Proposal for Amiga Books Archive

Minuous · 13 March 2002, 02:27

I have a suggestion for the Amiga community...we should set up an archive containing electronic versions (preferably AmigaGuide but also ASCII, HTML, PDF, etc.) of Amiga- and/or Commodore-related books and magazines. I'm quite surprised this hasn't been done already.

The justification is as follows: Manuals and other documentation need to be available for users and developers. Although things such as the Amiga Interactive Guide and the Amiga Books FAQ contain lists and/or photos of Amiga books they do not have the *contents* of such books and are thus of no use. Although there seems to be efforts underway to preserve other Amiga resources, eg. demos, advertisements, etc. there does not seem to be any coordinated effort to digitize and archive Amiga reference material, creating what could be called an "Amiga Library".

Given that these books are generally out of print there is no way for Amiga users to obtain these, whether in hard or soft format. Also being in electronic format has certain other advantages, eg. easy searching, potential for AmigaGuide conversion and thus hypertextual browsing, etc.

On my website I currently have 4 Amiga books for download: The Amiga User Interface Style Guide, the AmigaDOS Manual, the Amiga Programmer's Handbook (Exec chapter only), and OS3.9 "Das Buch" (The Book) (English and German versions) - well over 1000 pages worth. So these books can serve as the nucleus of the library. I have typed all of these in by hand for the benefit of the Amiga community, however I lack the time and books to continue to do this.

There are many other books which would be good to add to the library: eg. the Amiga Guru Book, the ARexx Cookbook, etc. in fact everything on the AIG and Amiga Books FAQ lists.

If someone has a scanner and would like to scan any of their books as images, and preferably OCR them too, this would be excellent.

What does the community think of this proposal?

Twistin'Ghost · 13 March 2002, 04:20

I think it's a great idea. I wish I had the time to contribute to it, but surely there are others who have the need to contribute but have no area from which to do so. This would be a good one for them.

Miggy2TheMax · 13 March 2002, 05:49

Quote:

Originally posted by Minuous
I have a suggestion for the Amiga community...we should set up an archive containing electronic versions (preferably AmigaGuide but also ASCII, HTML, PDF, etc.) of Amiga- and/or Commodore-related books and magazines. I'm quite surprised this hasn't been done already.

The justification is as follows: Manuals and other documentation need to be available for users and developers. Although things such as the Amiga Interactive Guide and the Amiga Books FAQ contain lists and/or photos of Amiga books they do not have the *contents* of such books and are thus of no use. Although there seems to be efforts underway to preserve other Amiga resources, eg. demos, advertisements, etc. there does not seem to be any coordinated effort to digitize and archive Amiga reference material, creating what could be called an "Amiga Library".

Given that these books are generally out of print there is no way for Amiga users to obtain these, whether in hard or soft format. Also being in electronic format has certain other advantages, eg. easy searching, potential for AmigaGuide conversion and thus hypertextual browsing, etc.

On my website I currently have 4 Amiga books for download: The Amiga User Interface Style Guide, the AmigaDOS Manual, the Amiga Programmer's Handbook (Exec chapter only), and OS3.9 "Das Buch" (The Book) (English and German versions) - well over 1000 pages worth. So these books can serve as the nucleus of the library. I have typed all of these in by hand for the benefit of the Amiga community, however I lack the time and books to continue to do this.

[snip]

You typed 1000 pages by hand?!?! You are a machine!!

Didn't OCR work?

Anyhow I think your idea is great, I hope it takes off. My collection of amiga books only extends to the books that came with the machine

Minuous · 13 March 2002, 05:52

Twistin'Ghost, I presume you mean that there's nowhere for them to upload their books to? For the time being they can upload them to the Zone, or email them directly to me.

Re. OCR: Yes, I did type it all in by hand: I don't have a scanner :-( Also it's generally a somewhat more accurate method than OCR. But I don't want to have to type another 1000 pages :-( Ever :-( Since I prefer to code than to type.

By the way OS3.9 "Das Buch" (The Book) isn't available in English. So the autotranslation at the site is the only English translation in existence. If someone wants to tidy up the English of it they are welcome to :-)

Kristian95 · 01 March 2008, 07:00

I know that I am "necroing" an old thread, but I think this initiative should be reconsidered and worked into being!! Especially since scanners are fairly inexpensive these days!!

I have access to a scanner at home but alas I have none of the amiga related books

Paul_s · 01 March 2008, 20:17

It's a shame Johnny5 isn't real. He could read a whole bookshop

Thalion · 01 March 2008, 22:22

Thats a great idea. I thought about it too. It would be nice to have the books in PDF format. If such a project is started i would be willing to scan my boosk in. I have a lot.Unfortunately i have only limited time so it would take really long.

Zetr0 · 01 March 2008, 23:33

I don't mind helping out with space

unlimmited webspace at ones service. I can create a full gallery submissions system on it, so people can add to the subs page and then its added to the full gallery / web portal thingy later

there are some restrictions, as some books may either be in print and or still under copyright, these would have to have express permission from the said owner before I could host them.

this would include software and hardware manuals. so once the IP is sorted out then it would be a walk in the park.

Kristian95 · 02 March 2008, 00:35

I'm wondering, for the Amiga User Manuals, who would we have to talk to about IP.... Amiga Inc ?? Hyperion ??? Who ???
I know Copyright has to be respected but I'd think it pretty silly if any company would ban the pdf'ing of old manuals, that are no longer printed or for that matter sold... maybe someone can enlighten me

As stated, I have access to a scanner but no books, I'd not mind scanning books.... I'm located in the bay area of California.

redblade · 06 March 2008, 06:03

Hey guys don't foget to Check the LSD docs as the have already got some of the manuals in Power Packed .txt format.

Don't want people reinventing the wheel here.

Oli_HD · 06 March 2008, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by redblade

Hey guys don't foget to Check the LSD docs as the have already got some of the manuals in Power Packed .txt format.

Don't want people reinventing the wheel here.

Same goes for the great "Mapping the Amiga" book which has been typed up and is available from programmersheaven.com

Thalion · 06 March 2008, 17:49

.txt format maybe good for teh beginning. But i would like to have all books scanned in. I thinks thats much better than just plain text. But as long as they are just available in that format its a good start.

Kristian95 · 06 March 2008, 18:36

I've got a copy of the A1200 User's guide and am currently working through the pdf to OCR the text... alas the original scan wasn't ocr'ed and therefore the text will not be as nice as if that had been done... but then again would it be ok to make that pdf publically available ??

JDunlap · 07 March 2008, 01:04

Some very good questions raised here. Who owns the IP for books published by Compute! and Abacus? Or did these companies simply go out of business?

Dimlow · 23 August 2008, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristian95

I've got a copy of the A1200 User's guide and am currently working through the pdf to OCR the text... alas the original scan wasn't ocr'ed and therefore the text will not be as nice as if that had been done... but then again would it be ok to make that pdf publically available ??

I just did this with the Workbench 3.0 Manual and posted it in the Zone

BippyM · 23 August 2008, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimlow

I just did this with the Workbench 3.0 Manual and posted it in the Zone

Which I have removed!

Treat Workbench Manuals the same as Workbench disks and Kickstart images please!!

musojon74 · 23 August 2008, 21:33

i have the book Arexx - your amiga's built in turbocharger. Is this of interest to anyone?

Dimlow · 23 August 2008, 21:57

ooops

bLAZER · 27 August 2008, 23:38

Well... if we can't put up a Workbench manual due to copyright we probably have to remove 80% of AMR aswell...

Graham Humphrey · 27 August 2008, 23:43

It's allowed now, we managed to convince Bippy it was alright

13 March 2002, 02:27	#1
Minuous Coder/webmaster/gamer Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Canberra/Australia Posts: 2,630	Proposal for Amiga Books Archive I have a suggestion for the Amiga community...we should set up an archive containing electronic versions (preferably AmigaGuide but also ASCII, HTML, PDF, etc.) of Amiga- and/or Commodore-related books and magazines. I'm quite surprised this hasn't been done already. The justification is as follows: Manuals and other documentation need to be available for users and developers. Although things such as the Amiga Interactive Guide and the Amiga Books FAQ contain lists and/or photos of Amiga books they do not have the contents of such books and are thus of no use. Although there seems to be efforts underway to preserve other Amiga resources, eg. demos, advertisements, etc. there does not seem to be any coordinated effort to digitize and archive Amiga reference material, creating what could be called an "Amiga Library". Given that these books are generally out of print there is no way for Amiga users to obtain these, whether in hard or soft format. Also being in electronic format has certain other advantages, eg. easy searching, potential for AmigaGuide conversion and thus hypertextual browsing, etc. On my website I currently have 4 Amiga books for download: The Amiga User Interface Style Guide, the AmigaDOS Manual, the Amiga Programmer's Handbook (Exec chapter only), and OS3.9 "Das Buch" (The Book) (English and German versions) - well over 1000 pages worth. So these books can serve as the nucleus of the library. I have typed all of these in by hand for the benefit of the Amiga community, however I lack the time and books to continue to do this. There are many other books which would be good to add to the library: eg. the Amiga Guru Book, the ARexx Cookbook, etc. in fact everything on the AIG and Amiga Books FAQ lists. If someone has a scanner and would like to scan any of their books as images, and preferably OCR them too, this would be excellent. What does the community think of this proposal?

13 March 2002, 05:52	#4
Minuous Coder/webmaster/gamer Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Canberra/Australia Posts: 2,630	Twistin'Ghost, I presume you mean that there's nowhere for them to upload their books to? For the time being they can upload them to the Zone, or email them directly to me. Re. OCR: Yes, I did type it all in by hand: I don't have a scanner :-( Also it's generally a somewhat more accurate method than OCR. But I don't want to have to type another 1000 pages :-( Ever :-( Since I prefer to code than to type. By the way OS3.9 "Das Buch" (The Book) isn't available in English. So the autotranslation at the site is the only English translation in existence. If someone wants to tidy up the English of it they are welcome to :-) Last edited by Minuous; 13 March 2002 at 05:59.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
f/s Amiga Amos Programming books / Disks / Easy Amos & other Books mega collection!	fitzsteve	MarketPlace	4	23 May 2012 04:35
Various Amiga Books	nellie	Amiga scene	0	05 October 2011 13:25
DiscreetFX submits proposal to acquire Amiga Inc. in the next 12 months	Pyromania	Amiga scene	221	17 May 2007 19:28
FOR SALE: near complete set of Abacus books & various other Amiga programming books	boing_1000	MarketPlace	21	06 December 2006 08:04
Proposal for "Amiga today" FAQ	Korodny	Amiga scene	21	09 March 2002 04:01

13 March 2002, 04:20	#2
Twistin'Ghost Give up the ghost Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: U$A Age: 33 Posts: 4,662	I think it's a great idea. I wish I had the time to contribute to it, but surely there are others who have the need to contribute but have no area from which to do so. This would be a good one for them.

01 March 2008, 07:00	#5
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	I know that I am "necroing" an old thread, but I think this initiative should be reconsidered and worked into being!! Especially since scanners are fairly inexpensive these days!! I have access to a scanner at home but alas I have none of the amiga related books

01 March 2008, 20:17	#6
Paul_s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amigaville Age: 46 Posts: 3,334	It's a shame Johnny5 isn't real. He could read a whole bookshop

01 March 2008, 22:22	#7
Thalion Amiga Collector Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Germany Age: 41 Posts: 679	Thats a great idea. I thought about it too. It would be nice to have the books in PDF format. If such a project is started i would be willing to scan my boosk in. I have a lot.Unfortunately i have only limited time so it would take really long.

01 March 2008, 23:33	#8
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	I don't mind helping out with space unlimmited webspace at ones service. I can create a full gallery submissions system on it, so people can add to the subs page and then its added to the full gallery / web portal thingy later there are some restrictions, as some books may either be in print and or still under copyright, these would have to have express permission from the said owner before I could host them. this would include software and hardware manuals. so once the IP is sorted out then it would be a walk in the park.

02 March 2008, 00:35	#9
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	I'm wondering, for the Amiga User Manuals, who would we have to talk to about IP.... Amiga Inc ?? Hyperion ??? Who ??? I know Copyright has to be respected but I'd think it pretty silly if any company would ban the pdf'ing of old manuals, that are no longer printed or for that matter sold... maybe someone can enlighten me As stated, I have access to a scanner but no books, I'd not mind scanning books.... I'm located in the bay area of California.

06 March 2008, 06:03	#10
redblade Zone Friend Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Middle Earth Age: 40 Posts: 2,127	Hey guys don't foget to Check the LSD docs as the have already got some of the manuals in Power Packed .txt format. Don't want people reinventing the wheel here.

06 March 2008, 17:49	#12
Thalion Amiga Collector Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Germany Age: 41 Posts: 679	.txt format maybe good for teh beginning. But i would like to have all books scanned in. I thinks thats much better than just plain text. But as long as they are just available in that format its a good start.

06 March 2008, 18:36	#13
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	I've got a copy of the A1200 User's guide and am currently working through the pdf to OCR the text... alas the original scan wasn't ocr'ed and therefore the text will not be as nice as if that had been done... but then again would it be ok to make that pdf publically available ??

07 March 2008, 01:04	#14
JDunlap Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Age: 50 Posts: 85	Some very good questions raised here. Who owns the IP for books published by Compute! and Abacus? Or did these companies simply go out of business?

23 August 2008, 21:33	#17
musojon74 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: The World Age: 50 Posts: 476	i have the book Arexx - your amiga's built in turbocharger. Is this of interest to anyone?

23 August 2008, 21:57	#18
Dimlow Likes to be thought of as Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kent,UK Age: 55 Posts: 529	ooops

27 August 2008, 23:38	#19
bLAZER Awesome to the max Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Gothenburg / Sweden Age: 47 Posts: 1,006	Well... if we can't put up a Workbench manual due to copyright we probably have to remove 80% of AMR aswell...

27 August 2008, 23:43	#20
Graham Humphrey Moderator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK Age: 37 Posts: 11,167	It's allowed now, we managed to convince Bippy it was alright

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)