I am looking for the least expensive way to create a virtual magazine
online from a printed magazine where you can click to turn the pages
and it will have more of a real world effect than something like a
pdf.
http://email.videobusiness.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/enEh0EshmE0HFL0DJrx0Ao
That is exactly the look and feel I want but that is patented software
that will most likely be expensive. I would like all alternative
software and services to accomplish this.
We have a dedicated Linux server.

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Request for Question Clarification by leapinglizard-ga on 12 Apr 2005 10:31 PDT

Let me get this straight. You already have a printed magazine and you
want some automated process whereby it can be turned into an online
virtual magazine?

I'd also like to know whether you have the human resources to do
software development in-house, or whether you need a ready-made
software package that does the whole job save for menial tasks such as
scanning the pages.

leapinglizard

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Clarification of Question by stan30-ga on 13 Apr 2005 07:52 PDT

We have no programming human resources in house only page scanning
human resources in house.

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 13 Apr 2005 08:14 PDT

Hello-

Can you tell us what your budget is?

jbf777

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Clarification of Question by stan30-ga on 13 Apr 2005 13:33 PDT

As far as budget let's say for one magazine to be done a month that is
150 pages.  If a service outsources it per book then $500 per book.

If it is a piece of software that is a one time purchase then $2,000 .

Hi there,

I believe I found the perfect solution to meet your needs.  

I have sent out e-mails to programmers working at reputable web
design/application firms asking whether they are able to offer such
service and at what price.  Most of the replies indicated that they
were either unable to offer such a service, or would charge a price
much higher than the budget that you mentioned; however, I just
received one e-mail that I believe is what we've been looking for.

The following is an excerpt from the email I received (certain words
censored due to privacy policy) from the web design / programming firm
representative with a quote that meets your budget and guaranteeing
complete satisfaction with quality.

=========

Dear ------,

Thank you for your inquiry.  Yes, we are able to provide the service
you described in your email.  We have a fee structure based on the
number of pages that the magazine or journal has.  It appears your
client's periodical will lie within the 125pg to 175pg fee interval,
for $---.

In response to your question on how the quality will compare to the
example link, we are able to give the client the choice to include all
the features on that sample, and more, with customizability.  As well,
the animation/transition will be smoother and the design will be
customized to appropriately fit the product.

Also, please inform your client that we have a 100% satisfaction
guarantee policy in place.

I have no problem with the reply being posted on public domain, but
please do not post the quoted price or the direct personal email. 
Please ask the customer to email: johnwdesigns(a)gmail.com and I will
redirect him to my direct line, where we can discuss this matter
further.

=========


At this point, I recommend that you contact the representative
directly for additional information and arranging the service.
The email address is: johnwdesigns(a)gmail.com
(please replace the (a) with @ when sending the email) and I have let
him know that he will be hearing directly from you shortly.



I've also searched extensively for a software that may be able to do
this and I've encountered several issues with pre-made programs.
1. The viewers are required to download a special plug-in
This will likely significantly reduce the number of people who view
the virtual magazine because many online users are unwilling to
install programs made by obscure companies for security reasons

2. They are missing key features
Because they were made with different purpose in mind, they do not
allow either animation or having links in the middle of the page (ie,
'continued on page 31')

My personal recommendation is to use a professional service, but if
you would like to pursue the software option, please let me know and I
will post the ones I have reviewed.



I hope this has helped.  If you require clarification on any part of
the answer, please let me know.

Cheers,
Tox-ga

What you want is DNL Reader.  You can get it for about US$150 and you
can create as many books as you want.  The address of it is
http://www.desktopauthor.com.

Best wishes,

Alan