the exact amount, they could just donate something in that ballpark.  Or more, even. I doubt Bynw is going to be too upset with people making bigger donations to help keep the website running, after all.  :D I just don't think people should feel obligated to pay a ton of money for an electronic publication, since there's no dead tree tax to pile on top of the "Thanks for hosting this forum" cost.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on September 01, 2015, 11:32:01 AM
Julianne appears to have a good collection of back issues, so the old issues being made available in downloadable format is a distinct possibility.

Thank you, everybody who's voted so far, for chiming in!  I really did want to see what the fan community thought of this idea.  :)
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: revanne on September 01, 2015, 12:10:23 PM
Quote from: Evie on September 01, 2015, 08:43:51 AM
I am pretty sure it could be set up to allow payments from overseas, given that the current Forum donations are handled via Paypal, which handles overseas transactions, and my guess is that Paypal would be the most practical way to do this sort of payment as well. If keeping up with currency conversion rates is a worry, maybe a "$1 suggested donation" or "$1 minimum donation" charge might work, so if someone overseas didn't want to fuss with working out the exact amount, they could just donate something in that ballpark.  Or more, even. I doubt Bynw is going to be too upset with people making bigger donations to help keep the website running, after all.  :D I just don't think people should feel obligated to pay a ton of money for an electronic publication, since there's no dead tree tax to pile on top of the "Thanks for hosting this forum" cost.

Given that £1 is a greater amount than $1 I simply assumed I would pay £1 and use the difference as a donation. Of course if I buy too many copies it may mean that if any of you ever manage to make it over here you might have to have jam or cream on your scones rather than jam and cream ;)

More seriously I've never had a problem using paypal to make donations - I pay in pounds, the site receives in dollars.

Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Chordata on September 01, 2015, 05:10:24 PM
Would love to see both the back issues along with a revival of the magazine in an e format.  More than happy to pay a $1 per issue, love getting "dinner and a show" for a contribution to the website ;)
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Aerlys on September 01, 2015, 10:12:09 PM
I think it's a terrific idea, and $1 donation is more than reasonable. How often I would purchase it for myself, however, I'm not really sure. My reading stack is sooooo backlogged! Still, I love the idea of its revival and having it available for when I finally catch up.

I also think it's a great way to bring in more funding for server maintenance/hosting costs.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: NavaWazr on September 01, 2015, 10:48:43 PM
I'm happy to contribute.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: drakensis on September 02, 2015, 03:05:02 AM
I'd be in favour although probably it'd be best to leave it separate from the forums.

I suppose an alternative might be publishing through Kindle but I've no idea how that'd work.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Elkhound on September 02, 2015, 07:37:12 AM
Quote from: drakensis on September 02, 2015, 03:05:02 AM
I suppose an alternative might be publishing through Kindle but I've no idea how that'd work.

Not all of us have Kindles.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on September 02, 2015, 08:40:36 AM
Quote from: drakensis on September 02, 2015, 03:05:02 AM
I'd be in favour although probably it'd be best to leave it separate from the forums.

I suppose an alternative might be publishing through Kindle but I've no idea how that'd work.

You can read PDF files on a Kindle device or app, I believe, and we're looking at making the zine in probably PDF format.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Evie on September 02, 2015, 09:05:43 AM
Quote from: DesertRose on September 02, 2015, 08:40:36 AM
Quote from: drakensis on September 02, 2015, 03:05:02 AM
I'd be in favour although probably it'd be best to leave it separate from the forums.

I suppose an alternative might be publishing through Kindle but I've no idea how that'd work.

You can read PDF files on a Kindle device or app, I believe, and we're looking at making the zine in probably PDF format.

Yes, while it is possible to save files in .mobi format to be read on a Kindle or one of the Kindle apps for phones, tablets, or PCs, those files would not be printable. (And as someone who has a Kindle, sometimes there can be issues with getting .mobi files onto a Kindle unless you download directly from Amazon, even if one has read the directions. I'm not sure how one would access the files if one only had a Kindle app on some other device.) The advantage to PDF is that people can choose to read the files on any device that can read that format (and nowadays that is nearly everything, including e-readers, although one might need to download one of the various PDF readers to do so on some devices, but those are normally free), and also can print the file or pages from it if they would prefer to read hardcopies offline, or collect them in a binder as Elkhound mentioned earlier. I would hate to have someone unable to access the stories just because they have the misfortune of owning a Nook e-reader rather than a Kindle, or to be stuck having to read them at a desktop computer because that's the only device they have that has a Kindle app on it.

The other advantage to converting to PDF is that the current versions of Word software will allow a straightforward conversion from .doc or .rtf to PDF, thus saving us the trouble of having to find something that will convert such files to Kindle's .mobi format.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: revanne on September 02, 2015, 09:44:53 AM
And there are some issues with Amazon U.K. - for instance I cannot access any of the Kindle editions of the Deryni series through Amazon U.K., neither will Amazon.com allow me to access them (it just tells me - use Amazon.co.uk and takes no notice whatsoever of my despairing cries). PDF would seem the best way forward to me although I am very aware that it will be a lot of work for Evie, Desert Rose and Julienne.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Laurna on September 02, 2015, 12:11:46 PM
Downloadable PDF from the main forum web site is likely the easiest for the viewer; I use them all the time when reviewing dog show programs.  Going Amazon/ Kindle does offer a wider audience.

I am sure Bynw keeps the guest stats, but from my observations we only have a few dozen regulars/viewerees on this site daily. The forum currently has 586 members.  And I have seen between 36 and 55 individual IPS address visit the forum daily(that would be guests and members combined.) Now of those, I think about 24 are google search engines and what not, as there are always 24 hits at the midnight hour. That leaves about a dozen to two dozen true IPS address, of which a few may be duplicated by a single person using more than one device to view the forum throughout the day. I personally have two: my desktop and my laptop. So, regardless of how many hits a single topic may get these days (500-1500), I am not convinced that there are more than, say 50 true people who read those topics in the week. If half those people donate a dollar for the PDF. Would that be enough to make the project viable. Going with Kindle might up the viewership greatly, but then again it might not.
Also consider whether, for copyright purposes, a person should be a member of the site or if anyone can download it with the donation.

I am all for this project, I am just trying to see what will get you the best readership.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Evie on September 02, 2015, 05:17:33 PM
I know we have some folks who lurk and read but never post--I've met at least one and am Facebook friends with another--but I don't know how many of those lurkers we have out there, since they just lurk and don't speak up.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Chordata on September 02, 2015, 07:36:30 PM
Was there a most favorite edition of Deryni Archives ?  If so, why not just try posting that one via the forum to see what kind of response you receive both from registered regulars and lurkers (as one who is just stepping out of the lurking shadows  :)
Or is it too much work to set up that way to just do a trial run?
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on September 02, 2015, 08:24:14 PM
That's a good idea, Chordata.  I'd have to ask Julianne what was the best-selling issue (of the back issues), and see about that.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: lenni on November 15, 2015, 11:20:47 PM
I would LOVE to see electronic versions (PDFs or whatevers) of both the old Deryni Archive and new editions. I would certainly pitch in money for them. $1 is certainly affordable. I would suggest (as have others) that these be offered on the Web site.

Lenni
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on November 15, 2015, 11:25:09 PM
Like as not, future editions of DAtZ will be PDF downloads that will be available via the static site, and when an issue gets published, we will make an announcement here on the forum.  :)

We're working on it!
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: lenni on December 21, 2016, 01:50:48 PM
Although I'm late to this party (and a lurker), I'd LOVE to be able to get issues of "Deryni Archives" (new and old) electronically! I would certainly be willing to pay more than $1 for each issue. PDF works for me.

Lenni
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: JediMatt1000 on September 14, 2019, 12:27:26 PM
I'd be happy to pay a small fee for this. I'd love to be able to receive The Deryni Archives electronically!
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DerynifanK on September 14, 2019, 04:45:20 PM
I am all in favor of making the archives available and pdf is fine. I had asked some time ago about the possibility of making fanfic stories available in pdf so they could be downloaded. I realize that it requires permission of the authors but I thought it would have 2 advantages. One it would help insure that the stories don't disappear if there is a server problem (a fear of mine since I love them). Two it could be source of income that could be used to support server maintenance.  I have no problem with paying a small fee for the archive issues and perhaps more for any of the fanfic that might be made available in this format..
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DoctorM on September 14, 2019, 05:00:51 PM
I'd love to see the Archives (old and new) available online. PDF is fine!
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Kareina on September 16, 2019, 03:46:25 AM
I would pay for pdfs of the ones I didn't get in paper.  Heck, I might be willing to pay for pdfs, or better e-reader friendly format, of the full set, since these days I read more on screen than in paper.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Marilyn on September 17, 2019, 09:04:39 PM
I still have the set of Deryni Archives in paper that I'm willing to donate to anyone who'd pay the postage, probably around $15 by Priority Express Mail.  I have volumes 1-14.  If anyone is near Scottsdale, AZ, I could arrange to meet them and deliver the Archives instead.  I'm still trying to downsize and get rid of "stuff."
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Bynw on September 18, 2019, 07:29:04 AM
Quote from: Marilyn on September 17, 2019, 09:04:39 PM
I still have the set of Deryni Archives in paper that I'm willing to donate to anyone who'd pay the postage, probably around $15 by Priority Express Mail.  I have volumes 1-14.  If anyone is near Scottsdale, AZ, I could arrange to meet them and deliver the Archives instead.  I'm still trying to downsize and get rid of "stuff."

I'll take them @Marilyn that way I will be able to digitize them anyway.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: JediMatt1000 on September 18, 2019, 10:07:44 PM
I don't mean to cause any problems by asking this particular question; but if there is a way to put the Archives into ebook/pdf format; would there maybe also be a way we could do something similar with the Codex? I would be willing to donate a small fee for this too, if this is something others would be interested in.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: DesertRose on September 18, 2019, 10:35:50 PM
Quote from: JediMatt1000 on September 18, 2019, 10:07:44 PM
I don't mean to cause any problems by asking this particular question; but if there is a way to put the Archives into ebook/pdf format; would there maybe also be a way we could do something similar with the Codex? I would be willing to donate a small fee for this too, if this is something others would be interested in.

The Archives fan zine being scanned to PDF or otherwise recreated in an electronic format is a completely different venture from creating an e-edition of Codex Derynianus, because the former is a series of collections of fan-created works (mostly; I think there were a few KK-penned stories and she definitely participated in the curation and creation of the fan zine), while Codex is an official, (mostly) canonical, published book.

I know I personally would dearly love to have an e-edition of Codex, but without KK's blessing (and probably also the permission and/or participation of Penguin Random House, her publisher), doing it ourselves would almost certainly infringe copyright law.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Marilyn on September 19, 2019, 02:58:48 AM
I'm very new at this website and am not sure who said they would take the 14 Archives volumes.  If you want me to mail them, I'll need your name and address.  If you are local (near me) then we need to arrange where and when to meet.  If it would be easier, you could email me at mpoppe at cox dot net to make arrangements.  I'll be glad to see them find a happy home.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Kareina on September 20, 2019, 05:00:57 AM
Quote from: DesertRose on September 18, 2019, 10:35:50 PM

I know I personally would dearly love to have an e-edition of Codex, but without KK's blessing (and probably also the permission and/or participation of Penguin Random House, her publisher), doing it ourselves would almost certainly infringe copyright law.

However, if we could demonstrate to the publisher that there is a market for an ebook of the  Codex it would increase the odds of that happening.  Having all of that data available in a searchable format would be very, very helpful when one has a question from the books.  Perhaps they could be convinced to do a second edition in electronic format, with data from the more recent books added. I would happily pay for such a thing.  As I understand it, the original  Codex was done by someone else doing much of the work with KK's supervision and final say. If any of you happen to have the time, energy and appropriate skill sets to take charge of transforming and expanding it to make it electronic (I don't) I encourage you to approach KK and her publisher with a proposal.  :-)
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: JediMatt1000 on September 21, 2019, 02:52:14 PM
I would be happy with this idea, but wonder how KK might feel about it. I'd be happy to put some of my money behind this idea, as well as time, to see what I could do.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Bynw on October 02, 2019, 03:31:50 PM
I want to thank Marilyn here on the forums as well for the copies of Deryni Archives. They arrived today in the mail.

Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: Marilyn on October 03, 2019, 03:22:36 AM
I'm glad to hear they arrived safely.  One never quite knows with media mail.
Title: Re: Should we make Deryni Archives available as an online download?
Post by: glennd on May 20, 2020, 05:27:39 PM
I don't have copies of the magazine but if I can fix that I'd be happy to help with the scanning and conversion to e-texts.    :)