ACCESS & DISTRIBUTION
DIFFUSION eBooks are PDF files for readers to download, print out and make into booklets – a simple and effective mode of publishing that bypasses typical distribution problems encountered by small presses and specialist publishers. The format allows small 'artist's books' or illustrated essays to be published and distributed digitally worldwide. The internet provides a radical platform for small presses to reach parts of the world that it would not be economical to distribute traditional books to.

GIFT ECONOMY
By making the eBook files free to download and re-distribute as well as small in size, the knowledge contained in the books can reach a far greater audience than was previously accessible. Readers are encouraged to share the eBooks either electronically (by sending friends and colleagues the PDF files) or materially – by making a gift of an assembled booklet.

INTERACTIVITY
The DIFFUSION format challenges conventions of interactivity – blending the physical and the virtual and breaking the dominance of mouse and screen as the primary forms of human computer interaction. The format's aim is to take the reader away from the screen and computer and engage them in the process of production. Through the physical act of making the eBook, a different dynamic is created and the distinctions between producer and consumer of knowledge and information are blurred.

OPEN SOURCE
DIFFUSION eBooks are free to download and distribute, electronically or as material objects. The format is 'open source': i.e. Proboscis welcomes the adoption or re-interpretation of the format by anyone, anywhere.

eBOOK GENERATOR
Proboscis is building an online application to allow people to create their own DIFFUSION eBooks without the need for graphic design expertise or access to DTP software. A proof of concept prototype was completed in September 2003, since then we have been designing a full service application. Users will be able to add text and images into a simple online template which, when complete, will generate a PDF file to download. In February 2006 we began internal testing of the system. We aim to make the Generator available to the public in Spring 2007.
>Generator

DESIGN
The format was originally conceived by Giles Lane with designer Paul Farrington, whilst working in the Computer Related Design Research Studio at the Royal College of Art.

DIFFUSION is currently funded by Proboscis as part of our core artistic activity. The Performance Notations and CODE series were funded by Arts Council England (Collaborative Arts Unit, 2000 & 2001). Several of the commissions for Species of Spaces were funded by London Arts (New Publishing Initiative, 2002 & 2003) and the original three commissions for Liquid Geography were published in collaboration with InIVA.

We welcome any donations to help us continue commissioning new titles, supporting the development of the DIFFUSION Generator and providing the eBooks free of charge to all. To make a secure donation by credit card / Paypal (no account necessary), please click the button below: