sigh.
On Amazon vs. Macmillan:
From my perspective, Macmillan (or any other publisher) is free to price their books however they like. I am free not to purchase them if I think the prices are too high -- or to wait for paperback or used-book or library versions. E-books are somewhat of a different story on that last score, because I'm not aware of an effective e-book lending library. ( If someone else is, please let me know.)
E-books are also somewhat of a different matter because of DRM issues. I recognize that concerns about technology-based rapid distribution and consequently a larger impact of book piracy among e-books are certainly valid. I honestly can't believe that rigid lockdown is going to be the long-term successful approach. From an anecdotal and analogous viewpoint, I buy more CDs and DVDs due to exposure from digital distribution than I would otherwise. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.
I haven't bought an e-book reader of any type yet in part because I don't want eyestrain, and in part because I want to own the copies of the books I purchase. Although I've known Kindle users who have highly recommended the reading experience based on their screen and digital ink formulation, I've been hesitant to budget for that high-dollar device because I can't legally use Kindle e-copies on my computer or anywhere else -- and on occasion, they've been known to disappear. Still, I've been tempted.
After this, my decision is made. I won't be buying a Kindle. Amazon's enough of a giant in the market that they can use this sort of heavy-handed tactic in their business negotiations, but as a consumer, I don't need to be jerked around by it.
On LJ's Return to GenderFail (first referenced on page 6 of the comments):
Oh come on already. Didn't you learn anything last time? Or the time before that? Or any of the other times?
No?
Sigh.
From my perspective, Macmillan (or any other publisher) is free to price their books however they like. I am free not to purchase them if I think the prices are too high -- or to wait for paperback or used-book or library versions. E-books are somewhat of a different story on that last score, because I'm not aware of an effective e-book lending library. ( If someone else is, please let me know.)
E-books are also somewhat of a different matter because of DRM issues. I recognize that concerns about technology-based rapid distribution and consequently a larger impact of book piracy among e-books are certainly valid. I honestly can't believe that rigid lockdown is going to be the long-term successful approach. From an anecdotal and analogous viewpoint, I buy more CDs and DVDs due to exposure from digital distribution than I would otherwise. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.
I haven't bought an e-book reader of any type yet in part because I don't want eyestrain, and in part because I want to own the copies of the books I purchase. Although I've known Kindle users who have highly recommended the reading experience based on their screen and digital ink formulation, I've been hesitant to budget for that high-dollar device because I can't legally use Kindle e-copies on my computer or anywhere else -- and on occasion, they've been known to disappear. Still, I've been tempted.
After this, my decision is made. I won't be buying a Kindle. Amazon's enough of a giant in the market that they can use this sort of heavy-handed tactic in their business negotiations, but as a consumer, I don't need to be jerked around by it.
On LJ's Return to GenderFail (first referenced on page 6 of the comments):
Oh come on already. Didn't you learn anything last time? Or the time before that? Or any of the other times?
No?
Sigh.