I think this is where oreilly shines: Some of their early releases (and even the published ones) permit the authors to provide the content for free on the web.

I think this is where oreilly shines: Some of their early releases (and even the published ones) permit the authors to provide the content for free on the web. I haven't seen other publishers or authors from the other publishers do this. Manning is certainly producing some very good books (most of their in Action series is good), but I just hate the look and feel and usability of their website.