Scribd - ebook and document sharing site

Scribd

Scribd is a web site that allows users to upload and download items such as scanned books, maps, research papers and original writing. In order to upload and download you must register which simply requires a valid email address. After registering you check email and confirm that you received the message by clicking the confirmation link. I can see this as a valuable resource not only for the curious but also those with serious writing intentions and collaborative efforts. As you explore, you can add documents to your favourites as well as comment on what others have uploaded.

The categories are pretty straightforward if you simply wish to explore. Click the link for Books and you can then define the variety you are interested in further by choosing non-fiction, education, health etc. If you wish to download entire document you may do so in one of two formats (pdf or plain text). Some items however are only avaiulble for online viewing and give no option to download. Also, I had one hiccup with the download process as several times I tried to download pdfs and received the error dialog "Expected dict object" and no doc to view or save. After a brief search online I discovered the solution is to close Adobe reader and browser and then open Adobe reader again and change a few options. Specifically you go to Edit/Preferences/Internet and uncheck the browser viewing and the fast viewing option. After that you will receive a standard save dialog for saving the pdf to your hard drive and not have to view in browser and save from there.

All in all, a valuable and interesting web site for those you love books and exploring for knowledge.