So tomorrow I start my new job, and I have to say, I'm very excited, very anxious to get started, and very relieved to be going back to publishing. But no matter how new and different tomorrow will be for me, today is still Sunday, and that means it's time for a link here on Exfanding.
Today I have something from PC World, concerning the iPad and its possible effect on comics retailers. Included in the article is also an embedded video walkthrough of Marvel's new reading app for the device.
The article is right here, and while it's not the most in-depth article on the subject, I think it's important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, and obviously, it's a non-comics site bringing up the possible ramifications to retailers in a very niche market.
It's always good to see someone sticking up for our retailers.
And secondly, the video showcases the Marvel app, and it's the first time I've actually seen how it works. As I suspected, it looks amazing and fun and from all accounts it appears to be a great alternative to paper comics.
Ahhh, what a wonderful crisis of conscience it presents.
Only adding to my crisis is that fact that on Friday, I was at a local mall, and I finally had the opportunity to check out the iPad at the Apple store. Now, sure, I'm easily impressed by the new shiny, but wow, is this new and shiny. And I mean, new and shiny, like I've never seen new and shiny before.
It's an awesome little device, fun to play with, it's fluid, the screen is incredibly sharp, the streaming video rocks, and browsing the Internet is just flat-out cool. Still, if I do plan to take the plunge, I'll wait for the second (or possibly third) generation device to ship.
Of course, that Marvel app does make it especially enticing.
If I do end up making the decision to buy the iPad, then my next decision will be to buy the Marvel app or not. Will my steadfast support of comics retailers remain...uh...steadfast? Or will I cave to the technological age?
Stay tuned, Exfanding Fanatics. Stay tuned.
2 comments:
One thing that might help draw people with iPads to stores is if stores had, say, wifi-enabled kiosks that offered other comic-related content, such as videos, interviews, tutorials, previews, and shipping schedules. Then people would have a reason to go to stores and hang out even if they have iPads and no interest in paper comics -- sort of like Nintendo's NDS kiosks.
Also, if any of the tabletop gaming ideas for the iPad come to fruition, having a bunch of people in a comic store with iPads could turn out to be a chance for a fun tabletop experience.
I completely agree--that would be great. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening. One thing about comics shops, they don't like change.
Which is why I really think the iPad/whatever comes after it may actually be a death blow to a large number of shops.
Ugh.
I hope not...
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