stuff i didn't post on facebook

[vnfan]

This will only matter to you if you're involved in publishing or buying a lot of ebooks, I think. It's a long quote followed by a rant.
I'm not a fan of everything Dear Author (or much at all, to be honest), but this post in response to the Authors United advert is spot on. Read more... )

Comments

[willow_wand]

I still buy from Amazon. The books are cheap and I'm poor. Don't get me wrong. I love independent bookstores like Powell's and I try to buy from them when they have good sales or free shipping or special deals (like when Stephanie Perkins signed books at indie bookstores and gave away the buttons/stickers/totes for Isla). But I think a lot of the argument about Amazon ruining the world by selling cheap books is people refusing to acknowledge their privilege. If you can afford to pay the list price of $19.99 for a brand new hardcover, then great, do it. But don't judge someone who would rather buy it on Amazon for $10 because that's more affordable. When I was a kid my mom and dad bought me cheap paperbacks from Wal-Mart occasionally. They never bought me books from Waldenbooks. It was too expensive.

I always feel guilty when authors start shaming people for thinking books are expensive. I'm sorry, but for some people they are! I understand all that's involved with the publication of books and I know how hard the writing is and how much time it takes. I'm not trying to say those efforts should be free. But I'm also for free access to ideas. That's why I check out so many books. I couldn't possibly afford to buy every single book I want to read, and I still do buy a ton of books.

As for eBooks, I still worry about "ownership" of these books, especially after hearing stories about books disappearing from people's eReaders. I only ever buy eBooks when they're under $3.99 unless it's something I'm really super dying to read (Eleanor and Park, for example). I guess having a hard copy makes me feel more confident that I'm buying something I get to keep.

Okay, now I feel like I'm just blurting out, "My thoughts on Amazon. Let me show you them!"

Also, James Patterson is a tool. The end. ;)

[kp_mushu]

I admit that I turn to my local bookstore when I want a book and only turn to Amazon when neither local store can get the book. I don't buy enough in a year that the price difference sways my decision.

What irks me about some shoppers is that they'll go to the local store, browse/read the book, scan the barcode with an app and then order from Amazon anyway. I don't blame the store owner for being a bit annoyed with that. That's what libraries are for, if you want to sit and read without any expectation that you'll buy something. :)

Also, I think you can convert eBooks into other formats so they're less likely to just up and disappear on you.