G.I. Joe Modern Era Figure iBook Textbook

[Davestro]

I am currently working on an iBook Textbook that catalogues all the G.I. Joe "modern era/25th style" figures (much like the Bellomo book) using personal collection pics and pics from various sites (like our beloved Hisstank, YoJoe.com, Generals Joes.com, etc. - all credited for). This is still a work in progress and I am updating it on a daily basis.

I have been wanting to create a book that could serve as a checklist and as a multimedia guide to the modern era of Joe for some time now. It has definitely been a labor of love and I can't wait to share it with my fellow Joe bros.

I am currently using iBooks Author for the Mac. This allows each page to show photo slideshows, interactive photos (like blueprints), video (I have short 5-10 second clips from the Sunbow series and Resolute that show the character), and weblinks. The iBook can only be viewed on an iPad.

I am thinking of making this book available for FREE to everyone at this years's G.I. Joe Con in NOLA, which I will be attending (my second Joe Con besides Dallas). I am thinking of setting up shop in the lobby or other places with my MacBook and downloading it for anyone who wants it. Below is a draft screen shot of one of the figure pages for the A.V.A.C. Once I finalize it, I will publish and make available to other Tankers.

Let me know your thoughts about this - feedback and ideas are highly appreciated!

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg87/g3aredup/aa1697f8.jpg

[The L.O.C.]

Picture is not coming up on my iPad

Edit, working now

[fireflyguy]

I would LOVE a book like this. I have Bellamo's book on my iPad (Nook) and ive been wanting a 25th/ME encyclopedia. This would be awesome!

[fireflyguy]

Picture is not coming up on my iPad

Nor mine.

Edit: works now.

[ChaplainAsst]

It would be great to have filecards shown as well!

Edit: saw the image. nevermind.

[fireflyguy]

Sign me up!

[fireflyguy]

It would be great to have filecards shown as well!

Yeah, seconded. Fc's blueprints, maybe even some package/box art if available. How far will you go --- from 25th to 30th? Will accessories be shown as well?

[Davestro]

Image for the AVAC should be up.

For each character, I have tried to include the following:

-large picture of posed figure with gear on stand
-photo slideshows that include pics of 0-ring figure (if done), character filecard, comic pic (if done), carded and any other high res pics I can nab off the net
-blueprint style pic with description of vehicle (if figure is a driver or some sort)
-listing of variants
-short video clip from cartoon (Sunbow, Resolute, Renegades)
-short clip from ROC movie (still debating on doing these...LOL)

[fireflyguy]

Image for the AVAC should be up.

For each character, I have tried to include the following:

-large picture of posed figure with gear on stand
-photo slideshows that include pics of 0-ring figure (if done), character filecard, comic pic (if done), carded and any other high res pics I can nab off the net
-blueprint style pic with description of vehicle (if figure is a driver or some sort)
-listing of variants
-short video clip from cartoon (Sunbow, Resolute, Renegades)
-short clip from ROC movie (still debating on doing these...LOL)

This sounds great!

[Davestro]

I want it to be strictly modern era - 2007 up until the 1st wave of Retaliation. I would include pics of the O-ring figures the modern ones are based on, for nostalgia sake and to show just how far Joes have come in over 30 years.

[Davestro]

The key feature will be the checklist - trying to figure out how to have a checkbox on each figure's page and a list of all figures at the end for reference.

Regarding weapons and accessories, I think I will include a pic of everything the figure comes with and maybe a short description. Could do it as a widget so you can blow it up full screen for the really small stuff.

[sbartek1974]

Will this be an app that I can download onto my Android? That would be awesome!!!

[Jad]

What a terrific idea! I'll look forward to your progress.

[Davestro]

Will this be an app that I can download onto my Android? That would be awesome!!!

I can convert the book to an ePub document or a PDF, but you will miss out on the multimedia features (such as video). iBook Textbook is only viewable on iPad.

[fireflyguy]

I want it to be strictly modern era - 2007 up until the 1st wave of Retaliation. I would include pics of the O-ring figures the modern ones are based on, for nostalgia sake and to show just how far Joes have come in over 30 years.

This would so cool, sorta like a Past & Present. I'm on board!

[sbartek1974]

I can convert the book to an ePub document or a PDF, but you will miss out on the multimedia features (such as video). iBook Textbook is only viewable on iPad.

Damn it! Now you're gonna make me have to go out and purchase an iPad! :)

[The L.O.C.]

I'll be in line for this at con. What do I need to bring, just my iPad? Or my laptop as well?

[Starfighter]

I can't wait to check it out.

[Davestro]

Here is what the vehicle widget would like for driver pages - you spread it out full screen with two fingers and highlight the part of the vehicle to get a description. I'm taking info/names from the blueprints and including a few highlights - not all. I am toying with the idea of including scanned blueprints of the vehicles as well.

Page with photo slideshow (swipe left-right, spread with two fingers to go full screen).
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg87/g3aredup/bee0f734.jpg

Full Screen "Blueprint" page:
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg87/g3aredup/026d7b59.jpg

[Davestro]

I'm still trying to find the best avenue to "publish" the iBook. It's much too large to post (right now its hovering around 1.6 GB because of all the media) and am at about 137 pages in length. I have created each figure's page with a large posed image, a slideshow with filecard, card art and alternate pose/image and a few with a short video clip.

I can't publish it to the iTunes Bookstore (copyright), so the best workaround is to have my MacBook available and have everyone bring their iPads (perhaps on an appointment basis) to download it. If someone can think of a better idea, let me know. I can convert the iBook to a PDF file and can post that, but it does not include all the cool interactive features the iBook has on the iPad.

So, yeah...you would basically need to bring your iPad so I can download it there. This is the plan until I can figure another route for distribution.

It is made by a Joe fan...for Joe fans. Not for profit or gain, just sharing the love of the hobby in a new and exciting format outside of the internets.

[Money-B]

Will this be an app that I can download onto my Android? That would be awesome!!!

THIS for my Kindle.

I can convert the book to an ePub document or a PDF, but you will miss out on the multimedia features (such as video). iBook Textbook is only viewable on iPad.

Sgt. Humpty was able to put his eBook into several formats.
Maybe get in touch with him to see what's possible.

I love the idea and really hope to be able to get one when you are finished.

[Davestro]

I'm going to post a link to a short video of the iBook in action so everyone can see how it works. I will post it up on Sunday so everyone can see after I work on it a bit more.

[Steve T]

Do it, do it, do it, do it!! Sounds and looks awesome!

[Davestro]

Here is a quick video I shot to see it in action!

GI Joe IBook - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa9SLYI-e3s&feature=youtube_gdata_player)

[jscand]

That is amazing!!! I won't be at the con, but I would love to have a copy of that. The only way to distribute would probably be on a Rapid Share or Torrent type site.

Amazing work.

[Davestro]

I'm trying to figure out how to distribute it. It's a huge download at 1.6 GB (and more as I add more content).

I thought JoeCon would be a great venue to distribute it since many fans go room to room to trade, or hang out in the hotel lobby.

[ergozoom]

I don't own an iPad, but this looks like a great reason to get one... Good job.

[fireflyguy]

I can't go to con, so I hope you find a way to distribute this, because I am stoked for this! You have done an excellent job on this!

[lerath666]

any reason you can't simply post it to a file share, or put out a torrent for it?

or even do it as an app instead, and have it for free download in the appstore?

[Smitty2733]

How about that veterinarian? What was his name? Link Talbot?

He was probably so bored that when he finally got a patient, he probably talked his ears off.

"Sure, Mutt. Junkyard needs his annual fecal examine? Sure thing! I"ll go get the rubber gloves! Say, you seen any movies lately? Hey, what's Cover Girl up to? Hubba Hubba!"

[AirborneRigger]

That's very nice!

Also, iBooks will download to iTunes so it should be viewable through any computer that has iTunes downloaded.

[CobraOfficer999]

Egads!! That would be an excellent book.

[Starfighter]

I am bringing my iPad to the Convention.

[fireflyguy]

Any updates on this? I stated before that Im not gonna be able to go to convention, but I want this book something terrible.

[Davestro]

I can probably upload the book to a file share site for download. It's still a work in progress, but will have a draft to share while I'm at Joe Con (I arrive tomorrow night). So far it's 293 pages long with only 25th anniversary and exclusives!

I'll keep you posted.

[fireflyguy]

I can probably upload the book to a file share site for download. It's still a work in progress, but will have a draft to share while I'm at Joe Con (I arrive tomorrow night). So far it's 293 pages long with only 25th anniversary and exclusives!

I'll keep you posted.

Awesome! This is gonna be great!

[ilzuccone]

I can probably upload the book to a file share site for download. It's still a work in progress, but will have a draft to share while I'm at Joe Con (I arrive tomorrow night). So far it's 293 pages long with only 25th anniversary and exclusives!

I'll keep you posted.

man you're giving it away for free. This is a labor of love. can't wait to get the work in progress. I'll buy the finished product when it's done.

you're a stud.