Programming Books - O'Reilly "Rough Cuts"?

Question

Guys sorry if his a little off topic but hopefully you guys still think its programming related. Anyone every buy a "rough cut" book on O'Reilly before? I'm kind of wanting to know you're experience whether positive or negative. Ive tried to google but haven't found munch. I'm interested in a couple of books: WCF book from Juval Lowy & Entity Framework 4 book from Julia Lerman.

Here is O'Reilly's description from their FAQ "Purchase the Rough Cuts online pre-publication version only This gives you access to the evolving manuscript through Safari Books Online. You can read the manuscript online or download it in PDF format. Once you've purchased a Rough Cuts title, you'll be able to check to see if any new material has been added by looking at the top of the Rough Cuts page. The Rough Cuts title will be available for reading, downloading, and commenting until 45 days after the print copy of the book is published. When you buy a Rough Cuts title, your credit card is charged immediately. (Note: once the manuscript is considered "final," you will only be able to make one complete content download.)"

Does this sound like you will be able to download the final version of he book as long as you get it within 45 days after its published? So this would allow you to maybe start reading the book early and get the final published version as a pdf and "rough cuts" prices actually seem cheaper than PDF prices for the books once they are published. Any downside to buying just the "Rough cuts" that you think of?

thanks, BR

Answer 1

One downside is that there may be mistakes in the early Rough Cuts, but I know (from personal experience) that O'Reilly's editorial/review process is very thorough.

Also, with leading edge technologies, the technology itself may change slightly during the book writing process, but that is not usually a showstopper.

Answer 2

The downside is that if you prefer to read the printed page, it's going to be a lot more work on your part. As pointed out by other answers, early versions may include errors or text that may be revised before the final release of the book.

For what it's worth, I have bought both O'Reilly and Manning "pre-release" books and gotten tremendous value from them.

Although reviewers considered Juval Lowy's WCF book a bit dry, it is probably one of the most through pre-.NET 3.5 book on the topic. I can't comment on the EF book. Well I can, but it would be along the lines of "use NHibernate." :^)

Answer 3

I just did this. So I know the answer.

If you buy the PDF version of the Rough Cut, you do get the final book in PDF format. And you have 45 days after the book publishes to grab it before your access ends. It was pretty straightforward and overall it was a good experience.