As a university student I really like this idea in theory. Sort of like a virtual compilation of crib notes. Couple of questions though:

1) How do you entice people to upload their own notes?

2) Does the uploaded material undergo any kind of review process?

3) How do you plan to profit (if at all) from this idea? I can't see anyone paying a membership fee

Some initial ideas...

1) Profit - Could be sponsored by publishing companies or book retailers

2) People can be enticed to spend time transcribing their notes here for perhaps points towards special discounts, contests for gift certificates, or some sort of profit share incentive

3) The content will be metered by allowing people to rate up or down content. They will be given points for participating in this manner.

Like it.
Tommy

What incentive would publishing companies or book retailers have to sponsor your site? As a college student I do whatever I can to avoid buying textbooks. Your site sounds like it would be most valuable to people who haven't read and/or don't plan to buy the book and are looking for a 'cheat sheet'.

Again, I like the idea - I'm not trying to be annoying or snarky, just wondering about monetizing this properly.

Nope, you're asking great questions, really. They're "buying questions" and I get the sense that you are a loyal individual by nature, who gets behind an idea once they are confident it is a good one, so thank you.

The primary incentive I can conjure up at this moment is that publishers/retailers have the ability to reach this audience by recommending books to them based on their reading preferences. Perhaps it would be necessary to build a profile of each customer by asking them a few questions (there would be an incentive to do so) about their reading preferences, and then sharing that information with retailers or publishers so they can target their advertising (for example, inline banners). It doesn't have to be direct marketing, but something a little more tasteful, and a book recommendation service

These ideas are not unique, but if we can show sponsors a way to reach and convert these enthusiasts into buyers, they will surely pay for advertising.

There was an idea almost identical to this posted here a couple of months ago. I can't find it now, but I only bring it up because it had some good comments which might help you.

I think this is a good idea. Like any wiki, its success would depend on having good contributors.

WOW a great aid for reader's!

Wikipedia was not designed for profit, this one might work similarly. Fame will bring profit. Good idea.

Wow...i like this idea! This is good especially for busy people who doesnt have the luxury of time to read the entire book!

Book-worms would love it I think.

Also people that for social reasons need to know some basic's about the classics (not just amazon-comments) but know they will never read them in full. Sure students will use them, but so what? Is it not all learning?

It's a good idea.

Torgrot

Wheres the money come from?

If you have to study something, but just for a really short time, then borrowing the book from the library, and reading/recording some notes on the site would make the experience way better. (since you shouldn't write on the library book!)

Great idea, but I would like it more when it was part of the Wikimedia Foundation.

agree wth dutch