Many people seem unaware of the plethora of wonderful ebook sites available. I have purchased books from most of these places, and downloaded from all of them. Just because Amazon is the biggest, doesn't mean it is always the best. DRM: is Digital Rights Management, or copy protection. Books with DRM restrict where you can copy the book to and what devices can be used to read it. They are protecting the publisher and the writer, but this can make it cumbersome for readers and difficult to make backup copies. Three of these sites do not use DRM on their books so I always prefer to buy from them. Format: There are three basic formats: PDF, Kindle, and EPUB. Different readers may have trouble reading different formats so be sure and get the format that works for you. PDF is difficult because it does not adjust well to different sized readers.
Amazon's proprietary format is very difficult to read unless you use Amazon's Kindle readers, but they do make the software available for PC, Mac, Android and IOS. EPUB is the universal format (except for Amazon) that everyone else uses. Both the Kindle and EPUB formats work well regardless of the size of the device and both may or may not include DRM. Smashwords - Ebooks from independent authors and publishers - No DRM. Great place for newer authors. Baen Ebooks - For Science Fiction and fantasy. No DRM. Has not only Baen, but also many of the best SciFi and Fantasy publishing houses including Del Rey, Night Shade, Tor and many others. Google Bookstore: I try and avoid this one as they try and make you use their reader and it is hard to figure out where they are hiding my books. KoboBooks: This is a big one. Sony transferred their bookstore here and it is the primary place for the popular Kobo readers, but is good for any reader using the EPUB format. But hype aside, a good store. Project Gutenberg - Free Classics and other with expired copyright. No DRM. Many of these are poorly copied by people helping out as the scan their own old books on old scanners and then upload them. But sometimes you find a real gem. Yes I buy elsewhere when I can, but still I probably buy nearly half my books here. If you do get EPUB books with DRM, then you'll need to setup an account with Adobe and download and install their Ebook Library program called Adobe Digital Editions. Just like you'll need Amazon's Kindle program to manage DRM for Amazon books. The reading program I like best for Android is Aldiko and I use it for nearly all my reading. I transfer all my books into the Calibre Ebook management program so all my books can be managed from a single place. This post h as be en g ener ated wi th t he help of G SA C ontent Gene ra to r DEMO!
New York is the most visited city in the United States. Famous for its fashion, crazy nightlife, Ebooks incredible art scene, detailed museums, world-class restaurant scene, www.amazon.com/Author/stevenjroberts and top-notch theater productions, to me, New York City is the beating heart of the world - which is why I called it home for six years. Every culture, language, and food is represented here. You could spend a lifetime exploring the city and never really see it all. Unsurprisingly, there is a never-ending list of things to do here. No amount of time you spend in NYC will be enough so don’t worry about running out of things to do. Whatever you like, you can find it in NYC. But, as a budget traveler, visiting NYC can be tough, especially when you don’t know the hidden gems that make living here affordable. There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg - if you know where to look!
This travel guide to NYC can help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank! It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it spans over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around or having a picnic. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions here too. From the spring to the fall, there are free guided walks on Saturdays as well. Personally, I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine. If you want to take a guided tour around the park to learn more about the statues and sculptures, ponds, www.amazon.com/author/stevenjroberts parks, and famous filming sites, take a guided tour with Get Your Guide ($26 USD). On September 11th, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in NYC and elsewhere.
Visit the somber memorial and then take in the view from the new "Freedom Tower." On the elevator up, you can see pictures of the historical development of the city and how it’s changed over the years. To get a deeper understanding of 9/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum. It’s home to moving exhibits that illuminate the scope and significance of the tragedy. The memorial is free to visit; museum entry is $26 USD (free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm but tickets must be booked online). The Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. If you only see one museum in New York, make it this one. It has a wide array of art, artifacts, photographs, and free books other exhibits. I like its expansive Impressionist and Greek exhibits. It’s chaotic and filled with people, especially on the weekend, but since it is so big, you can usually find some quiet spots away from the crowds.
