Quote:
Originally Posted by anamardoll
B&N claiming this is a $300 deal is probably what is most annoying to people in this thread. Most folks dislike deceptive advertising and thus like to help inform other consumers that this free deal is free, but isn't worth the $300 B&N is claiming. Nothing wrong with making that clear, imho.
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I don't disagree. It happens all the time, when purveyors assign an inflated value to merchandise that never changed hands at that price and it causes resentment. No one likes being played for a fool. I also think that B&N could have thrown in a few more of their classics to make the deal seem more appealing. But since they aren't unique in this ploy, I don't think people were in danger of being taken in by it.
I think this one didn't bother me as much as this type of come-on usually does since at least they weren't charging for it at all (as opposed to "Get $300 worth of books for only $10) and because they were throwing in something that does have an objective value--as well as a few books that might appeal.
Maybe B&N marketing types have doped something out, although ultimately, I think it isn't going to change many minds. Those who wouldn't own a B&N product to save their lives are never going to be convinced to switch; for those who are disposed to buy a Nook someday soon it was going to happen anyway. It could have been better structured to win over a few of those on the fence, but I don't think anyone was being cheated or deceived.