Does the world really need Vooks?
October 2nd, 2009 | 
Author: Vooks. It seems to be a trending topic in publishing circles today. A Vook is a book with embedded video as part of the narrative.
According to the website at vook.com
A vook is a new innovation in reading that blends a well-written book, high-quality video and the power of the Internet into a single, complete story.
You can read your book, watch videos that enhance the story and connect with authors and your friends through social media all on one screen, without switching between platforms.
Vooks are available in two formats: As a web-based application you can read on your computer and a mobile application for reading on the go. With the web-based application you don’t have to download programs or install software. Just open your favorite browser and start reading and watching in an exciting new way. You can also download and install the mobile applications through the Apple iTunes store and sync them with your Apple mobile device.
My first instinct was revulsion. When I pick up a book, at least a work of fiction, I seek to avoid all distractions and immerse myself in the words. Embedding distractions into the book is just wrong.
My second thought was that a Vook might be a perfect way to offer a how-to book. The last time I picked up a book on do-it-yourself plumbing, I actually wished there was video, or at least better images, to illustrate what the authors were telling me to do.
My final thought on Vooks for the day? Not all innovations are going to be good for all genres. Vooks could turn a steamy romance novel into a porno flick, and a thriller into a bad A-Team re-make. But if Ikea would offer Vooks for building their furniture in place of those strangely wordless instruction books, I’d be an instant convert.
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Bought Embassy. Am very intrigued w/ concept and it’s an interesting experience. Am admittedly fascinated by tech – and am reminded of general reaction to first iPod and first Kindle (have multiples of each).
It’s a new means of delivery and blurs some edges; but then it’s ok if the food on my plate touches each other. I like my peas in my mashed potatoes. People are sounding like their parents — and I’m older than most of them. OK: have to work on “vook”; there must be a better word!.
Embassy is a thriller made more so w/ the video inserts. It’s harder to tune out the scary bits w/ makes a very intense reaction. Good entertainment.
Am hearing such fuddy-duddy reactions w/o knowing how many have actually tried one. Am reader in many formats, each delivering own experience. Just had to speak up. YMMV.
@ShirleyD I’m glad to hear you liked Embassy. And while I too have multiple iPods and eBook readers, and tend to be an early adopter for most things, “vooks” simply just don’t match with how I enjoy fiction. I might be an anomaly. I often don’t even notice illustrations when they are in books I’m reading. I seem to hyper-focus on words.
That said, I love the idea of video instructions in how-to books… at least the ones that would benefit from that sort of live demonstration.
I think that Vooks are a great innovation for ebooks. Vooks would work well for self help books and children’s books. The video embedded in the narritive would make the book more entertaining for the reader.
Holy cow is this a great product!! I drooled over the first Kindle