The Amazon Experiment Ends with This Third Edition (June 20, 2019, Now Fifth Edition)—The E-Book AutoHotkey Tricks You Ought to Do with Windows Free from Now On!
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Update November 21, 2016: This edition of AutoHotkey Tricks is now superseded by the Fourth Edition available for download at the ComputorEdge Free Book Page.
Update November 10, 2017: This edition of AutoHotkey Tricks is now superseded by the Fifth Edition available for download at the ComputorEdge Free Book Page.
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About one year ago I put out the second edition of AutoHotkey Tricks You Ought to Do with Windows. I originally wrote the book to serve two purposes. First, it acts as an introductory overview for people new to AutoHotkey by offering specific examples of useful scripts. Including various simple apps which can immediately help almost any Windows user, it touches on some of the more basic AutoHotkey techniques. I wanted to give everyone unfamiliar with AutoHotkey, whether experienced programmers or complete newbies, a taste of what the free software might do for them.
Second, by including the Table of Contents and Indexes from each of my other AutoHotkey books, people who already own them (or those wondering what’s inside them) can use AutoHotkey Tricks as a combined reference. Search for a specific AutoHotkey topic in this e-book to determine if I’ve addressed it in one of the other volumes. I always planned AutoHotkey Tricks as a free book.
At the same time, I offered the second edition for 99¢ on Amazon (the lowest price authors are allowed to charge). I couldn’t turn it into a free promo without agreeing to Amazon exclusivity. In the past, I had tried some of Amazon’s promotional programs (free book giveaways) and found that in the long run, they were counter-productive. Plus, I wanted to continue offering this AutoHotkey overview at ComputorEdge E-Books.
While a number of the AutoHotkey Tricks books did sell on Amazon, it was not enough to reach the goals I had set for the book. I wanted to get it into as many hands as possible. That’s why I’m changing direction with this third edition. You will no longer find it on Amazon because AutoHotkey Tricks is now totally free. Not only can anyone obtain the book at no cost, but now I’ve eliminated any complicated procedures and offer it as a simple direct download—in three different formats.
Click on one (or all) of the links below to directly download one of the three different e-book file formats: EPUB for most tablets and computers, MOBI for side-loading on Amazon Kindles, or PDF for printing on 8 ½” by 11″ paper or viewing on any computer or tablet.
If you have any problems with the above links, then go directly to this Free AutoHotkey Tricks page.
As long as the original content remains intact, you’ll find no limits on how many copies you can make or how many people you can give it to. If you are so motivated, e-mail it to interested colleagues or friends, or make it available for download on your own blog or Web site.
I thank the many people who help me to continue my work (more books and this blog) by purchasing e-book copies of my AutoHotkey self-help series for beginners and intermediate scriptwriters. While I love AutoHotkey enough that I would probably do the work anyway, each purchase feels like a pat on the back—not to mention how it helps support my efforts.
The ComputorEdge E-Books site continues to offer AutoHotkey Tricks as a 99¢ book, but that’s only for show. The same free direct download links appear on the ComputorEdge E-Books site bypassing the shopping cart. I don’t expect anyone to pay for it.
However, leaving a book available at 99¢ on ComputorEdge E-Books does allow people to make a low 99¢ contribution to the cause. AutoHotkey epiphanies and other inspired ideas which may result from reading any non-purchased copies of my AutoHotkey books might induce a desire to give credit where credit is due. I’m not above accepting monetary compensation for my efforts—whether for a book floating around the Web or this blog.
As expected, people have posted pirated copies of my books in a number of places on the Web. Since I don’t copy-protect my books, people can easily find non-paid copies. While I do love writing about AutoHotkey (and I do do it for my health), I’m not averse to getting paid for my labors. Yet, I approach the problem of illegal copies philosophically.
Most people who download a pirated copy of one of my books would likely never buy it in the first place. I really haven’t lost a sale, since, if forced pay, they wouldn’t even look at the book. I understand that well-intentioned people often like to try before they buy. At least, a misappropriated copy gives someone the chance to determine value before pulling out their wallet. I’m not beyond trusting someone to do the right thing. However, on the downside of this laissez-faire philosophy, many of these good souls forget to follow through—even if they found the book valuable.
I don’t want anyone to pay for any book which does not provide them some level of usefulness—pirated or not. But, if to any significant level (not merely one tip), I manage to help solve an AutoHotkey script writing problem or two for someone who did not purchase any of my books, then I would appreciate the recognition that comes from purchasing an appropriate download. However, if the price of a particular book is more than what someone thinks is warranted, then a copy (or two) of the 99¢ AutoHotkey Tricks must suffice. But, that’s a personal decision.
In the meantime, I hope that most people will find at least one useful tidbit in AutoHotkey Tricks You Ought to Do with Windows. No charge!
Jack's AutoHotkey Blog 