Quote:
Originally Posted by John Carroll
Sorry, I should clarify. I got a computer and started writing too. I didn't stop immediately, but slowed down a lot. I didn't buy anything but paperbacks and when it went over $5 I would only buy used, then those started getting way too expensive. Now I spend most of my free time writing and paying $15 for a book is just ridiculous. I have a family to support so it's a luxury I can do without for now.  |
I think that last point is key. I am a DINK(Y) (Double income no kids yet). My husband and I make a nice amount of money. We are responsible with our money but I am sure that there are folks who think that we spend too freely. I don't have to worry about my book purchases hindering my 401 K contributions, money going into savings, preventing us from paying bills, or hindering out ability to do something special like a vacation.
I know I am lucky to be in that position but it does mean that I am fine paying for a book that I really want to read. When I was unemployed I walked to the library 3 times a week to check out books. I got on the wait list for the newly released books that I wanted to read and waited, impatiently mostly, for them to be available. I didn't have the extra money to buy what I wanted to read.
So what is reasonable for me now was not reasonable for unemployed me three years ago and might not be appropriate for me in a year (hopefully).
Which is why I have never fully understood the hard line stance that some folks take. What is good for you might not work for me. I would prefer lower book prices but I don't think that there is a hard price line for me.
The industry is changing and is not happy about it. The Publishers don't fully understand the e-book market and don't get that it works differently. As long as the DTB market is still the way the vast majority of the population buys books the prices that we pay for an e-book will reflect the traditional costs, including the marketing strategies and production costs. Once DTB diminish in popularity and e-books become the majority there will be a change in pricing but I doubt that it will be as major as some folks want.