A word from the lovely people at AllRomanceEbooks.com…

Microsoft has announced that it will be discontinuing support of the Microsoft (MS) Reader format on August 30, 2012. The software hasn’t been updated in a number of years and has experienced a steady decline in market share, so this hasn’t come as a surprise. Since the announcement, many publishers have notified us of their decision to discontinue production of the format, including ALL publishers who have historically produced the Secure MS Reader Format. We appreciate that continuing to produce a non-supported format is unviable for many. We also appreciate that there are a number of readers who have remained loyal to the MS Reader format and will continue to remain loyal to it for some time.

We want to make every effort to provide readers with sufficient time to download any LIT files that are in their library, create personal back-ups, and transition to a new file format. We recommend the Open eBook or EPub format, which has been adopted as the industry standard. We realize that transitions like this are often challenging and that everyone’s situation is unique. The information below is meant to answer what we think are going to be the most common questions, for additional information, please check the MS Reader Termination FAQ below.

Here is a post you might find helpful when considering transitioning: http://www.arecafe.com/digimonkey-ebook-tips/digimonkey-tips-the-epub-format-as-the-industry-standard/

What you need to know:

As of November 1, 2011 Secure MS Reader (LIT) formats will no longer be available for purchase on the All Romance/OmniLit websites.

According to our terms of agreement, files should initially be downloaded within 72 hours of purchase. Therefore we can not guarantee availability of any Secure MS Reader (LIT) downloads after November 3, 2011.

Secure titles that have previously been downloaded may still be available for download for a period of time in your library past the November 3, 2011 date if the publisher chooses to continue to offer this convenience.
NOTE: This could change at any point in time after November 3 on a book by book basis. The continued appearance after November 3 doesn’t guarantee that the title will be available for download indefinitely.

MS Reader Termination FAQ

Q: If the final discontinuation date for Microsoft is August 30, 2012, why are you discontinuing so much sooner?
A: Various publishers and content providers have been informing us as to their timelines. In order to make things less confusing for readers, we decided to implement based on the earliest of those dates.

Q: If I have LIT files stored on my computer, will I be able to read them after August 30, 2012?
A: Users may still be able to continue to utilize the MS Reader application and the formats they have stored on their hard drives after the August 30, 2012 date, but Microsoft will not longer be offering support for the software and formats.

Q: I ONLY use the LIT format. What am I supposed to do now?
A: If you only have experience with LIT formats and need assistance with this transition, please go to your library on our website, click on the “Need Support” icon, then select the ARe/OmniLit Tips link and the Open Ticket Link. Open a ticket explaining your situation and we will provide you with appropriate recommendations.

Q: Will I still be able to purchase Non-DRM/Non-Secure MS Reader (LIT) files? Will publishers who want to continue to upload the Non-DRM/Non-Secure LIT format be able to?
A: Yes. We will continue to allow publishers who wish to provide the Non-DRM/Non-Secure MS Reader (LIT) format the ability to do so.

Lori James
Chief Operating Officer
All Romance eBooks, LLC

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