IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., one of the fastest growing book publishers in the US, plans to introduce computer-based training (CBT) kits in India in association with Vikas Publishers, Delhi. The kit, described as `One Step at a Time', comprises a 200-page book and a CD-ROM and will be available in three modes.Mode one is called the `Demo Mode'. It provides an overview of a given subject. The second mode, called the `Teacher Mode', walks you through a subject ``step by step, page to page''. The `Current Mode' provides further details on the subject.
According to Derek Stordahl, senior manager, subsidiary rights, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., the kit will be priced at Rs 395 in the Indian market. Stordahl was in New Delhi to participate in the recently concluded World Book Fair.
At the Fair, IDG Books Worldwide focussed attention on popularising its Dummies series, which have already won worldwide recognition. Vikas Gupta, director (publishing and marketing), Comdex, New Delhi, prepared the ground for the UScompany's participation at the Fair. The Dummies series and computer books published by IDG Books Worldwide are marketed in India by Comdex.
The Dummies series includes 300 titles ``covering a wide range of technology, business and general interest topics from Office 97 to marketing to hockey''. The Dummies books present information on complex subjects in a highly simplified style, which appeal to general readers. The Dummies series began in November 1991 with a book on DOS. Says Kristina S Pappas, subsidiary rights manager, IDG Books Worldwide, ``Those who struggled to understand the cryptic DOS language embraced Dan Gookin's book. The humour, helpful icons and superior content made DOS For Dummies an instant bestseller and thereby spawned a publishing phenomenon.''
Adds Pappas, ``IDG Books CEO John Kilcullen knew the concept would work because he understood people were frustrated and sometimes frightened by technology.''
``Our books are available at the general bookstands to dispel the general fear ofcomputer books,'' she says.
Says Stordahl, ``Most publishers look at competition rather than readers. We have reversed the trend.''
The readers' interests were assessed on the lines of regular feedback received by IDG Books Worldwide from the 60 million readers of 270 computer magazines published by it.
The Dummies concept now extends beyond books. Numerous titles have been adapted and licensed for audio-books brought out by Harper Audio. ``Most recently, Classical Music For Dummies -- a series of 24 audio CDs with enhanced CD-ROM features has been released through a licensing arrangement with Angel/EMI Classics. The series will soon expand into other musical genres.''
Stordahl informs that 200 new Dummies titles have been planned for 1998.At the World Book Fair, Comdex adopted an innovative marketing strategy for promoting the Dummies series. The Dummies books were co-branded with Cadbury chocolates. The new `Picnic' brand chocolate was distributed free with purchase of Dummies books.
IDG publishesmore than 275 computer magazines, newspapers and 430 book titles, produces expositions, and provides IT market analysis through 41 research centres worldwide. But, it has no plans of entering the academic world. ``Our aim is to assist those on the self-study mode,'' concludes Stordahl.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
