Announcing (and hiring for!) our exciting new publication: vTextbook

[brenden]

Well, I'm thinking this project has a pretty minimal expenditure as far as content creation, with no printing required. Other than the cost if d ent recording material I can't think of any overhead, so (and correct me if I'm wrong, enwiabe), there would be relatively instantaneous profit after the first few subscribers.

If I were a business owner, I probably wouldn't offer any minimum amount. I think the normal system is appropriate. Besides, even if you made no profit, you're able to put it on your résumé and generally get your name out there in the community. I'll be putting my application in for English #noregrets

[LastOfUs]

Bandwidth will put a hole in your pocket. Without trying to negatively criticise, I believe you could have been more innovative with the name but that is just me!

[greenbeans]

Would love to do ELang if the numbers were there. Video certainly has the ability to make the content x1000 more interesting.

[availn]

Well, I'm thinking this project has a pretty minimal expenditure as far as content creation, with no printing required. Other than the cost if d ent recording material I can't think of any overhead, so (and correct me if I'm wrong, enwiabe), there would be relatively instantaneous profit after the first few subscribers.

If I were a business owner, I probably wouldn't offer any minimum amount. I think the normal system is appropriate. Besides, even if you made no profit, you're able to put it on your résumé and generally get your name out there in the community. I'll be putting my application in for English #noregrets

Surely there is some sort of overhead, otherwise there would be no reason not to cater to subjects with fewer students.

[brenden]

Yeah, of course. I guess I meant, can't think of any sizeable overhead such as printing the books which costs nearly half of the sale price or more.

[enwiabe]

Just to get an understanding Daniel of how the content will be laid out. From my perception I'm guessing what you mean by the appropriate depth would a given section of dot point from the study design given in a video format?

Is this open to feedback because honestly I would have loaded a e-textbook/flashcard kind of design where I might log in to something very similar to the study design for that subject and perhaps break each dot point into a separate video.

E.G. Taken from the Psychology Study Design.

mechanism of memory formation:
– the neuron in memory formation including the role of axons, dendrites, synapses and
neurotransmitters
– role of the temporal lobe including the hippocampus and the amygdala
– consolidation theory
– memory decline over the lifespan
– amnesia resulting from brain trauma and neurodegenerative diseases including dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease

Would we expect something such as a series of short vidoes to discuss these dot points and then a multiple choice section after with video explanations?

Camo, you're very close to the mark. This is a pretty accurate depiction of what it will look like (missing a few things tho I won't divulge).

I'm seriously considering offering myself for Further, but I'm afraid that I'll invest a lot of time in this and then not get remunerated well because only a small number of students bought the product. My question is, would you be willing to offer a minimum payment for all contributors regardless of sales? Just as an example, we get paid $10 for each hour of content we make, which stands until the royalty exceeds this amount. I'm just a tad hesitant after what happened with a particular user and the study guides they wrote...

We understand that there is a certain level of risk in writing for us on a royalty-basis. That's a cost-benefit that you need to weigh for yourself. If you're uncomfortable with working for the summer before seeing profit (and are worried it won't be an amount you would be happy to have worked for) then that is a decision you need to make. I wish we could do advances, but we are just unable to do so.

[enwiabe]

Surely there is some sort of overhead, otherwise there would be no reason not to cater to subjects with fewer students.

Yep, there are some technology overheads and some marketing/legal/accounting expenses. Other than that, though, it's pretty lean. Bandwidth is a lot cheaper than it once was (to the person who mentioned it earlier).

[edwin]

I'd love to apply for Global Politics, as it is such a dynamic subject, the vTextbook really would be perfect for it. Would you consider creating an opening for it Daniel?

[achre]

I'd love to apply for Global Politics, as it is such a dynamic subject, the vTextbook really would be perfect for it. Would you consider creating an opening for it Daniel?

Seconded, if only for the fact that Global is such an insanely under-resourced subject for its size. (One textbook, no study guides)

[enwiabe]

I'd love to apply for Global Politics, as it is such a dynamic subject, the vTextbook really would be perfect for it. Would you consider creating an opening for it Daniel?

That would definitely be a second stage subject consideration. We are opening with a limited number of subjects for quality control because it's a huge project to manage. But we'll get around to smaller subjects for sure.

[Stevensmay]

Removed message due to confusion regarding issue.

Depending on my SS I would be interested in doing Physics if it gets added, with Alwin.

[Stevensmay]

This was just an idea I had.

Would there be any benefit to offering a premium support/answer service? Eg Assistance guaranteed within one/two hours?

Staffing wise this would be a nightmare so maybe not.

[thushan]

Hehe - that's what the forum is for.

[Stevensmay]

Hehe - that's what the forum is for.

Just with a few of the quieter subjects it can sometimes take a few days to receive a response.

[enwiabe]

Regarding the bandwidth issue. Recording onto and then posting a USB drive will set you back about $10. Most likely it will arrive to the AN office the next day, so it could be quicker than uploading also.

If the project is successful I'm sure you will easily recoup the $10 loss.

Depending on my SS I would be interested in doing Physics if it gets added, with Alwin.

There is no bandwidth issue! USBs by carrier pigeon would be cool, but I think broadband is the faster option. Regarding support/answer service, as Thushan said, this is what the forum is for. We will consider other options for quieter subjects after our first phase of content.