Frequently asked questions

There have been a lot of changes since the original copies of Life On A Line were passed about pubs in the UK almost a decade ago, and we expect many of you will want to know why we've moved to different formats and commercial sales. This FAQ tries to answer your questions, but of course if it's not covered here, just contact us using the link above!

Why would I want an eBook?

Life On A Line has always been an electronic book, and many users prefer the ability to search the contents, print copies themselves and make extracts to drag down a hole without risking an expensive paper book. We also need to supply the book to readers all over the world, and making it downloadable removes all the complications of postage and packing fees, import duty and delivery addresses for those who want instant gratification.

When I view the PDF some images are missing!

The eBook requires you to use Adobe Reader version 6.5 or higher. On some non-Adobe PDF viewers there are problems in displaying images in the JPEG2000 format that Adobe PDFs use. We've seen this on early Mac systems and when using the freeware non-Adobe PDF viewers. Adobe's Reader is free too, and we're not intending to change the eBook so that it can be opened in every possible piece of software - it's a valid and compliant PDF and Adobe's software is the only fully-guaranteed way to open it.

If I buy the paperback will you help if there's a problem with my order?

NO. All orders of the paperback are direct between you and the website supplying it, and we cannot assist in any way. You must contact the supplier if you have any problems with payment or delivery - we have no access to any order details and cannot contact them on your behalf.

Why are there two paperbacks?

Until the demand is sorted out and we can put together a business model for publication we are running a print-on-demand system. This can be a little costly for full-color books distributed through the offline channels (bookstores, etc.) and so we've created two copies - a full color 'deluxe' version sold direct from our publisher, and a grayscale 'standard' version via the distribution network. The content is totally identical apart from the lack of color, and makes sure that people can buy a paperback version at a very reasonable price - typically half of the price other books in the sector retail for!

Why do I have to pay? The eBook used to be free!

Yes, it was - but the Second Edition has taken thousands of hours to create and in the process we've destroyed a lot of valuable equipment, travelled a few thousand miles and generally speaking we'd like our money back. The cover price for the eBook is a lot less than similar rope rescue books, and since the quality and content of the new edition is far better than ever before, the principle of "you get what you pay for" has to apply somewhere.

What print settings do I need to use? I don't have A4 paper, I'm an American!

The eBook is designed to print on both A4 and US Letter paper sizes, which is why it's got such a large bottom margin. You should set the printing options in Adobe Reader as follows:-

Choose paper source by PDF page size - OFF
Auto rotate and center - OFF
Page Scaling - NONE

The above settings should be applied by the eBook itself, buf if your pages aren't coming out right check they haven't been altered. You may also want to miss out the first page with the full-color cover artwork, by specifying the print range as "i - 213". The color cover has no page number.

Where has the free version gone?

It's been deleted, as we don't want to be confusing people - a lot of the information in the First Edition is now outdated and we've retired it for your own safety. We know that over 95% of the world's cave and mine rescue teams already have a copy of LOAL-1, so killing off the website is hardly a major crime. We also, of course, want people to buy the new version (because we think it's worth it, not because we want to buy a new speedboat) and having the free one floating about would cause no end of hassle.

Surely once I get my PDF I can give copies away like candy!

Technically yes, you could. Legally no, you can't. The EULA you agree to when you buy a copy says that you won't start publishing, distributing or sharing it either online or in print. It's a BOOK. You have to buy your own copy if you want to read it, just like with the version printed on trees. If an eBook leaks onto the Web we will be able to trace the original reader, and our lawyers tend to enjoy what happens next.

Can my rescue team use it in a training course?

The book is written to assist in training of rescue teams, and we're perfectly happy for it to be used in that role. It's not an entire course as a team member will need to learn many other skills (digging, air monitoring, first aid, etc.) but it should cover all the ropework. Teams need to remember that we are not liable for the actions of a team or individual rescuer hosoever they are trained. If you're stupid, you don't get to blame us.

Can my rescue team have a free/cheap copy or share one between everyone?

Broadly speaking - no. If you have a real sob story to offer, then contact us and we may help - but without wanting to be rude the reasons we're charging for the book aren't related to who wants to read it. We try to help volunteer and charity teams but if everyone was given a free copy it'd create even more anger from people who paid for theirs...

Why can't I get a refund for the eBook?

Unlike with a real book on paper, you can't "send it back" - what you buy is a license to use the eBook, not a copy of your own. If we gave refunds then everyone would ask for one and keep the PDF file. We give you enough detail on the contents for you to make a considered judgement before purchase, and if you don't like the idea, don't buy it!

Why can't the book be used for "commercial gain"?

We wrote the book as a reference and training manual for rescue teams in the cave/mine sector, and as with any book it's a different idea entirely to allow it to be used to make money from students. If you want to run a training course for your rescue team, and you use the book, then fine. If you set up a training school and charge people $100 a day to read the same book, you're cheating them and we're not about to help you.

Can we get Dave to come talk to our team / open our Walmart / kiss our babies?

Possibly, but he's a busy little critter. Contact us and ask, we'll see what we can arrange - but remember Dave spends most of his time in the UK so if you want him on the other side of the planet it's going to involve paying expenses. Dave will work for beer; British Airways have a different policy.