*openmargin brings 'the full spectrum of thought' within the book
E-reader for iPad lets readers explore the personal notes of like-minded readers
Info
Amsterdam, The Netherlands | Published on: October 28, 2011
Social media pitch
The @openmargin iPad app for public note-taking brings the 'full spectrum of thought' within the book. http://pressdoc.com/p/000ndt
Summary
Today, *openmargin announced the public launch of their e-reading platform: a website and iPad application allowing readers to exchange notes around the pages they are reading, essentially turning the book into a community. *openmargin allows readers to publish their notes and to see the notes other people left right inside the book itself. Thereby enabling meaningful conversations with potentially anyone around globe about the specific subject the reader is interested in.
Details
Launch date: Friday, October 28th 10:00 AM PDT.
After announcing their private beta earlier this year at The Next Web Conference the platform is now open to the public allowing anyone to download their iPad application from the App Store.
The name *openmargin points to the blank space surrounding a text. A space that's traditionally used by readers to write down their personal thoughts. As of today, this margin is open for all the readers of the same book. A note that's published inside the openmargin is left for other readers to find. *openmargin wants to capture the full spectrum of thought within the book itself, by asking readers to contribute their personal notes.
iPad app
The *openmargin platform consists of an elegant e-reader for the iPad where users can import their existing books. Currently, only DRM-free ePub files are supported which can be added to the app by syncing with iTunes or via the Dropbox integration making it extremely easy to wirelessly add new books. Once a book is imported *openmargin will automatically connect the user to other readers of the same book.
Website
Every note that is made inside *openmargin is pushed to the user's online profile as well (example) making the webplatform a place to explore the people behind the notes through profiles visualizing the reader's journey throughout the book.
Unlike traditional social networks *openmargin doesn't have an option to explicitly follow users, but instead generates an implicit network based on a reader's activity. Users will discover like-minded readers and new books based on personal interests and behavior rather than existing relationships.
New generation of authors
*openmargin believes a new generation of authors is on the rise. They connect with their readers through blogs, social networks and self-publishing platforms. *openmargin wants to give authors the tools to connect with their community, right inside the book.
Founders
*openmargin was founded by Ruth Koppenol (creative producer), Marc Köhlbrugge (co-founder of PressDoc), Joep Kuijper (innovator at new shoes today) and supported by Martijn Walraven (software developer). The Dutch startup is currently growing, adding Fabian Markaban (software developer) and Carlo Markaban (business strategist) to the mix.
Launch
To celebrate the launch of their platform *openmargin is bundling three free books with their application; Remix, Creation Today and Networking Awesomely. The openmargin.com platform and the iPad application are available today.
After announcing their private beta earlier this year at The Next Web Conference the platform is now open to the public allowing anyone to download their iPad application from the App Store.
The name *openmargin points to the blank space surrounding a text. A space that's traditionally used by readers to write down their personal thoughts. As of today, this margin is open for all the readers of the same book. A note that's published inside the openmargin is left for other readers to find. *openmargin wants to capture the full spectrum of thought within the book itself, by asking readers to contribute their personal notes.
iPad app
The *openmargin platform consists of an elegant e-reader for the iPad where users can import their existing books. Currently, only DRM-free ePub files are supported which can be added to the app by syncing with iTunes or via the Dropbox integration making it extremely easy to wirelessly add new books. Once a book is imported *openmargin will automatically connect the user to other readers of the same book.
Website
Every note that is made inside *openmargin is pushed to the user's online profile as well (example) making the webplatform a place to explore the people behind the notes through profiles visualizing the reader's journey throughout the book.
Unlike traditional social networks *openmargin doesn't have an option to explicitly follow users, but instead generates an implicit network based on a reader's activity. Users will discover like-minded readers and new books based on personal interests and behavior rather than existing relationships.
New generation of authors
*openmargin believes a new generation of authors is on the rise. They connect with their readers through blogs, social networks and self-publishing platforms. *openmargin wants to give authors the tools to connect with their community, right inside the book.
Founders
*openmargin was founded by Ruth Koppenol (creative producer), Marc Köhlbrugge (co-founder of PressDoc), Joep Kuijper (innovator at new shoes today) and supported by Martijn Walraven (software developer). The Dutch startup is currently growing, adding Fabian Markaban (software developer) and Carlo Markaban (business strategist) to the mix.
Launch
To celebrate the launch of their platform *openmargin is bundling three free books with their application; Remix, Creation Today and Networking Awesomely. The openmargin.com platform and the iPad application are available today.
Relevant links
Quotes
The publishing industry is undergoing a radical shift, and those who are able to provide additional incentive to purchase ebooks will be the companies and authors left standing when the dust has settled. To me, *openmargin represents and leap forward in what an ebook can be, and I believe it's laying the groundwork for a a new generation of digital media.
— Colin Wright - Ebookling
Until now, the e-book is approached as a paperless book, possibly with the addition of image and sound. It becomes really interesting when we approach the e-book as a new medium with radical technological possibilities. *openmargin makes a promising start and Maven Publishing is happy to cooperate.
— Sander Ruys - Maven Publishing
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Joep Kuijper
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