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Google Docs Can Now Export EPUB (thestack.com)
An anonymous reader writes: The EPUB format is now available as an export option from Google Docs. Tests show that the feature can very accurately translate Word-style hyperlinked indexes into EPUB sidebar indices, offering the possibility of updating legacy documents to a more portable and open format. However, despite the completely open XML-based nature of the format, and how much better it handles text-reflow than PDF can, the paucity of easy-to-use editors — particularly in the mobile space — may mean that EPUB continues to be seen as a 'baked' format.
I certainly want to give all the documents I create to Google now! Before this, I wanted to keep them under my control on my own disk in my own computer, rather than transfer them to an advertising and mass surveillance company. But now, with EPUB supported, wow! I can't wait to give Google all the documents I create, along with all my email and records of all my search transactions!
... may mean that EPUB continues to be seen as a 'baked' format.
The original quote was ...
Because of this, the general perception of the EPUB-formatted e-book is that of a ‘baked and finished’ product, to be consumed rather than amended.
Which is a good perception in that it generally is. A better fit for novels and leisurely reading on a dedicated device. A lesser fit for anything technical or presentational. Every format has its niche.
I'm more curious about the unexplained description of it as a "baked" format.
Today, that means stoned, or to be quaint about it. High on Mary-joo-wanna.
I'm pretty surprised anyone would used that term other than for that or making a cake.
The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
PDF is not well suited to devices with small screens. EPUB, like classic HTML, can reflow, making it much better fit anything with a smaller screen.
The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
Perhaps this will spur the Libre/Open office (Apache foundation for openoffice) to add EPub export the way Firefox got tabs as a standard browser feature. It is useful for viewing on smaller devices and uses less memory than PDF (which is a memory hog for reading). Oh, and if anyone is interest, there is a local network installable open source Equivalent of Google Docs (for those who want to keep private information private called OnlyOffice. Of course they push the "enterprise" version but 1-5 users is free even for that and you can get the community version here:
https://onlyoffice.org/sources
No I don't work for them, Just think in this day and age where everyone collects info and everyone and/or charges subscription fees instead of flat fees, that sane and safe options be know to all who want a choice besides A( Office 360) or B( Google docs). "When you see a fork in the road, pick a 3rd path" - Neelix, Star Trek Voyager (I forget which episode)
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Einstein
Finished, unchangeable. As in, you can't change tthe recipe once it's been baked.
"... how much better [EPUB] handles text-reflow than PDF can..."
Since when can PDF reflow text?
While I suppose that being able to do it at all is "better" than "not at all", the use of a comparative such as "better" typically implies that there was something meaningful to compare in the first place.
</pedantry>
File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
Minor quibble: PDF is fine for small devices if generated/formatted for small devices, the issue is that the same PDF isn't fine for both small and large devices. As you say though, EPUB's ability to reflow means it can be better for a distributed product if you really don't care about different device sizes.
You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.