FAQ alt.binaries.e-book.msreader

The HTML version of this FAQ can be found at http://www.villines.com/Files/msrfaq.htm .
The Web archive of this FAQ can be found at http://www.villines.com/Files/msrfaq.txt .

CHARTER

alt.binaries.e-book.msreader is an unmoderated newsgroup for exchanging e-books in the Microsoft Reader (.lit) format. The newsgroup 
is intended only for the exchange of e-books (specifically: posts requesting e-books and posts with e-books attached).

No other type of binary file (including - but not limited to - MP3's,images, software, word-processing documents,  or files 
in other e-book reader formats) should be submitted to this group.

Off-topic, spam and advertising posts are not permitted. Discussion of hacks, cracks, warez, serial numbers or the illegal exchange of 
copyrighted material is banned.

Users are encouraged to submit large or illustrated e-books in a compressed-file format (either ZIP or RAR).


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a .lit file?

A .lit file is a file written in the MS Reader format.  It can be read by the Microsoft Reader software, which is available for several platforms and can be downloaded here: http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/default.asp .

You can use MS Word convert your own documents into the MS Reader format by using the add-in found here: http://www.microsoft.com/reader/developers/downloads/rmr.asp .


2. What is a .zip file?

A .zip file is a compressed file.  It contains one or more files that have been packed together to save space and bandwidth.  Before you can access its contents, the zip file must be opened with decompression software and saved in a new location.  WinZip is a popular decompression program, and can be found here: http://www.winzip.com/ .


3. What is a .rar file?

A .rar file is a compressed file.  It contains one or more files that have been packed together to save space and bandwidth.  Before you can access its contents, the rar file must be opened with decompression software and saved in a new location.  WinRAR is a popular decompression program, and can be found here: http://www.rarlab.com/ .


4. Where can I post questions about installing or using the MS Reader software?

Since this newsgroup is only for requesting or sharing e-books, don't post them here.  You may want to try microsoft.public.reader or microsoft.public.reader.general .  You may want to also check here: http://www.microsoft.com/reader/info/tips/default.asp .


5. What should I name my .lit file?

People use a variety of systems for organizing their e-book libraries.  The "official" taxonomy for this newsgroup is:

	(series #) Title - Author

for example, a copy of William Shakespeare's "Shall I Compare Thee" (the 18th in his series of sonnets), should be titled:

	(Sonnets 18) Shall I Compare Thee - William Shakespeare.lit


This is the most efficient way to easily sort a large library of e-books, assuming that you create a separate sub-directory for each author. If a work is not part of a series, simply list the title then the author.  In addition, if a title begins with an article (a, an, or the), leave it off.  For example:

	Tempest - William Shakespeare.lit


6. What should I put in the body of my message when I attach my e-book?

Although it is not necessary, it is helpful if you provide the following (you can simply cut and paste what follows into your message, and then fill in the appropriate blanks):

	Title: 
	Author:
	Series:
	Volume Number:
	Original Publication Date:
	Edition:
	Language:
	Genre:


6. I bought an encrypted e-book.  Should I post it here?

Absolutely not!  That e-book is encrypted because it is copyrighted.


7. If the charter says not to send copyrighted material, why did I just see a copyrighted e-book get posted?

This is an unmoderated newsgroup, which means that users are self-policing.  Theoretically, a user can post anything they like to the newsgroup, which is why you should not download any file other than a .lit file from the newsgroup.  (If it's a .zip or .rar, make sure that - when uncompressed - the only file it contains is .lit .)  In addition, if your posession of the e-book violates the owner's copyright, or your local laws, in any way; do not download it!


8. Where else can I find public-domain e-books?

http://etext.virginia.edu/ebooks/ebooklist.html
http://www.gutenberg.net/catalog/world/search
http://www.baen.com/library/


9. Who owns or operates this newsgroup?

No one.  I wrote the initial proposal for the newsgroup because I noticed that it was hard to find e-books in the MS Reader format on Usenet.  Since I started the ball rolling, I decided to maintain a FAQ for the group as well.  Beyond that, I have absolutely no control of its content since it is an unmoderated newsgroup.


FAQ Last Updated Thursday, 22. July 2004
Maintained by C. Joshua Villines (forums@mylastname.com)