[Vandy]

Hello, All.

I've spent a good deal of time reading through this thread and thoughtfully reflecting on the good replies (as well as the satirical, obviously obtuse, I's "my way or the highway", etc. type of replies...) and have very much enjoyed the discussion thus far.

I consider myself an amateur writer (good, bad or indifferent notwithstanding) of poetry, prose and short stories. Someday, I'll write my novel. (Probably the same day my ship and / or prince(ss) comes in.)

The point I'd like to make is from the reader's view. When I pick up a book to read (be it paper or electronic), I am not concerned with how much it cost, it cover and binding, the weight of the paper, etc. My chief and only interest is in the content. I've read some very expensive books and thought to myself what a waste of time. I've read many free books that I would put miles ahead of well-known works by well known authors.

To me, it's the subject matter and the story. It doesn't matter if the book is free or for sale, it's the way in which the text grabs my interest and keeps it; the way I read a passage and am instantly transported into the scene set by the author. Without a story to tweak the reader's interest, all you have are a bunch of words on a page.

In conclusion, I want to thank every author who has gone through the painful process of taking an idea from their brain and committing it to paper. I very much appreciate you and all of the effort you've made to provide us the provocative, thought-provoking and entertaining books on which our minds can gloriously feast!

Thank you, authors, for making my life that much better.

Regards,