Is this feature do-able in small/DIY projects?

angharad09 · 08-21-2020, 11:22 AM

You know how in a commercially produced ebook (from Amazon, at least -- not sure if Nook/Kobo/etc. do the same), when you copy/paste some text, it pastes not only the text you copied but also a complete source citation to the book you're copying from?

I'm curious whether that feature is reproducible in a small, low-budget, DIY project. I'm guessing the answer might be "no" (since I haven't found any mention of it in discussions focused on indie writers/producers), but I thought it was worth asking. If it is available, I'm sure someone here will have heard of it. On the other hand, if someone can rule it out (e.g. because it requires highly advanced skills or expensive tech), that would be useful to know, too.

I'm sure we could debate the pros and cons of this feature till the cows come home, but I'm just interested in knowing if it's do-able and what it would take.

Thanks!

Turtle91 · 08-21-2020, 03:43 PM

I don't think this depends on whether the ebook is "commercially produced" or not. It depends on the software you are using to view/copy/paste.

For example, the Reading app I use on iOS, Marvin, allows you to "Copy+" or "Textshot".
Copy+ copies the highlighted section and allows you to add placeholders to the command line. You could add things like: title, author, chapter, definitions etc. Then you can paste all that info into another app.
Textshot creates a quote of the selected text + title, author, chapter info in the form of an image which can be pasted into another app.

Since Marvin is able to do this, then the answer to your question is "yes, it is possible". The real question is does the software/device you are using support that functionality.

Quoth · 08-22-2020, 04:23 PM

And in general the worst is the Nook followed by Amazon's eink Kindle.
The Sony PRS350 needs a windows program.
The Kobo eink can have an extra menu item enabled in the config file. Then you can export a text file per book. The Kindle puts it all in myclippings.txt.

Best on eink is the Kobo Utilities on Calibre. It's per book and you get the selected source, the location chapter name and book % and the note, if there is one.

What you mention is nothing to do with a book on a real ereader. It's the application on a phone, tablet, Mac or PC doing it.

08-21-2020, 11:22 AM	#1
angharad09 Enthusiast Posts: 30 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2011 Device: none	Is this feature do-able in small/DIY projects? You know how in a commercially produced ebook (from Amazon, at least -- not sure if Nook/Kobo/etc. do the same), when you copy/paste some text, it pastes not only the text you copied but also a complete source citation to the book you're copying from? I'm curious whether that feature is reproducible in a small, low-budget, DIY project. I'm guessing the answer might be "no" (since I haven't found any mention of it in discussions focused on indie writers/producers), but I thought it was worth asking. If it is available, I'm sure someone here will have heard of it. On the other hand, if someone can rule it out (e.g. because it requires highly advanced skills or expensive tech), that would be useful to know, too. I'm sure we could debate the pros and cons of this feature till the cows come home, but I'm just interested in knowing if it's do-able and what it would take. Thanks!

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08-21-2020, 03:43 PM	#2
Turtle91 A Hairy Wizard Posts: 3,119 Karma: 18727091 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charleston, SC today Device: iPhone 11/X/6/iPad 1,2,Air & Air Pro/Surface Pro/Kindle PW & Fire	I don't think this depends on whether the ebook is "commercially produced" or not. It depends on the software you are using to view/copy/paste. For example, the Reading app I use on iOS, Marvin, allows you to "Copy+" or "Textshot". Copy+ copies the highlighted section and allows you to add placeholders to the command line. You could add things like: title, author, chapter, definitions etc. Then you can paste all that info into another app. Textshot creates a quote of the selected text + title, author, chapter info in the form of an image which can be pasted into another app. Since Marvin is able to do this, then the answer to your question is "yes, it is possible". The real question is does the software/device you are using support that functionality.

08-22-2020, 04:23 PM	#3
Quoth the rook, bossing Never. Posts: 11,567 Karma: 87456643 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper11	And in general the worst is the Nook followed by Amazon's eink Kindle. The Sony PRS350 needs a windows program. The Kobo eink can have an extra menu item enabled in the config file. Then you can export a text file per book. The Kindle puts it all in myclippings.txt. Best on eink is the Kobo Utilities on Calibre. It's per book and you get the selected source, the location chapter name and book % and the note, if there is one. What you mention is nothing to do with a book on a real ereader. It's the application on a phone, tablet, Mac or PC doing it.